Midwest Dairy joined the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science (NATS) Conference to connect with educators who are inspiring the next generation of STEM learners. The annual event, held October 17–18 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, brought together more than 170 science teachers from across the state, all eager to explore ways to make classroom learning more hands-on and relevant.
Through this partnership, Midwest Dairy had the opportunity to highlight how dairy farming connects to science, sustainability, and food systems education, helping teachers bring real-world examples to their classrooms.
Sharing Dairy’s Story Through Partnership and Education
As part of the sponsorship, Midwest Dairy hosted the conference’s ice cream social, offering attendees a fun, delicious way to enjoy real dairy while connecting with colleagues. All 172 registered teachers received Midwest Dairy giveaways, including cow-shaped hot/cold packs, and information about the Fields of STEM program in their registration bags.
These materials introduced educators to a suite of free classroom resources that tie science concepts, like chemistry, biology, and environmental studies, to real dairy farming practices. The program helps students see how dairy farmers use innovation, sustainability, and technology to care for animals and the planet.
Hands-On Learning with Dairy
Midwest Dairy’s Manager of Programs and Partnerships, Ashley Larson, co-presented a session alongside Nebraska science teachers Jennifer Jones and Jodi Bahr. Their workshop featured the “More Cheese Please” transfer task and the Curds Lab activity, giving participants a chance to make cheese and explore the science behind the process.
The 23 educators who attended shared positive feedback, calling the session engaging, practical, and easy to bring into their own classrooms. Many noted that the lesson was a creative way to get students excited about both science and agriculture.
Building Trust Through Education
Partnerships like this reflect Midwest Dairy’s ongoing commitment to strengthening trust in dairy through education. By showing how science connects to food production, Midwest Dairy helps teachers and students better understand where food comes from, and the care dairy farmers put into every step.
These efforts not only enrich STEM education but also build long-term appreciation for dairy farming and sustainability among the next generation of consumers and community leaders.