The AgCountry Challenge offers an exclusive opportunity for west central Minnesota high school students to see how UMN Morris has designed, developed, and implemented sustainable solutions to address challenges on campus and in the community.
To do this, university faculty and staff share the why and how behind the work—offering insights and experiences that build on what high school students know and can do. In this way, AgCountry Challenge is honoring the university’s 60-plus-year commitment to provide educational opportunities for young people in west central Minnesota.
AgCountry Challenge Events
Fall 2026 AgCountry Challenge Rural Youth Institute
- Wednesday, Nov. 4th, 2026
Fall 2026 event program:
- 9am Morning Welcome (snacks provided)
- Local Food Production Tour: Bonanza Bean Company (transportation provided)
- Lunch (Campus Dining Hall - free)
- After lunch: Panel Discussion "Youth Opportunities in Modern Agriculture"
- 2pm: Closing remarks
Register for the AgCountry Challenge Rural Youth Institute
There is no preparation or fee required - all you have to do is bring your students here for the day and we take care of the rest. We can't wait to host you and your students on campus coming up! Please reach out to Dustin Retzlaff (Program Director - Ag Country Challenge) with any questions.
Students' Reactions
"I found it very interesting how the University promoted conservation efforts and was the cause of the increased popularity of electric vehicles and buses in our area."
—JM, grade 12
"While I was there I learned that there was more than just garbage and recycling, there is also composting, and of course, I’ve heard of this before, but I never realized how effective it can be, and what it does for the community. I think it is incredible that there are other businesses in Morris that have been influenced by this and are starting to compost as well!"
—AS, grade 12
High School Teacher Perspective
"It really opened the [students’] eyes to what wonderful choices they have ahead of them for their future careers. The tour of the campus and programs was engaging, informative, and fun. I truly believe it sparked excitement and possibility for our students.
—Paula Wojcik, Bertha-Hewitt High School teacher
"Even though our school is just 30 miles away, this was the first time any of our students had exposure to the great work that UMN Morris is doing in renewable energy projects as well as the work of the West Central Research and Outreach Center in studying innovative food systems projects. The collaboration between the schools and the leaders at UMN Morris was an engaging change to how students in different schools interact compared to their normal relationships of competition found in sporting events."
—Eric Sawatzke, West Central Area High School teacher