BROWN COUNTY, Wis. – David Lee Schneider said he found his true passion in life.

The Oconto farmer has taken his knowledge of the agriculture industry and started passing it down to younger generations.

“This is the joy of my life to tell you the truth,” said Schneider. “A lot of people have a passion on what they do at work and mine’s a super passion.”

Schneider works with children as part of a program through AmeriCorps. He serves as a Farm to School Educational Specialist for the Howard-Suamico School District.

He was recently awarded AmeriCorps Member of the Year for 2022, for the work he’s put in with the students of all ages.

“It’s humbling,” he said.

Schneider said he’s trying to prepare children for the future by teaching them how to plant, grow and harvest crops on school grounds.

He said he even takes students on field trips to farms.

“About 1% of society is a direct producer in agriculture anymore. That means 99% is not. So we’re kind of losing ground that way. I try to make sure all the kids know how to make their food and where it comes from,” he said.

He also has taught students of all ages about nutrition.

“It’s good because a well balanced diet combined with daily exercise has them healthy, helps them grow, and they learn well too, helps feed the brain, and they learn smart in school,” said Schneider.

Schneider said he’s grateful for the children as they’ve given him more joy that he can handle.

“I wouldn’t change this for anything,” he said.