Last week was National Agriculture Week, and Moorhead High School celebrated the return of agricultural education for the first time in 40 years. Students can take classes through the Farm to Table career pathway at the recently opened Moorhead High School Career Academy.
Currently in a three year development process, the Ag Education program will include three key components.
Classroom education and lab experiences include instruction and interactive learning. Courses will include subjects like introduction to agriculture, ag construction, plant science, animal sciences, horticulture, agribusiness and precision ag.
Supervised agricultural experience is another important aspect of the program and includes hands-on, experiential learning. Individualized to the student, this may be an ag science project, internship or entrepreneurial venture. Community partners will be important in providing meaningful work-based learning for students.
The final component of the program will be the development of an FFA club. FFA is a national intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. The goal of the organization is to mentor students in opportunities for personal growth, premier leadership and career success.
Students will be introduced to the myriad of career options agriculture provides in addition to farm production such as ag finance and banking, agronomy related business like seed, fertilizer, genetic science, precision ag, ag technology, animal science, research, education and much more. The curriculum is being developed with the help of an advisory committee of area farmers, educators, and ag related businesses and organizations. In addition to agriculture management, the Farm to Table career pathway also includes culinary studies and natural resources.
“This shows our career academy in action. In an economy in which agriculture plays a vital role, we owe it to our students to introduce them to the exciting, diverse and rewarding careers that are available in this market segment. We are thankful to the agricultural community leaders who are investing in developing solid, robust offerings that help students experience meaningful learning and exploration,” said Superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak.
An ag education alumni and friends support group is also being developed. If you are interested in supporting the program in this way please contact MHS alumni and ag consultant, Steve Olson at 651.270.3439 or Steve@SteveOlsonConsulting.com for more information.