The final spotlight in the 2025 Minnesota Agricultural Education Interns series shines on Allison Offerdahl, a senior at the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Throughout the summer, Allison brought her energy and love for agriculture into classrooms, gardens, county fairs, and community spaces as part of her agricultural education internship with Holdingford and Albany High Schools.
From the start, Allison immersed herself in the full scope of what it means to be an agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) educator. Whether leading classroom projects, mentoring students through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), or collaborating on local events, she embraced every opportunity to learn and lead.
Hands-On, From Garden Beds to County Fairs
Her days were filled with projects that brought agriculture to life. In Albany, the summer crew restored a tractor, planted school gardens, and even built a shed from the ground up. Allison shared her enthusiasm through social media, giving followers a peek into the hard work, creativity, and teamwork that define agricultural education. Her SAE visits showcased a wide variety of student projects including honey production, pig and poultry job placements, dairy farm experiences, and even U-pick flower farms.
“Seeing what students are accomplishing is so inspiring,” she said. “Many are working toward Minnesota FFA state degree and proficiency applications. Their passion is contagious.”
Digging Into Outdoor Learning
One of Allison’s favorite moments came during Nature Camp in Holdingford. She helped elementary students explore natural resources by teaching tree identification, animal tracking, soil science, and more. “I’m not used to working with this age group,” she said, “but they taught me just as much as I taught them.” From nature bingo to bird beak exploration, Allison saw the power of outdoor, hands-on learning in action.
Equipped for the Future
Allison also invested in her own growth by attending the CASE AgX professional development workshop. She walked away with tools, curriculum strategies, and fresh energy to take into her student teaching placement this fall. “This (internship) experience has solidified my passion for teaching agriculture,” she shared. “It’s made the transition into student teaching so much smoother.”
As the final feature in the 2025 Minnesota Agricultural Education Interns series, Allison’s story highlights the heart of agricultural education, real-world experiences, connection to community, and a deep commitment to inspiring future leaders.
Follow along with Teach Ag Minnesota for more stories and resources that celebrate and support the next generation of agricultural educators.