The ND FFA Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities that foster leadership development and personal growth for FFA members across the state. It’s the core of our mission! Did you know the Foundation also provides resources for ag educators and others in the agriculture sector whose work aligns with our mission?
The Ag in the Classroom grant program is offered in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. Each year, any organization or individual may apply to receive funding for developing and conducting educational materials and programs to help young people understand the importance of agriculture in North Dakota and in their lives. Learn how one of this year’s grantees, NDSU Extension – Ramsey County impacted students across the region with their Ag in the Classroom project.
Program: NDSU Extension-Ramsey County
Impact: 311 total students, 163 4th graders & 148 5th graders
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to educate youth on the critical role of agriculture in our society, the importance of safety around farm equipment, and to foster a deeper understanding of where their food comes from. By connecting students to the agricultural processes that sustain our daily lives, we aimed to cultivate a respect for farming and an awareness of the vital role it plays in our communities.
Objectives:
- Educate youth on the importance of safety both on and off the farm, with an emphasis on recognizing potential hazards and adopting safe practices in various aspects of life.
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of where their food comes from, including the journey from farm to table, and the labor and resources involved in food production.
- Demonstrate how agricultural products are integrated into everyday life, showcasing the diverse uses of commodities beyond the food we eat, such as in clothing, fuel, and other essential goods.
A total of 163 fourth-grade students participated in the Field to Fork event, which featured booths on Ag Careers, Dairy, Beans, Pollinators, Beef/Pork, Oil Crops, and Wheat, led by agriculture professionals. Students took pre-tests and post-surveys to measure their learning, with the primary goal of educating them on agriculture’s vital role and the origins of their food.
Additionally, 148 fifth-grade students attended the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day, which focused on safety education across various topics, including Vaping, Lawn Mower, Internet, ATV, Mental Health, Sun and Water, Home Alone Safety, and Drug Awareness. Like Field to Fork, pre-tests and post-surveys were used to assess learning outcomes.
Both events were accessible to all fourth and fifth graders in Ramsey County, including students from Devils Lake public schools, the North Dakota School for the Deaf, and St. Joseph’s private school, among others. The events were well-received, with positive coverage in the local county newspaper, and support from local commodity groups who donated samples and display items for demonstrations.
