CENTRAL ILLINOIS — Agriculture in education is alive, well and growing exponentially in Macon County, Ill. To learn more, Sikich spoke to a local community college and two high school districts about their agriculture curriculum and the interest it breeds in students.
Richland Community College: Fostering a Passion for Agriculture
The Richland Community College (RCC) Agriculture Program relaunched in 2018. Under the guidance of Jess Smithers, the Director of Agricultural Programs, and fellow staff members, David Shiley and Deanna Koenigs, the college has made significant strides in developing a robust, competitive curriculum for the program’s ever increasing enrollment.
By implementing a high-level degree program and leveraging Foundation resources, the RCC agriculture staff develops the talent needed to serve a growing agricultural community. They actively engage with agribusinesses within the community to connect students to the many available careers and focus their curriculum on challenging coursework to sharpen the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.
Students are encouraged to actively learn outside of the classroom as well. When possible, hands-on experience through part-time jobs or internships is encouraged. RCC hosts several Future Farmers of America (FFA) competitions and events with students directly involved in volunteering and judging at these events. Recent competitions include the Professional Agriculture Student (PAS) and the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) events, which improve participants’ communication skills, technical skills and leadership capacity as well as provide the opportunity to develop relationships through networking.
The Meridian School District: Creating Possibilities for Future Leaders in Ag
Several miles southwest of RCC sits the Meridian School District. Duane Noland, a local farmer and businessman, provided us with information on the recently established Meridian Ag Foundation. In December 2018, a small group of community leaders including farmers, teachers, businessmen, parents and grandparents got together to discuss a shared vision: growing an agriculture-technology program at Meridian.
Two things were clear to the group: 1) They agreed there was a strong need for today’s students to experience both classroom and hands-on learning in agriculture and skilled trades, and 2) Strong and continuous support from the community would be essential for Meridian’s ag-tech program to succeed. This was the beginning of the Meridian Ag Foundation.
This year, horticulture classes are offered for the first time to those students looking to expand their knowledge and apply plant science concepts into real world scenarios. Next year, a new subject will rotate in – vet science – with the concept of switching the curriculum every other year.
Agricultural events, competitions and community service are also part of the Meridian Ag Foundation agenda. This creates new and exciting opportunities for the students of the Meridian School District to develop agricultural and skilled trades experience in a hands-on environment.
Dwayne O. Andreas Agriculture Academy, Decatur Public Schools Foundation
Established in December 2017, the Dwayne O. Andreas Agriculture Academy (Academy) focuses on career exploration and hands-on learning for high school students. We spoke with Zach Shields, the Executive Director of the Decatur Public Schools Foundation.
It is noted that only 2% of agriculture-related jobs worldwide directly involve farming. The primary objective of the Academy is to introduce urban students to the other 98%, which consists of careers in engineering, welding, commodity trading, sales, marketing and food science. Many students, including those who work on a farm, have never been exposed to agriculture as a career path. Through this program, students can learn and develop skills and leadership capabilities that will serve them well no matter what career they pursue.
Out of the classroom and off-campus is where the real hands-on training begins. The students work tirelessly on the Academy’s Living Science Farm. The farm consists not only of test plots and vegetable planting for consumption but incorporates livestock, an events barn and substantial poultry facilities. The produce that comes from this project is often donated to local food banks, too. Students also raise and show the livestock – in the near future, they are even expecting the birth of eight new lambs and some kids.
Farm activities are just a portion of the projects enjoyed by students. They also engage in the National FFA Organization’s “Three Circles Model,” consisting of 1) Academic coursework in agriscience and agribusiness, ag mechanics, animal science and horticulture, 2) Supervised agricultural experiences such as internships or work on the Science Farm and 3) Career development events such as public speaking and entrepreneurial ventures.
With up-and-coming agriculture programs at three educational institutions across Macon County, is this an example of friendly competition or friendly collaboration? Definitely friendly collaboration. In speaking with Jess, Duane and Zach, these three leaders were all very sincere in their appreciation of each other and mentioned the shared ideas, advice and teamwork that has gone into the development of each of their programs.
To learn more about education in agriculture or Sikich’s industry focus, please contact our experts.
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