The ND FFA Foundation, in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, proudly supports educators and FFA chapters across the state who help bridge the gap between agriculture and education. Through the Ag in the Classroom grant program, teachers and FFA advisors provide impactful, real-life lessons to help students better understand the role of agriculture in their lives, especially when it comes to safety.
Program: Rugby FFA Chapter
Teacher: Kristi Tonnessen & Isaac Ripplinger
Impact: 150 students
Purpose: Promote awareness and knowledge of farm and rural safety practices among elementary and middle school students.
Objectives:
- Educate 4th–6th grade students about farm safety in areas like grain bins, ATVs, livestock handling, PTOs, and chemical use.
- Provide students with life-saving knowledge that can be applied in both agricultural and rural settings.
- Use peer-led instruction and incentives to increase participation and engagement.
- Reduce the risk of preventable accidents in the community through awareness and early education.
Rugby FFA hosted a comprehensive Farm Safety Day with help from 27 FFA members, two chapter advisors, and two adult volunteers from the community. Their goal was simple but powerful: teach young people how to stay safe, whether or not they live directly on a farm. In a state where agriculture touches nearly every corner of life, the lessons were designed to be universally relevant, covering everything from electrical hazards and basic first aid to livestock behavior and road safety.
The Ag in the Classroom grant funds were used to purchase 100 custom t-shirts, which served both as a thank-you to volunteers and as a student incentive. Shirts were awarded to those who participated actively asking questions, engaging with the presenters, and demonstrating their curiosity and comprehension throughout the day.
One of the chapter’s key takeaways was how asking questions led to deeper understanding. Encouraging student interaction turned each safety topic into a meaningful learning moment. The shirts added fun and excitement to the educational experience, and teachers noted how impactful the peer-led demonstrations were for student engagement.
Student Reflections & Teacher Feedback:
Teachers praised the event’s structure and delivery, noting that the kids remained focused and enthusiastic. Many appreciated the real-world relevance of the lessons and the role-modeling demonstrated by the high school FFA members. Rugby FFA hopes to continue the event in the future, refining the schedule to make the day even more efficient.
Looking Ahead:
The Rugby FFA Chapter is proud to have reached 150 local students and strengthened the safety culture in their rural community. With the support of Ag in the Classroom, this program planted seeds of awareness and responsibility that will grow with each student long after the event is over.
