I have been fortunate enough to live on a farm and attend a public school with a strong emphases on agriculture education since elementary school. In elementary school, our teachers would have a Ag in the Classroom lecture. These lectures were hands-on experiences informing us about different farm animals, crops, businesses, energy sources and so much more. As I aged, I was more involved in agriculture based programs, such as 4-H and FFA. Through my experience in Ag education, I have noticed the need for all students to have this focused curriculum.
1. Ag education increases the knowledge of where your food comes from.
Knowing where your food comes from can allow you to make informed decisions about your diet and your health. I am amazed by the amount of individuals I have come across who do not know which type of meat comes from which animal. Similarly, it is very common in an urban school for elementary students to say their food "comes from the grocery store."
2. Ag education goes beyond the basic idea of crop and animal production, and strengthens the fact of agriculture being a sustainable way of life.
Without agriculture, you would be naked, hungry, sick, and without shelter.
3. Ag education provides students with information that will be crucial to their potential career.
In the state of Wisconsin, 10 percent of employees work directly with agriculture. This is not counting those individuals involved in food service, Ag supply stores, and similar businesses. In the state of Illinois, 69 percent of the new jobs that are being created deal with agriculture.
4. Ag education leads to students cultivating new life skills that will be used in everyday life.
Skills such as hard work, networking, problem solving, communication, leadership skills, and so many more. These skills are practiced in Supervised Agriculture Experiences (SAE), Career Development Events (CDE), class instruction, 4-H projects, leadership camps, and guest speakers.
Agriculture education is needed in classrooms, but some states are cutting the agriculture education line from their budget. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner is zeroing out the Ag education budget line, when the Illinois State Board of Education recommends increasing the amount from $1.8 Million to $3 Million. In defense, Rauner states that he is not getting rid of funding, but wants to delete the line dictating money to Ag education. Rauner's goal is to use the money to fully fund schools in the state of Illinois and allow schools to use the money as they see fit. The governor hopes the money will be invested in agriculture programs.
With the state of Illinois behind on their payments for schools, I doubt that any money given to districts will be used for Ag education. There are schools in the state that may have to close their doors and consolidate by the end of the calendar year.
Ag education needs to be at the forefront of education in our schools. All subjects, math, science, English, and history, are in cooperated within the Ag education curriculum. It is no longer the 20th century where everyone farms, but the knowledge of where our food comes from is important as it can reduce obesity and increase overall health. This reason alone should be enough to make sure agriculture education stays in the classrooms.
