Ag Moves Adapts on the Ranch
Ag Moves is a proactive, educational effort that brings passionate, trained educators into classrooms across Missouri to build agricultural literacy. The curriculum meets standards for elementary ages, but partners like Velynda show off Ag Moves as a valuable tool with foundational objectives and flexible activities that can adapt to meet the needs of other age groups.
Velynda utilizes the Ag Moves curriculum as a part of her 4-H programming at the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, a residential group foster home. Typically, the boys in residence are from 12 to 18 years old and most of them are from large urban areas. Their average stay at the ranch is 18 months. More than 60 young men participate in Ag Moves during Velynda’s sessions.
The Ag Moves Curriculum
Ten Ag Moves lessons teach students that their food and products used in everyday life come from farms. Lessons cover beef, dairy, pork, poultry, crops, soil health and conservation, nutrition, careers in agriculture and more through a standards-based curriculum that meets state learning objectives in the areas of science, math, social studies, and language arts. Every lesson includes a hands-on activity and students are introduced to Missouri farm families. All curriculum and lesson materials are provided at no cost to schools and groups by the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation and the partners of Ag Moves.
Ag Moves By Request
“The Ranch staff requested that I present Ag Moves again this summer because the boys loved it last year,” Velynda shares. At the Ranch, Ag Moves doesn’t just teach young men about agriculture. Velynda helps these youth to develop as leaders by choosing a resident teen educator from the Ranch’s 4-H club to help her present each session. Velynda has led the Ranch’s 4-H club for thirteen years. The club meets year-round, every other week.
Ag Moves with a 4-H Twist
“One of the 4-H members helps me present each lesson to the extent of their confidence level. Most of these kids have never had the experience of presenting something, or the opportunity to teach their peers,” Velynda describes. “I put a lot of thought into beefing up the curriculum with multiple resources to hold the boys’ attention since they are older and adapt the lessons to fit safety parameters. Of course, they love the activities that include something to eat the most,” she finishes with a smile.
Spoken like a true 4-H Field Specialist, she continues, “I make it fun for them and me, and keep them learning. I just call it ‘sneaky learning’. You know, the kind where they are having so much fun they don’t realize they are learning new stuff!”
Partnerships Achieve More
Ag Moves builds partnerships with organizations such as Extension that share a common goal: educating tomorrow’s consumers. Partners like Velynda use the curriculum objectives and framework as a starting point for foundational agriculture lessons.
“Velynda is a perfect example of someone doing great work in her role, who utilizes Ag Moves curriculum in her programming as a way for her to expand her reach. Together, both organizations achieve more,” says Heather Fletcher, Ag Moves program director.
Ag Moves By the Numbers
More than 4,400 students across Missouri enjoyed hands-on lessons about agriculture this summer. Multi-year partnerships prove that Ag Moves is an effective and appreciated addition to curriculums and a great investment in future community leaders. Ag Moves’ continuous growth has resulted in a 57% enrollment increase over the last 3 years.
Ag Moves is Made Possible By
Ag Moves is provided through Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of more than 40 Missouri agriculture groups. Program support is funded by Missouri soybean farmers and their checkoff, the MFA Oil Foundation, Missouri Beef Industry Council, The Poultry Federation, Vital Farms, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, FCS Financial, MFA Incorporated, and the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board. To learn more, to support the program, or to become a partner, visit www.agmoves.com.