Nebraska’s fourth-grade classes have been quick to take advantage of a program developed by the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) to introduce students to the importance of the agricultural industry to the state’s economy. Brokaw Marketing, Inc. worked with both of the Commodity groups to develop and manages the program. The program which began in 2010, was managed by Brokaw Marketing, Inc. for 13 years. Sponsors for the program included: Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska Corn Board (NCB), Nebraska Pork Producers Association, Nebraska Beef Council (NBC), Nebraska Poultry Industries (NPI), Nebraska Wheat Board, (NWB) and Midwest Dairy.
The Nebraska AG Sack Lunch Program is designed to educate Nebraska fourth-graders on the important role agriculture plays in the state’s economy, from a past, present and future perspective. The program takes advantage of the fact that over 20,000 fourth-graders visit the State Capitol Building in Lincoln each year as part of their curriculum.
The program includes a sack lunch featuring nutritious food produced in Nebraska, a 25-minute presentation by Ag Ambassadors on the vital role agriculture plays in the state’s economy, and a fact-filled card game designed for students to take home and play with their families. “Ag Ambassadors,” who are trained UNL students, make the brief presentations, which typically run 20 to 25 minutes. “Some students just aren’t aware of where their food comes from, just taking it for granted”, one Ambassador said.
The program continued to receive positive comments from Teachers, students and parents. Brokaw Marketing, Inc. was proud to launch and manage the program for 13 years.