During the month of June, Kimberly was invited to the Missouri Ag in the Classroom Conference to share strategies with classroom teachers to use the story of rice while teaching core curriculum standards. These are strategies Kimberly practiced in her own classroom that are multi-sensory and cross-curricular. She shared ideas highlighting rice during reading, science, social studies and math across many grade levels. At the top of her favorites list is elementary math lessons.

“In math, we can do weight on a balance scale, alternative measurements by saying ‘how many grains of rice long is this?’ and volume studies by observing pre-cooked and cooked rice,” Kimberly said.

Jennifer Poindexter, director of promotion and education at Missouri Farm Bureau, said Kimberly has a heart of servitude and advocacy that sets her apart.

“Kimberly is an asset to our organization. Her heart for education, children and agriculture is unmatched. She loves to tell her farm story and captivates audiences of all ages,” Poindexter said. “We are grateful to have her on the Promotion and Education Committee and as a part of the Missouri Ag in the Classroom program.”

Kimberly has already been invited to apply to present at next year’s National Ag in the Classroom Conference.

Kimberly sees how young moms deserve to be informed about the items they are buying, and that is something she intends to help with.

“As a young mom of a young child, I see that so many things aim to make moms feel guilty,” Kimberly said. “They try to make them pay more for products that don’t have nutritional advantage. I want moms and all consumers to be informed and not purchase products out of fear. We live where we have access to a safe and affordable food supply.”