County Farm Bureaus around Ohio provide ag literacy programs to enhance students’ knowledge about agriculture. Ohio Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureaus sponsor and partner with Ohio FFA and Ohio 4-H programs. Ag literacy materials are available through the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, with many free resources for planning elementary school visits and Ag Days.
The goal of Agriculture in the Classroom is to “increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education.” AITC is unique within the agricultural education community as the lead organization to serve the full spectrum of K-12 formal education.
The National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix is an online, searchable, and standards-based curriculum map for K-12 teachers. The Matrix contextualizes national education standards in science, social studies, and nutrition education with relevant instructional resources linked to Common Core Standards.
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture engages students and educators in agricultural education through captivating learning experiences, books, and hands-on challenges, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of agriculture while equipping future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to help maintain a sustainable food system. Many of the resources are free, perfect for planning elementary school visits and Ag Days.
Ohio Farm Bureau has begun offering Ag Literacy Volunteer Training. Contact your county Farm Bureau for information on the training session schedule.
Presented by Nationwide, Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America and AgCredit, the Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Ohio for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders and crowns the Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year. Students, fellow teachers and other supporters can nominate their favorite agricultural teacher who is currently teaching agricultural education courses at the secondary (middle/high school) level. The annual nomination cycle opens Sept. 1 and closes Dec. 31.
2025-26 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year: Alex Zimmer, Buckeye Valley-DACC FFA
Ag Day, a celebration of agriculture and farming, provided an exciting opportunity for these young learners to experience hands-on activities that showcased the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.
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Barrett Zimmerman has worked for Vanguard-Sentinel Vocational School his entire career.
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Carlie Cluxton, Jake Zajkowski and Raegan Feldner share what they learned on their trip and how they hope to incorporate it into this year’s state fair exhibit.
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We should be doing more to encourage the next generation of farmers — not only those that want to farm, but also those who will have occupations that directly affect agriculture.
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Teaching students about the career possibilities in agriculture – and at places like Davey Tree Expert Company – is a key mission of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation.
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The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 15th “Book of the Year” award to author Kiki Thorpe for “How to Grow a Monster.”
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Recently retired Ayersville High School ag teacher Don Hammersmith spent the last three and a half decades farming, both on his own small farm in Defiance County and in the classroom.
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Ayersville High School’s Don Hammersmith has been selected as Ohio’s Golden Owl Award grand prize winner.
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Each Fertilizer Fun Box contains educational soil science activities that focus on the importance of soil, fertilizer and 4R stewardship efforts of farmers.
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One finalist to be crowned Ohio’s 2020-2021 Ag Educator of the Year through Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award.
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