McHenry County Farm Bureau's Ag in the classroom program continues to be a bright spot in the county. Larry Reinhard, AITC Coordinator, leads the effort with assistance from the Women's Committee, the Board of Directors and a host of volunteers.
The program of work is designed to educate youth and adults about agriculture and provides students the opportunity to receive scholarships for continuing education in agriculture. During the program year (September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008) the program reached out to 11,926 students and utilized 150 volunteers.
The largest program was our Agricultural Expo for 3rd and 4th grade students. Over 3,800 students and 159 teachers attended the event over a four day period. Students as well as teachers were exposed to six minute presentations from 19 different agricultural booths.
The next largest program was our Pumpkin program which attracted 2,400 students and 75 teachers. The program was designed to expand the student's basic knowledge of plant development and create an awareness of specialty crops and growers with our county. Students also made their own "pumpkin patch pie" treat. Additional schools carry out this program on their own with our materials.
Mini Ag. Expos at schools were popular as well and attracted an additional 1,370 elementary and Jr. High students. Eight volunteers covered topics such as biofuels, dairy, beef, pigs, biotechnology and economics. The goal of the program was to give students an appreciation of agriculture, the economics of the industry, to provide a glimpse of the technologies associated with agriculture and discuss career opportunities. Other popular programs included our annual poster contest, career days, petting zoos and our energy program.
In more recent years we have been doing an FFA acquaintance program. More than 30 FFA students and two advisors had the opportunity to visit CME and USDA O'Hare. During the visit students learned about commodity markets, trading, futures, options and careers. Students also learned about the important role USDA O'Hare has in preventing the spread of insects and disease from other countries.
Teacher Training is also important part of our program. This past year 23 teachers completed our Summer Agriculture Institute program. The course offers three master degree credit hours and includes several agricultural stops, lesson plans and related course work. The program provides teachers with hands on lesson plans that compliment their existing curriculum.
Our program also reached out to adults this past year. We presented information on biofuels and energy at the County Fair, an Earth Day Program and an Environmental Fair. Hundreds participated in activities at the booths and thousands visited.
The Ag in the Classroom program is supported by our County Farm Bureau's Foundation.