Ag Education on the Move captures interest of Missouri’s youth

Educating the next generation about agriculture goes beyond teaching kids where food comes from — it’s about sparking curiosity, building respect, and showing just how much farming shapes our world. Across the United States, programs like 4-H, FFA, Ag in the Classroom, and farm field trips are making agriculture real for students. But Missouri is taking things a step further with a program called Agriculture Education on the Move (AEOTM), and recently, I had the chance to see it in action.

What makes AEOTM unique is that it specifically targets third-grade students across Missouri, bringing agriculture directly into their classrooms in towns and cities from Jefferson City to Clinton. Since it started, AEOTM has reached thousands of students, helping over 10,000 third-graders each year in more than 100 schools learn about the essential role of agriculture in their lives. AEOTM’s curriculum is designed to be both informative and incredibly engaging, covering everything from livestock to crop production.

Some key facts about AEOTM in Missouri:

• Program Reach: Over 10,000 students across Missouri annually
• Schools Involved: More than 100 schools participate each year
• Volunteer and Educator Network: Hundreds of educators and volunteers, including many from FFA, help lead the program
• Core Topics: Lessons cover subjects like beef, corn, soybeans, and soil health

In each classroom I visited, you could feel the excitement the kids had for these lessons. Teachers were thrilled to share how AEOTM has changed the way their students see agriculture.

One teacher in Columbia told me, “You should see their faces when they learn that things like Crayons, marshmallows, and even soaps come from by-products of cattle. They’re amazed!”

Another teacher from Joplin shared, “AEOTM makes it fun to teach agriculture in a way that stays with kids. They remember these lessons because it’s not just talk — they’re actually doing things.”

Each AEOTM lesson focuses on a new topic and makes it come alive in a unique, interactive way. One of the biggest hits with students is Beef Byproduct Bingo. In this game, kids learn about all the surprising products made from cattle by-products. The bingo cards list items like candles, leather, Jell-O, and baseball gloves. Every time they shout “Bingo!” it’s because they’re discovering a new connection to agriculture — one they’ll never forget.

Another popular lesson is all about corn, one of Missouri’s biggest crops. In this activity, kids handle real kernels and cobs, learning everything from planting to harvest. They even play a game where they race to “plant” and “harvest” corn, learning firsthand how much work goes into growing even one crop. The energy in the room during these activities is contagious — each student is actively learning, and they’re loving every second of it.

One thing that makes AEOTM truly impactful is the people behind it. Some of the program’s teachers are agriculture majors or professionals in the field, while others are volunteers, often local FFA members who help lead classes as interns. This mentorship component of AEOTM is invaluable. It allows FFA students to gain real classroom experience, while the younger students benefit from the knowledge and passion of their mentors. An FFA volunteer in St. Louis put it best: “I remember being taught about farming when I was younger, and now I get to pass that on. It’s an awesome feeling.”

Programs like AEOTM don’t just educate — they build community. They connect students, parents, and teachers with local farmers and agricultural professionals, showing them that farming is more than a job; it’s a way of life that touches all of us. These kids leave the program not only with knowledge but also with a newfound respect for the farming community. They see that agriculture isn’t just about fields and animals– it’s part of the clothes they wear, the snacks they eat, and the things they use every day.

Looking forward, AEOTM serves as a model for what agriculture education can be. Reaching students in the classroom, creating a hands-on connection to the land, and offering mentorship and career-building opportunities are what make AEOTM so powerful. Programs like this one don’t just teach kids about farming; they inspire a new generation to see the world of agriculture with fresh eyes. Here’s to hoping AEOTM continues to thrive and that its success inspires similar programs nationwide, planting seeds for a generation that values and understands the role of agriculture in our world.

Michelle Miller, the Farm Babe, is a farmer, public speaker, and writer who has worked for years with row crops, beef cattle, and sheep. She believes education is key in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.