The Mission of Utah Agriculture in the Classroom

To improve agricultural literacy by developing programs that increase student awareness about agriculture and instill in students an appreciation for our food and fiber system.

Why should I teach my students about Agriculture?

We all partake of agriculture everyday. Whether it's the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the sheets we sleep on, the medicines we use, or the homes we live in, agriculture is our "connection to life." With only 2 percent of our population producing food and fiber for us all, many of your students have no idea where their food and clothing comes from. Farmers provide an abundance of food products. The American family spends less than 10 percent of its total income on food, the lowest in the world. Economically, American agriculture employs 21 million people or 18.5 percent of the labor force. United States agriculture provides a safe supply of food that frees the rest of us to concentrate on other activities such as medical research, space travel, computer technology, art, music, literature, philosophy, and recreation. Simply put, U.S. agriculture is number one - this is reason enough to educate students about agriculture.

What is Agriculture in the Classroom?

Agriculture in the Classroom is a nationwide program designed to help students develop an awareness and understanding of our food and fiber system, and how agriculture impacts our daily lives. Utah Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) provides training and resources for teachers to use as a vehicle to teach across existing curriculum. Teachers across the state can help to increase agricultural literacy.

How do I teach my students about Agriculture?

Agriculture in the Classroom does not attempt to add anything to the existing school curriculum. Several AITC instructional units have been designed in conjunction with the Utah State Office of Education. Other materials have been created as a resource for teachers to enhance state required subjects. For example, science standards such as plants, animals, soils, heredity, and microorganisms can be taught using agriculture as the vehicle.

Terms of Use

Classroom materials (PDF, PowerPoint files, etc.) and resource information from this website may be reproduced for educational not-for-profit purposes without the written consent of Utah Agriculture in the Classroom provided that the user use the following credit line, "Reproduced with the permission of Utah Agriculture in the Classroom, Utah State University, [online] www.agclassroom.org/ut."

Who supports the Utah Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom?

The Utah Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is a nonprofit organization that receives financial support from interested individuals and organizations. Donate Now!

Utah Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Board of Directors

Officers Leonard M. Blackham, President, Utah Department of Agriculture & Food Aurline Boyack, Vice President, Utah Farm Bureau Federation Lu Arnold, Secretary, Utah Pork Producers Association Kyle R. Stephens, Treasurer, Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Members Dolores Wheeler, Gossner Foods Inc. William "Buddy" Deimler, Ag Education Specialist, USOE Chuck Gay, Associate V.P. Utah State University Extension Leland J. Hogan, Utah Farm Bureau Federation Kevin C. Kesler, University Extension Bruce Miller, Agriculture Systems Technology & Education, Utah State University Staci Strenkert, Utah Association of Conservation Districts Brent Tanner, Utah Cattlemen's Association Karen Koncar, Utah Dairy Commission