This past week, Minnesota Teach Ag’s social media channels were filled with fresh energy thanks to our 2025 agricultural education intern, Meta Tewes. A senior at South Dakota State University, Meta is spending the entire summer interning with the Sleepy Eye High School’s agriculture, food and natural resources education program and FFA chapter under the mentorship of Ms. Katie Emmett. Her one-week social media takeover offered a glimpse into the exciting, hands-on learning opportunities, leadership experiences, and community involvement that are shaping her journey as a future agriculture teacher.
From the Classroom to St. Louis
Meta kicked off her takeover by documenting her travels with Region 6 FFA chapters to St. Louis, Missouri for the Summer Ag Tour. Her updates included fun and educational stops like the John Deere Pavilion, Grant’s Farm, the St. Louis Arch, and the City Museum, as well as a scenic riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. Along the way, Meta shared how these experiences help students connect agriculture to history, business and culture.
Discovery Through Career Exploration
After returning to Minnesota, Meta joined students on a visit to Schwartz Farms for Discovery Day. The tour provided students with exposure to the wide variety of departments that support agricultural production including IT, accounting, feed and warehouse operations. A standout moment for many was visiting a 5,000 head sow farm where students held piglets and learned about early animal growth. These experiences helped students see the many career pathways available in agriculture beyond what they expected.
Giving Back and Growing as an Educator
Meta finished the week back home in Jackson, MN, where she continued to build her skills and serve the community. She attended a professional development workshop on using interactive notebooks in animal science and volunteered at the Top of the Nation Lamb Show, which hosted over 130 lambs and ran two show rings simultaneously.
Reflecting on her experience, Meta said, “Through this internship, I am able to not only experience all aspects of running an agriculture program in the summer, but also go home on the weekends.” Her posts captured the balance of gaining real-world classroom and leadership experience while staying grounded in community.
Looking Ahead
Meta’s posts reflected her enthusiasm and dedication to agricultural education. Her social media takeover captured just one week of a summer full of learning, growth, and hands-on experiences. Her internship with Sleepy Eye High School continues, and we’re excited to see what’s next as she grows into a future agricultural educator.
Follow along with Teach Ag MN for more intern spotlights and inspiration from the next generation of agriculture educators.