Missouri Ag Ed program sprouts at local school

By Blake Jackson

Missouri Farmers Care Foundation's Agriculture Education on the Move™ (AEOTM™) has partnered with Phelps County R-3 Elementary to introduce agriculture to young students. Through AEOTM™, passionate educators will spend time in the classroom, helping students build agricultural literacy.

During the ten-week program, students will learn about crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition, and careers in agriculture. The STEM-focused lessons and curriculum align with state learning objectives. Hands-on activities will engage students as they make soybean germination necklaces, corn plastic, butter, feed rations, soil profiles, and more.

Students will connect with real Missouri farm families through the curriculum, gaining insights into their dedication and year-round efforts that impact our daily lives.

"Agriculture education is a valuable experience for everyone involved," said Heather Fletcher, AEOTM™ program director. "Students, teachers, and even AEOTM™ educators and partners are connecting to the world around them, learning where their food comes from and how agriculture affects daily life."

Twenty students at Phelps County R-3 Elementary will participate in the program this fall, learning about food, fuel, and fiber with local AEOTM™ Educator Kelly Nisbett.

"The entire community benefits from AEOTM™ as students experience the thrill of germinating seeds, understand the basics of food production, and see the agriculture all around them," said Ashley McCarty, MFC executive director. "These connections will inform their perspectives as future consumers and inspire them to consider agriculturally related careers."

To extend learning beyond the classroom, the free Ag Education on the Move Coloring Fun App provides virtual exploration of the connections between food, fuel, fiber, and agriculture.

The AEOTM™ program is funded through Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of over 40 Missouri agriculture groups. Funding support comes from Missouri soybean farmers, their checkoff, the MFA Oil Foundation, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, FCS Financial, MFA Incorporated, Missouri Beef Industry Council, and the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-seastock