Mohn goes to Washington

NEW ALBIN, Iowa — Mallory Mohn’s involvement in the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement program, also called the C2A3 program, started her brainstorming how to increase agricultural literacy, starting in her local community.

Working with the Eastern Allamakee Schools and Dean Meyer of De Su Holsteins in New Albin, Iowa, Mohn, who is a Northeast Iowa Community College student, developed an adopt-a-calf program. Mohn was selected as one of five C2A3 students to present her community project to a panel of 10 representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington, D.C. She presented in February at USDA’s 102nd annual Agricultural Outlook Forum.

C2A3 is a national network of 2-year colleges dedicated to strengthening agricultural education through applied research, shared curriculum and professional development. Mohn and another student from NICC were two of 28 C2A3 members from across the nation to be selected for the forum.

“I applied to C2A3 in May 2025, and we implemented the adopt-a-calf project in October,” Mohn said. “I had created a PowerPoint presentation of the program with pictures and videos. When I was selected to present in D.C., I refined my presentation to help panelists get a real feel.”

It was attention to detail that helped her be selected to present Mohn said. In her presentation, Mohn detailed how her program benefited her community and increased agricultural literacy. Presenting in front of the panel could be a nerve-wracking experience, but Mohn said she was confident in her knowledge of the topic.

“I had practiced for a couple of hours the night before,” Mohn said. “I know everything about my project, so presenting it in front of that group wasn’t as bad.”

Following her presentation, the panel had the chance to provide feedback. Implementing this program at a national level was discussed, including the benefits and potential roadblocks. Mohn also said she reflected on how she could have measured the impact of the program through small-scale testing before and after the program.

“I really hope the program showed the kids that the dairy industry, or agriculture, isn’t that intimidating,” Mohn said. “If you have questions, find a reliable source or find a local farmer and see if you can learn about what they do.”

Mohn said she drew inspiration for her program from other adopt-a-cow programs, but wanted a way to connect youth with younger animals.

“I have a passion for teaching kids and speaking about the ag industry,” Mohn said. “Giving the kids a chance to see a calf grow and learn day-to-day operations in the dairy industry is very beneficial and impactful.”

Mohn worked with New Albin Elementary School third graders for her project as she taught four, 30-minute sessions before bringing the children to De Su Holsteins.

“I knew De Su Holsteins used to give tours because my brother went on one,” Mohn said. “(Meyer) was all for the idea. He loves teaching, talking with the kids, and he wanted to help me succeed.”

When considering which farms to partner with for this program, Mohn also said she considered De Su Holstein’s standards.

“I worked with De Su because they hold themselves to a high standard,” Mohn said. “I believe that is especially important when introducing kids to a farm environment for the first time.”

When asked about hosting the group on his farm, Meyer said he appreciated the chance to show kids how a real farm worked.

“I thought it would be a great idea to reconnect kids with the farm again,” Meyer said. “I believe ag education is lacking these days, so seeing a young woman so passionate about teaching the next generation is incredible. Many kids do not get the chance to learn about the industry, let alone have the opportunity to tour a farm. Being a part of something that opens that door is so meaningful.”

Lessons included an introductory session and picking out which calf they would symbolically adopt, calf care and nutrition, farm ecosystems and sustainability, and farm etiquette and safety.

“The timing of it went really well because they applied everything they learned and then took it to real life and saw it working on a dairy farm,” Mohn said. “It puts the final piece of the puzzle together for them to see where their dairy products actually come from.”

On the day of the tour, the lessons on farm etiquette needed to be reinforced as the excitement of seeing the calves the students adopted was uncontainable.

“We talked about how we can’t jump and squeal and yell because it can scare the animals,” Mohn said. “When the kids first saw the calves they adopted, we had to reinforce that a few times. They were so excited, it was hilarious.”

In total, 40 third graders from New Albin Elementary School made the trip to De Su Holsteins.

Meyer said he enjoyed having the kids on the farm to see the equipment and animals in person.

“I also enjoy listening to the various questions they ask me,” Meyer said. “Having the kids hear from someone who has firsthand experience is an awesome opportunity.”