WINNIPEG, MB - Agriculture in the Classroom–Manitoba (AITC-M) is proud to recognize the McCain Foundation for its support of AgVenture at Manitoba Ag Days 2026.

This investment was critical in making this programming possible. Each year, AITC-M relies on committed partners like the McCain Foundation to deliver essential agriculture education experiences that connect students and communities across southwestern Manitoba with real-world agriculture careers and strengthen understanding of Manitoba’s agri-food sector.

Held January 20–22, 2026 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon during Manitoba Ag Days, the program created meaningful opportunities for students, educators, and community members to engage with agriculture in practical, hands-on ways.

Through AgVenture, AITC-M’s flagship agriculture career exploration program, more than 1,200 students in Grades 7–12 and their educators took part in a hands-on learning experience that connected classroom education with real-world agriculture careers.

Students explored the show floor through guided career stations hosted by 29 industry partners, post-secondary institutions, and agriculture professionals working across the sector.

“As this was my first experience with AgVenture, I appreciated how effectively the event allowed us to showcase our offerings and spark interest among youth exploring agricultural careers.” - Trent Hill, Federated Co-operatives Limited

“Programs like AgVenture play an important role in helping young people understand the opportunities within modern agriculture,” says Katharine Cherewyk, Executive Director of Agriculture in the Classroom–Manitoba. “Support from partners like the McCain Foundation helps ensure students across rural Manitoba have meaningful opportunities to explore agriculture careers and connect with the people working in the industry.”

Because Manitoba Ag Days takes place in Brandon, the program drew students, educators, and community members from surrounding regions, including Carberry, Portage la Prairie, and Brandon, communities closely connected to Manitoba’s agri-food economy.

Through hands-on activities, industry mentorship, and real-world career exploration, students gained a deeper understanding of the science, technology, and innovation that shape modern agriculture.

Agriculture in the Classroom–Manitoba plays a vital role in connecting education, industry, and communities, helping prepare the next generation for Manitoba’s evolving agriculture and food system. By creating repeated opportunities for students to engage with agriculture throughout their education, AITC-M helps build the awareness, knowledge, and confidence that future workforce pathways depend on.

Support from the McCain Foundation helped strengthen this connection, ensuring students and communities across rural Manitoba had opportunities to experience agriculture as a dynamic sector shaped by innovation, opportunity, and meaningful careers.

About the McCain Foundation

The McCain Foundation supports registered charities in communities that are home to their Canadian plants and growers. They provide grants for projects in a wide range of sectors that seek to contribute to all aspects of community life. For more information about The McCain Foundation’s granting, see www.mccainfoundation.org.

About Agriculture in the Classroom - Manitoba

Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba connects students, educators, and industry to help prepare the next generation for Manitoba’s agriculture and food system. Through curriculum-aligned resources, hands-on programming, and industry partnerships, AITC-M brings real-world agriculture into classrooms across the province.

Learn More

To find out how you can partner with AITC-M or support upcoming initiatives, visit www.aitc.mb.ca or contact our team directly.