By Shelby Shank
Field Editor
Educators from across Texas traded textbooks for tractors and learned more about agriculture and how they can incorporate it into their classrooms at this year’s Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Summer Ag Institute in Waco.
During the four-day professional development event, teachers toured farms, ranches and agribusinesses in Central Texas. They heard from industry professionals, educational experts and participated in hands-on activities to replicate in their classrooms.
“Summer Ag Institute gives educators a firsthand look at Texas agriculture through immersive, hands-on experiences,” said Jordan Bartels, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Education and Outreach. “From touring farms and ranches to engaging with industry experts, teachers gained practical tools and ideas they can bring back to their classrooms to connect students with where their food, fiber and fuel come from.”
Farm, ranch tours
Tours included a visit to Huffman Farms, where teachers learned about precision agriculture and the equipment farmers use. From GPS-guided equipment to field-mapping tools, they saw how farmers use data and technology to make informed decisions during planting and harvest.
At the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research Center in McGregor, teachers learned about beef cattle production and the cutting-edge technology used to monitor cattle.
The group also visited MJ Hanna Ranch, where they learned about the life and legacy of cattle rancher Joe Hanna. Teachers heard how Hanna’s dedication to agriculture and the community inspired the creation of the M.J. Hanna Foundation. The foundation continues his legacy by using the working ranch as a living classroom for youth and other groups.
Another stop brought the group to Foote Ranch, a five-generation family ranch raising market lambs, Angora goats and beef cattle. The ranchers explained how mohair is sheared from the goats and how it’s transformed into yarn.
At Bar 7 Ranch, educators heard the inspiring story of a young ranching family who began documenting their journey on social media to connect with consumers. Their story highlighted agricultural advocacy and the role digital platforms play in telling the story of agriculture.
A final stop at Lightsey Farms showed the teachers how two sisters diversified their crops and began selling directly to consumers at farmers markets and at their roadside stand.
“They gave us a full day of presentations, but then we got to live it and experience it,” said Mary Kroll, a STEAM teacher in Brenham. “You can see it, touch it, feel it. Classrooms are always great, but if you can take people outside and give them hands-on experiences, they’re going to remember it for life.”
Workshops, activities
During the Summer Ag Institute, various industry experts and fellow teachers facilitated hands-on activities and lessons teachers can replicate in their classrooms.
“Texas Farm Bureau has a lot of resources, and they make it really easy for teachers to use,” said Maddie Bergstrom, a third-grade math and science teacher in Argyle. “From full lesson plans with books, videos and activities, its simple to incorporate into the classroom. Even for teachers without an agriculture background, it’s still very easy to use.”
In a session with Trans Ova Genetics, teachers learned about livestock reproduction and viewed cells under a microscope.
Educators also heard from the National Ranching Heritage Center about resources available to use in the classroom alongside Hank the Cowdog books.
Teachers also saw a live demonstration of drones used to monitor crops and apply fertilizer, and they explored how robotics are used in agriculture.
Other sessions included information from a dairy farmer, forester and a visit with a horticultural professor, as well as learning how to use the resources available through TFB.
“Every one of these presenters spoke with a passion for what they do,” Kroll said. “It’s meaningful to them and what they’re telling us, and they want us to feel the same way they do. They’re committed and believe in what they do, and they want to share it with others.”
Teacher experiences
Even teachers with an agricultural background found value in the workshop, learning how to combine their passion for teaching and agriculture.
“Teaching science has taken my passion for agriculture and helped me bring it into the classroom,” Bergstrom said. “Kids are so far removed from agriculture that even something as simple as planting a seed is brand new to many of them.”
She noted how critical it is to help students make real-world connections to agriculture, even if they’ve never seen a barn, tractor or livestock in person.
“It’s really exciting to bring it all together, and I want my students to understand it’s important to support farmers and ranchers,” Bergstrom said. “If they can at least become an advocate for agriculture or potentially explore a career in agriculture, that’s a win.”
Inspired by her experience, Bergstrom plans to share what she learned with her school administration and encourage similar professional development opportunities for her peers.
“I want them to know how easy it is to add agriculture into science or add it to social studies because there are so many opportunities that you can do that are hands-on and follow our curriculum,” she said.
Kroll also appreciated that the educational materials from Texas Farm Bureau are aligned with current state educational standards.
“I’ve been to plenty of conferences and workshops, but what makes this one stand out is that I can walk out of here today and immediately apply what I’ve learned,” Kroll said. “I don’t have to figure out how to make it work. It’s already there for me, and that makes our job as teachers so much easier.”
About the event
The event took place June 9-12 in Waco. About 40 K-12 educators were in attendance.
Another Summer Ag Institute will be held in Rosenberg July 15-18 at the Rosenberg Civic Center.
For more information on TFB’s Ag in the Classroom efforts, visit texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.
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