Welcome to the Agricultural Education Panel Discussion!
The Conclusion
Five well-rounded volunteers are participating, bringing a wealth of knowledge, information, and encouragement to the world of Agricultural Education and its importance in educational curriculums.
There are five topics that the panel discusses. Before wrapping up our discussion, let’s introduce the panel…each hand-picked to represent a variety of educators and a variety of learning environments.
Ryan, Debra, and Karlee are teachers that work closely with students, developing and delivering comprehensive lessons in the traditional setting. Melissa is a homeschool educator, managing lesson plans while creating and tailoring the best educational environment for her children. Katie is an educator for a community youth group who focuses on bringing agriculture close-to-home for kids that do not have agricultural education within their schools.
Click Here to read an in-depth introduction of each of the educators participating in our panel discussion.
Terms used:
Ag and/or Ag Ed may be used interchangeable for Agricultural Education
The term FFA is used below. FFA, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national organization that is implemented in schools throughout the U.S. It prepares students for an education and career in leadership, science, and business for agricultural pursuits.
Learn more at https://www.ffa.org/
4H refers to the community-based national organization that promotes a multitude of education and skills. In rural communities, 4H groups usually focus on agricultural topics.
Learn more at https://4-h.org/about/what-is-4-h/
The conclusion of the Agricultural Education topic:
(NTF asked):
Final thoughts - any advice, opinions, tips to readers that was not covered above?
Ryan – Middle School Science Teacher in a Rural School District
“While much of this discussion has been about providing education on agriculture to students in a primary/secondary school setting, I would also note that the general public is not nearly educated enough on agricultural practices and choices as well. A majority of the American people reside in urban/suburban areas where the nearest farm is miles away. Some of these people may never see a farm field and their only options are those found in their nearest grocery store. Furthermore, depending on socioeconomic status, a large amount of people do not have the opportunity to get fresh foods, but rather their most cost-effective options are getting canned, frozen, and overly produced food. I feel that before we can begin to amend the thinking of ag education in our schools, we have to change the status quo of farming in our society. Unfortunately, many of our youth are not embracing agriculture as a potential career choice, which has forced a decline in family-based farms and has allowed non-sustainable mega-farms to take over the industry. Educating the public about opportunities in agriculture and providing people with knowledge about healthy food choices will pave the way towards allowing us to also introduce it in our school system.”
Debra – High school Agricultural Education and FFA teacher in a rural school district
“Agricultural Education is still very valuable even in today’s large corporate farming world. In my opinion, more people are starting to lean back to the roots of their ancestors with small hobby farms to produce their own food and be more sustainable in their own households and not reliant on the corporate farms to supply their needs. But whether they are working on their hobby farm or in the corporate farm world, Ag Ed prepares them with applicable skills that will help them in the future. “
Melissa – Home school educator in a rural area
” I really think the best way to teach ag is to live it. Our ability to homestead has fluctuated greatly over the years, but when we do raise animals or a garden, our kids are right there beside us. They might not always be enthused to help but the exposure is there and we are planting seeds for adulthood. “
Katie - Lead educator for youth program located within the city of Columbus, Ohio
“I’ve come across so many people interested in starting a community/school garden but don’t know where to start! My advice: Start, just start! Start small, and feel genuinely grateful over any victory. You don’t have to become an acre garden and start hosting workshops or lessons overnight! Grow some herbs and tomatoes, invite some friends and neighbors over for a dinner made with local produce, read a book or two on food production, visit your local farmer’s market, stay engaged, and engage others.”
Start at the beginning and join in on our discussion!
Comment below and tell us what you think!