Agriculture Education

• Career and Technical Education

  The goal of Kansas Career and Technical Education is to provide students with relevant contexts for learning through pathways to prepare for college and a career. Career clusters tie what students learn in school to the knowledge and skills necessary for success in post-secondary education and careers.

  Kansas Career and Technical Education programs are organized by 36 pathways representing the 16 career clusters. This range of pathways provides opportunities to instruct and guide all students regardless of their career goals and interests.

• Agricultural Education Programs

  The mission of agricultural education is to prepare students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources system.

  

  Agricultural education instruction is delivered through three major components:

  1) classroom/laboratory instruction (contextual learning)

  2) supervised agricultural experience programs (work-based learning)

  3) student leadership organizations (National FFA Organization, National Young Farmer Educational Association, and National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization)

  Kansas currently has 225 agricultural education programs in the state. Additionally, Kansas has eight pathways within the agriculture, food and natural resources career cluster. These pathways include:

  • Agribusiness Systems
  • Animal Systems
  • Biotechnology Systems
  • Environmental Service Systems
  • Food Products and Processing Systems
  • Natural Resource Systems
  • Plant Systems
  • Power, Structural and Technical Systems
    

  For more information about Kansas agricultural education programs or for details on how to start a program, contact Guy Shoulders, education program consultant at (785) 296-3956.

  More than 10,866 Kansas students are members of the National FFA Organization in 224 chapters within the state. For more information about the Kansas FFA Association, please visit their website here.

• Kansas Agriculture Skills & Competencies Certificate

  These certificates document skills and competencies gained by student participation in agriculture education. The program is an opportunity to quantify and qualify skills gained through agriculture education programs. KDA is pleased to sponsor the certificate program for Kansas FFA members. The certificate has been endorsed by the Office of the Governor, the Department of Labor and the Kansas agriculture community, including; Kansas FFA Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Grain & Feed Association, Kansas Livestock Association and more.
  
  The goal of Kansas Career and Technical Education is to provide students with relevant contexts for learning through pathways to prepare for college and a career. Career clusters tie what students learn in school to the knowledge and skills necessary for success in post-secondary education and careers.
  
  Kansas Career and Technical Education programs are organized by 36 pathways representing the 16 career clusters. This range of pathways provides opportunities to instruct and guide all students regardless of their career goals and interests.

  Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificate

  Overview - Kansas Agriculture Skills and Competencies Certificate
  Kansas Agriculture Skills & Competencies Certificate Application
  Support Document - Qualifying Competencies
  Support Document - Examples of Pathway Skills
  Checklist (customizable)

  The deadline to apply for these certificates is April 20. No handwritten or mailed applications will be accepted. Email applications to FutureOfAg@ks.gov.

  For more information about the certificates, please contact KDA Compliance Education Coordinator, Dana Ladner at  Dana.Ladner@ks.gov with any questions.

• Additional Resources

  Teachers/Classroom Volunteers

  The Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) offers downloadable resources for educators, links to other agriculture-related websites, as well as applications, entry forms and additional information about all of KFAC’s activities and programs.

  Kansas Farm Bureau Education and Outreach provides a variety of resources for use in educating and advocating to others about the agriculture industry.

  Nutrients for Life Foundation provides information and resources to educators about the vital role fertilizers play in feeding our world, including science-based educational materials about the role crop nutrients play in agriculture.  

  National Agricultural Statistics Service  - Education and Outreach lesson plans are structured for grades kindergarten through 12. Their goal is to create fun lessons that incorporate agriculture into English, math, geography, science and social studies courses.

  Community Leaders

  The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) program is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to developing leaders for agriculture, business and rural communities. KARL provides an intensive study, training and travel experience for future leaders of Kansas.

  Kansas State Research and Extension is committed to delivering educational programs and technical information that result in improved leadership skills that can improve quality of life in communities.

  Kansas 4-H prepares youth to step up to the challenges in their community and the world. 4-H youth get the hands-on real world experience they need to become leaders.

  Students

  Kansas State University, Department of Agriculture Education offers specific information about pursing a degree in agricultural education at Kansas State University. Students can find details about curriculum, faculty advisors and life as a student.

  Fort Hays State University, Agricultural Education gives perspective students a chance to view a curriculum guide and student organization opportunities.

  Kansas Agricultural Education Vacancy Bulletin shows all current secondary, extension and community college positions available for employment.

  Kansas Farm Facts is a reliable reference book on agricultural production, prices, farm income and various other economic data within the state.

  Kansas Farm Bureau is dedicated to Kansas agriculture and provides current news and policy updates that allow individuals to stay current on agriculture happenings.

  United States Department of Agriculture provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues.

   

• Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program

  The Taiwan Agricultural Youth Exchange Program is available for Kansas State University undergraduate students who are interested in agriculture and would like to represent Kansas in a week-long exchange program from November 17-25, 2023.

  Beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year, a bilateral exchange program has been established between Kansas State University and National Chung Hsing University. The program is coordinated by the Kansas Department of Agriculture with the support of Kansas State University and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver. Up to six students will be selected to tour agricultural facilities and businesses in Taiwan, to learn more about Taiwanese agriculture and culture. K-State College of Agriculture will award a $1,000 scholarship to each student selected to participate in the program.

  In order to be eligible to apply, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a currently enrolled undergraduate student in good standing at Kansas State University;
  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Have a strong Kansas agricultural background;
  • Have a valid U.S. passport; and
  • Be able and willing to pay for some airfare costs and meals (approximately $1,000).

  Applications must include:

  • 1. Résumé
  • 2. Copy of front page of valid passport, showing the expiration date
  • 3. Letter of Introduction (include name, full address, email, cell phone number and why you desire to participate in the program)
  • 4. One Letter of Reference (addressed to selections committee, and included in the application packet)
  • 5. Essay about your agriculture background, career aspirations and any previous international experience. Essay should be no more than 500 words.

  Send applications to:
  Dana Ladner
  Kansas Department of Agriculture
  Dana.Ladner@ks.gov
  
  

  For questions contact Dana Ladner, Outreach and Education Program Manager, at Dana.Ladner@ks.gov or 785-564-6660.