What better way to celebrate National Agriculture Week than by recognizing Michigan Farm Bureau’s 2025 Educator of the Year, Katie Courtade from Mecosta-Osceola Career Center.
Since its launch in 2023, Courtade has been the driving force behind the AgriScience and Natural Resources program at Mecosta-Osceola Career Center (MOCC). It offers students in five area schools hands-on experiences and skill development in diverse agricultural fields, including agribusiness, animal science, environmental science, food processing, natural resources, horticulture and technical systems.
“Katie’s passion, dedication and innovation in agricultural education exemplify the spirit of this award and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said P&E Specialist Katie Cooper, who administers the award for MFB.
Under Courtade’s leadership the program has developed a new 75' x 80' barn, a greenhouse and a 10-acre apple orchard she and her students are actively revitalizing, both as an educational resource and to provide fresh fruit for the greater community.
Additionally, she has reestablished an FFA chapter at MOCC, offering students invaluable leadership opportunities and a platform for showcasing their agricultural skills.
Beyond the classroom, Courtade’s dedication extends into her efforts to forge strong partnerships with key organizations, including the Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Michigan State University Extension, county Farm Bureaus and local farmers and businesses.
These collaborations ensure students get a well-rounded education and are connected to vital resources for future success. Her unwavering commitment to agricultural education prepares students for promising careers while strengthening the agricultural community in Mecosta and Osceola counties.
In recognition of her achievements, Ms. Courtade will receive a grant to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference and a $500 classroom grant from the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture sponsored by AgroLiquid.
MFB’s Educator of the Year award honors teachers who excel at integrating agriculture and natural-resource concepts into their curricula while challenging students to develop critical-thinking skills through the analysis of agricultural issues and information.
Promising teachers are nominated annually by county Farm Bureaus.
Sponsorship comes from the Michigan Foundation for Agriculture, a 501(c)(3) governed by Michigan Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors, which contributes to the future of Michigan agriculture through leadership and educational programming.
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