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!