Harvesting Knowledge: Missouri Third Graders Reap the Benefits of Agriculture Education

JEFFERSON CITY, MO.- This fall, third grade classrooms across Missouri 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.

During the ten-week program, students explore various topics, including crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition, and careers in agriculture. The STEM-focused 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.

“It’s truly inspiring to see the seeds of knowledge being planted in classrooms across Missouri through Agriculture Education on the Move™. This program teaches students about the vital connection between their lives and agriculture and 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.”

Ag Moves has engaged over 12,000 third-grade students in 2024 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 here.

“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 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.

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