The Final Countdown

As the semester approaches to an end, my appreciation and gratitude for agriculture and all that I have learned this semester fortunately will not commence. I look at this as an opportunity to continue learning more and seeking out ways to become involved in agriculture, in the school systems and within my community.

My classmates, professors and my university are all inspirations for me see how much there is still for me to learn and understand within the contexts of agriculture, despite how much I have already soaked up this semester. 

This semester I have thoroughly enjoyed diving into multiple topics for my blog posts. As I said, this is not the end, but truly the beginning of what's to come for me and my relationship with the study of agriculture, and my future as an agricultural communicator. I am so proud that my campus is a "Student Focused, Land Grant, Research University." 

I love the community of Fargo, ND where agriculture is right outside my window, in my classrooms, and within my community. I believe that I am fortunate to live in a state that understands the necessity of strong agricultural resources for its citizens, and for our nation. 

I do not know where my future will take me, or if it will keep me here in Fargo forever. However when I start a family, I know that I want my own children to be involved in programs such as FFA and 4-H, and that I will teach the importance of farms/other agriculture processes. I have been blessed with so many resources at my fingertips when I have questions to seek the answers, and I would hope that some day my own children will have even more knowledge and information at their finger tips as our world continues to evolve.   

Just a plants and animals grow, so will my curiosity about agriculture. 

https://www.agr.state.il.us/facts-about-illinois-agriculture/

Spreading the Word

http://www.naae.org/index.cfm

Having grown up and graduated high school from a very urban environment (Saint Paul, MN) my education lacked an agricultural focus. The only "agriculture" class I rook in high school was wood shop... Now I am pleased to know that my high school, and entire school district has implemented not only classes related to agriculture, but an entire department. Many of my friends grew up with ag classes, and I know now that I was truly missing out on - and it is important to me that all high schools across the nation have ag classes incorporated into the curriculum.

The National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) advocates for agriculture education across all levels of the education system, across the United States. There are six different regions where ag educators seek to bring an agricultural presence in the classroom, and there are nearly 8,000 members who are part of the national organization. However, Ag Ed Facts show that with 12,000 ag educator professionals today  "the demand still outstrips supply."

Through the website, there is information provided about the different kinds of membership that is available for individuals and also at state levels. There are copious amounts of benefits and resources to those that are affiliated.

For me personally, the most helpful webpage answers the question: "What is Agriculture Education?"
Every time I ask or research this question, I learn something new. In this case, NAAE partners with FFA to enhance leadership through agricultural organizations for outside the classroom experiences. The two other areas of focus are experiential learning, and classroom instruction.

http://www.naae.org/whatisaged/index.cfm

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's Next?
The website includes steps for "what's next" questions. These answers include potential jobs for students who are graduating with a degree in agriculture education, steps on how to start a program in your own community and taking a look at the big picture; what does agriculture education look like in the United States as whole. There are also opportunities to stay current with agriculture related news through the email listerv and "The Ag Ed Magazine."

Most importantly however, is the section on the website dedicated to advocacy for the cause. There is an informational video to watch regarding the legislative process(s), as well as buttons for becoming more educated, and taking action. This is a great campaign, that deserves more attention as agriculture in the classroom is not a "want" but truly a need for all students to better understand and appreciate.

The video above provides perspectives from current ag educators and the importance of NAAE and advocacy for ad programs in the schools. In the beginning of the video, the individuals are reciting the The Ag Teacher's Creed. You can follow along below.

My Creed

I am an agricultural educator by choice and not by chance.

I believe in American agriculture; I dedicate my life

to its development and the advancement of its people.

I will strive to set before my students by my deeds and actions the

highest standards of citizenship for the community, state and nation.

I will endeavor to develop professionally

through study, travel and exploration.

I will not knowingly wrong my fellow teachers. I will

defend them as far as honesty will permit.

I will work for the advancement of agricultural education

and I will defend it in my community, state and nation.

I realize that I am a part of the school system. I will work

in harmony with school authorities and other teachers of the school.

My love for youth will spur me on to impart something from my life

that will help make for each of my students a full and happy future 

4-H: Social Media 

Being a "city girl," I have complained that I didn't have access to agriculture resources and it was not my fault that I didn't know what 4-H, FFA, or other ag related programs were. Well, that's very incorrect, and there are copious amounts of resources available! Since my most recent blog post was about 4-H, I will continue to focus on 4-H and their social media presence.

Facebook 

http://williamson.agrilife.org/4-h-facebook/

There are many individual 4-H Facebook pages/profiles, but here is the national sponsored profile. The page is very interactive, and really draws your eyes to a variety of different resources and additional links, including buttons for "donating now," the ability to purchase 4-H apparel and clothing items, and additional links to other social media websites.

The "meat and potatoes" of the profile is very vibrant, including pictures with nearly every post, or images, and frequent posts. It is good to have a variety of posts so that the followers are able to stay up-to-date easily. It also shows that there is a wide variety of events, topics and materials to talk about, or share. The site itself is easy for the eyes to move around, see visually appealing posts, and get the information their desire. The profile has just under 594,00 "Likes."

I do think that their profile is lacking in video posts specifically, which also tend to draw in more "clicks," than an article that has to be read. I would rank their Facebook profile a 4 out of 5 stars!

Twitter 

The national Twitter page for 4-H has similar posts to the Facebook profile. The tweets include images, links to sites and videos, and bright colors to draw the viewer to keep looking. Twitter is known for utilizing the "hashtag" to spread an idea, and the 4-H also has created a hashtag for their followers, #TrueLeaders.

Their profile has almost 12,000 tweets posted, and 29,500 followers - much less than their Facebook profile. Though there are less followers, the twitter profile has almost 900 videos alone, which is something that I personally think the Facebook profile did not have enough of. Overall, I would rate their Twitter profile a 5 out of 5 stars due to the interactive tweets, the large number of video and picture posts, and the how they have successfully utilized their #TrueLeader hashtag.

Instagram 

F-H does also have a third social media account, for Instagram. In regards to the number of followers they have just under 13,000 total, with just over 700 posts total. The pictures are all very profession looking in that they have excellent graphic designs and words over images. It is clear that many of the images are repetitive from their other social media accounts, and I think Instagram is am opportunity to share unique images.

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/dubuque/4h

Instagram does have the capability to share videos, and there are not many videos posted. Though Instagram allows the viewer to quickly scan the image, double-tap for a "like," and scroll on - I think it's important to show a variety of posts, such as incorporating short videos.

Many national Instagram accounts will "re-post" a picture that a follower posted about, and I do not see that present on their profile. Re-posting images from your followers is a great way to "beef" (ag joke, get it?) up your social media presence because your followers will continue to post and tag the account, bringing more awareness!It also encourages the followers to keep looking at the profile to see if their picture has been re-posted. I am a part of a sorority, and our national offices re-post from chapters across the country frequently and it's fun to go look and see if your picture made it to the national site! 

 Due to the lack of videos, the lack of unique and original pictures, and zero re-posts from any of their followers, I am giving the 4-H Instagram account a 2 out of 5 stars, because I think that there is a lot more room for this account to grow, and become better.

 

If the 4-H social media sites are not providing you with enough information or substance, you can always check out their official website for additional links, and information!

4-Huh?

As a youth, the only time I ever saw 4-H members was during my annual visit over Labor Day to the Minnesota State Fair. To my naive self at the time, if you were in 4-H it meant that you either sewed quilts, made corn art, spent more time with cows than with your peers and you were a carrier of the H1N1 virus. (I did contract the H1N1 virus while at the state fair, and then used the 4-H students as my scapegoat for my sickness).

4-H is much more than quilt making, corn art and the swine flu. 4-H is a program that encourages the involvement of students beginning at a grade school level through high school and college, their families/parents, and both local and state communities. The 4-H's stand for: head, heart, hands and health. For grade school classes there is a wide variety of curriculum available that includes business and citizenship lessons, to a focus on STEM fields, the creative arts and healthy living. Though 4-H might have a reputation for being "focused on agriculture," it offers materials and activities much broader than "just ag."

One of the many mysteries was left unsolved until recently, was the true difference between 4-H and FFA. Check out the info-graphics below to see a great break down between the two organizations!

4-H offers opportunities for truly everyone to be involved in their programs. Beginning as a youth, through parent involvement, to a supportive community, a volunteer, working alongside state/extension services and even the USDA; there is room for anyone and everyone.

4-H is an important asset to many communities and even at a collegiate level there is continued efforts for involvement and youth support. NDSU has a 4-H collegiate club; from their website their motto reads: "Collegiate 4-H is an organization that provides its members with a sense of identity on campus, enriches their lives through group projects and recreation, and develops confidence and leadership skills. 4-H clubs provide service and support to their local and state 4-H programs, such as serving as judges and conducting training workshops."

4-H is an organization that has been giving back and actively serving various communities around the United States since 1902, and it does not seem that service will end any time soon.



Info-graphics retrieved from: http://www.nacaa.com/journal/index.php?jid=125

Those Blue Jackets // FFA

 I didn't know what FFA was until I came to college. Until recently, my perception of the FFA organization was that students in both high school and college can be involved, and every member wears a blue jacket. I am very well aware that is not the reality, as FFA is much more than just a blue jacket! This week does happen to be National FFA Week which is why I thought it would be appropriate to blog on this particular topic this week.

Membership 

Students who want membership into FFA must be enrolled in grades 7th through 12th, and be enrolled in some sort of an agricultural education course during the academic year. The PDF specific to membership information for the state of North Dakota FFA organizations can be found here through this link.  

The FFA website highlights that it is, "the largest student organization in the world" (https://www.ffa.org/join/why-join-ffa). Even after high school graduation, there are continued opportunities to be involved through collegiate chapters on various college universities, and lifelong support through adult/alumni involvement. The closest thing that I have to relate to a lifelong experience would be sorority life, which is only available to collegiate women (with a maximum of four years being an active member)- though membership/sisterhood is for a lifetime. It is easy to see why FFA members are so dedicated to the organization seeing as they have already five years of high school involvement before even coming to college.

Aside from the basic information about the organization, such as involvement, membership, the many regional/national conventions and annual events, the two categories that stand out to me the most are the leadership opportunities, and the history of FFA.

Leadership

Within the FFA organization, there are numerous ways for students to take advantage of leadership roles within their local chapter, as a state officer and even at a national level. The students that I personally know on campus that were involved in FFA in high school, are some of the best leaders that I know today. Some of the students continued to stay involved in the collegiate chapters, and others chose to join other clubs. Either way, FFA students are organized, are both efficient and effective when it comes to getting the job done, and their passion is always present. Students that have been/are involved know how to effectively run meetings through Robert's Rules of Order, which is a skill and an understanding that not many people know of, on and off campus.

History

This history of FFA is so impressive, dating back to 1928. The article explains that all 50 states, and even two US territories share charters with the national organization! FFA has impacted so much of our nation's history, such as having nearly 139,000 members serving in World War II. FFA celebrates not just agriculture, but performing arts like band, choir and talent shows. FFA has been federally recognized by several presidents and has had legislation passed in support, to even having a special stamp through the postal service. More recently in 2003, the State of North Dakota approved the FFA logo to be added as an option to the state license plates. Traditionally the only other logos at this time that were allowed were firefighters or military. Read the article here for further information.

                                                                         
                                                                                              Example of an FFA license plate
                                                                          Retrieved from: http://www.licenseplatecentral.com/usa/north-dakota

What I am excited to see in the future is more of what FFA will do; not just for local communities, but for our nation. FFA in my opinion, is setting examples for our country in more ways that many of us even realize.



Top Image retrieved from: http://www.ctsos.org/ctsos/fbla/ffa-logo/

Little I, How Could I?

Saddle And Sirloin

I'll never forget the day that I received my introductory letter to "Saddle and Sirloin" in the mail prior to my freshman college orientation. Opening the letter, I turned to my mom (who graduated from NDSU), and asked her what the heck "S&S" even meant. She explained it to me about their involvement with livestock, and the importance of all of their annual events. I threw my letter down, thinking there is no way this city girl was ever joining that organization! Well, never say never.

Since officially arriving on campus a few years ago, I am still amazed by the events sponsored by Saddle and Sirloin throughout the academic year. This particular organization is one the largest on campus, and participates in a minimum of ten events annually. These club activities include themed dances for their members, hosting a student-run livestock show, fundraisers and opportunities to teach children of all ages about agriculture programs. One of these events is known as Kiddie Days. Saddle and Sirloin are affiliated with Block and Bridle (their national counterpart) which members attend annual national conventions. Members also are involved in annual competitions with another campus to our south, SDSU in Brookings, South Dakota.

Saddle and Sirloin is actively involved in philanthropic events, such as last spring when they hosted a "dunk tank" to raise funds for Relay For Life. They also put on an event known as "Paddy Drop Raffle". Shepperd Arena is an indoor arena campus, which is where the organization has their weekly meetings and campus events, is measured into a grid, which then students can purchase a "tile" of the arena. The funds collected through student tickets are then donated to an organization of Saddle and Sirloin's choice. Eventually, a cow enters the arena and when it comes time for the cow to do its duty... then wherever the cow "dumps" on the tile, that student wins a cash prize. This is an excellent way to raise money for a cause, involve the student body on campus, and share great fun with the organization

Little International, Little Personal

One of the most popular events that Saddle and Sirloin annually hosts, is their student-sponsored livestock shown know as Little International, or Little I for short. Students from any major and any background (whether you grew up on a farm, or a city) are able to participate in the festivities. Students can show cattle, sheep, pigs and cure a ham - all while earning credits for agriculture. This past weekend, campus celebrated the 90th Little International, which happens to be one of the longest running traditions at NDSU.
"Little I" includes two livestock shows for students to show off their hard work; one Saturday morning and one Saturday evening, followed by a banquet and large celebration.

For some students, participating in a livestock show is very natural and routine. For others (such as myself) Little I was challenging, and put me far outside of my comfort zone. While it was an an incredible learning opportunity, it was overwhelming since I knew nothing about working/showing sheep. Going into Little I with no knowledge was scary, and I was also extremely naive. I signed up for a breed of sheep, known as a Columbia (apparently supposed to be easy) and I honestly expected to walk into the arena and meet my innocent baby lamb.

NOPE. Not even close.

Instead I was introduced to a full-grown female sheep, known as an ewe, which I then named Lola. Lola at first was very sassy and strong-wild, but then I quickly remembered that I am too - and each day, things got better and easier, and we both grew to be more comfortable with each other.

                                                                Photo: Taken by self, of Lola. Feb 2014. 

This experience opened my eyes to a world that I had never known before. I have so much more respect than I already did for my fellow peers who can sheer a sheep in under two hours, while it took me two days! I will be forever grateful to the students who helped me with technique, and who helped me better understand and connect with the animals. I am also so grateful for my "student focused, land grant, research university" which allows students to use the research animals for no cost.

                                                                              Photo: selfie with Lola, while attempting to sheer her. Feb 2014.

Growing up in an urban environment had its perks; great food, close to the mall and frequent concerts and events close by, big schools etc. But the grass in the case IS greener on the other side. I wish that I had been given or grown up with opportunities to be surrounded by animals and agriculture on a regular basis like so many of my fellow students. The only time that I ever went to see livestock was once a year at the State Fair. Looking back now, I wish I had never "written off" Saddle and Sirloin before I had even given the organization and its members a chance - because it is an outstanding organization, with truly inspiring members who inhabit a passion for agriculture. I may not miss smelling like a sheep every day, but I sure do miss Lola and the friends that I met. I will forever cherish the experience, and always respect those who respect and honor agriculture.