This fall, third grade classrooms across Missouri — including at Exeter and Southwest — are harvesting knowledge as students participate in Agriculture Education on the Move (Ag Moves). 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™. 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,” said Denny Mertz, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council outreach and education chairman. “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.”
Exeter FFA members and Southwest FFA members are teaching ten Ag Moves lessons to Exeter and Southwest elementary students this semester. During the ten-week program, students explore various topics, including crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition, and careers in agriculture. The STEMfocused 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,” said Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care. “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 over 5,000 third-grade students this fall bringing the total reach of the program to more than12,000 students during 2024. 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. A list of elementary schools receiving Ag Moves programming this semester can be found at https://www. agmoves.com/news/fall-2024-ag-moves-school-list.
“We are incredibly proud of every Missouri FFA Partner Educator,” said Heather Fletcher, Ag Moves program director. “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.”
Ag Moves is funded by Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of over 40 agriculture groups in Missouri. Support comes from Missouri soybean farmers and their checkoff, as well as the MFA Oil Foundation, FCS Financial, MFA Incorporated, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, the Missouri Beef Industry Council, and the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board. To learn more or to become a partner, visit www.agmoves. com.
