By Julie Tomascik
Editor

A new program and educational trailers are headed to schools and communities across the state to grow agricultural literacy and awareness.

Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Ag on the Go trailers will help students in kindergarten through twelfth grade explore agriculture and connect to farmers and ranchers who grow their food, fiber and fuel.

“The Ag on the Go program is designed to teach students about agricultural topics in a variety of settings such as schools, community events, after school programs and more,” said Jordan Bartels, associate director of Organization division, Educational Outreach. “The program incorporates hands-on activities to engage students in the learning process.”

The program curriculum is aligned with Texas teaching standards, which helps educators incorporate the concepts into their classrooms, Bartels said.

But the program isn’t limited to schools.

The learning activities and information can be part of community events, after school programs and other activities.

“The program is designed with flexibility in mind for various audiences and events. While the lessons are geared toward K-12 students, adults can also learn along with them,” Bartels said. “Farm Bureau is committed to providing learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom, and Ag on the Go is an excellent avenue to do that.”

Ag on the Go offers lessons and activities on agricultural careers, cotton, corn, forestry, livestock and sustainability.

The trailers are magnetic to allow students to participate in labeling activities and other learning opportunities.

The trailers also are equipped with antique corn shellers to help students visualize how corn is shelled and to help transition conversations to modern technology—like combines and other equipment farmers use today—and the role agriculture plays off the farm.

A mini cotton gin shows students how the seed is separated from the fiber. Students then get to the feel the soft fiber and see how it can be spun into yarn and thread. The seed is shown as a food and feed ingredient to help them learn more about the many uses of cotton.

Students also can put together puzzle pieces that, once completed, reveal agricultural facts and information. Other activities include role playing, group learning and presenting information they’ve learned to their peers.

TFB field representatives will bring the trailer and facilitate the lessons.

“Ag on the Go offers opportunities for students and teachers to cultivate a better understanding of agriculture and how it connects to what they do every day,” Jessica Nemir, associate director of Field Operations, said.

Sign up details
Teachers, program facilitators and those interested in the Ag on the Go trailers can sign up for a visit at texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.

For more information on the program, email aotg@txfb.org or call 254-751-2273.

Additional Ag in the Classroom resources and educational opportunities also are available online at texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.