Local third graders harvest knowledge
SUBMITTED BY JEFFERSON FFA
Hadley Cline, a Jefferson FFA student, helps punch a hole during a hands-on activity as part of Missouri Farmers Care’s Agriculture on the Move program. Jefferson was one of several schools in the region that is participating in the program that features high school FFA members teaching elementary students about agriculture.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — This fall, third grade classrooms across Missouri are harvesting knowledge as students participate in Agriculture Education on the Move. Through this initiative of Missouri Farmers Care, students discover how their lives are intertwined with agriculture through hands-on learning led by passionate educators in their classrooms.
“It’s truly inspiring to see the seeds of knowledge being planted in classrooms across Missouri through Agriculture Education on the Move,” Denny Mertz, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council outreach and education chairman, said in a news release from Missouri Farmers Care. “This program not only teaches students about the vital connection between their lives and agriculture, but also ignites a passion for learning and understanding where their food comes from. We’re proud of the dedication of our FFA partners and the enthusiastic educators who make this program possible, and we’re excited to continue growing and expanding its impact in communities statewide.”
In Nodaway County and surrounding ones, FFA members from Jefferson, South Nodaway, Northwest Technical School, Stanberry and King City are teaching 10 Ag Moves lessons to elementary students this semester, according to the release.
During the 10-week program, students explore various topics, including crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition, and careers in agriculture. The STEM-focused lessons align with state learning objectives in science, math, social studies and language arts. Each lesson includes hands-on activities, allowing students to create soybean germination necklaces, make corn plastic, prepare butter, develop feed rations, construct soil profiles and more. Through this curriculum, students also gain insights into Missouri farm families and the dedication of farmers and ranchers throughout the year.
“The entire community benefits from Agriculture Education on the Move as local students discover the excitement of germinating seeds, learn the fundamentals of food production, and gain a new awareness of the agriculture surrounding them,” Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care, said in a statement. “The connections these students make this semester will shape their perspectives as future consumers and highlight opportunities available in agriculture-related careers.”
Ag Moves will engage more than 5,000 third-grade students this fall, bringing the total reach of the program to more than 12,000 students during 2024, the release stated. This outreach is made possible through partnerships with 836 FFA members, professional educators and collegiate interns. The Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, which hosts Ag Moves, supplies curriculum, materials and trained educators at no cost to participating schools.
“We are incredibly proud of every Missouri FFA Partner Educator,” Heather Fletcher, Ag Moves program director, said in a statement. “The leadership and communication skills they are honing in the classroom will serve them well as future leaders in their communities and careers. We greatly appreciate their passion and dedication as mentors through Ag Moves and their commitment to sharing knowledge about Missouri agriculture.”
SUBMITTED BY JEFFERSON FFA
Jefferson FFA member Spincer Ekoniak helps an elementary student while participating in Agriculture on the Move.
SUBMITTED BY JEFFERSON FFA
Jefferson FFA students Hadley Cline, Maleeah Bliley and Kenzie Redden help teach elementary students about agriculture through Missouri Farmers Care’s Agriculture on the Move program.
