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Teachers Learn About Agriculture as These teachers recently completed an intensive week of study at the annual South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation’s (SCFB) Ag in the Classroom Institute in Greenville, SC. Participating teachers also received three hours of graduate credit (good towards their teacher re-certification) from Clemson University. SCFB President David Winkles said, “We’re counting on our state’s teachers to help us educate young consumers about the value of agriculture. Most kids today think that food comes from the grocery store and that clothes come from the mall. If agriculture is to maintain its status as the second largest industry in South Carolina – providing more than 450,000 jobs – we’ve got to help people understand the link between their food, fiber and shelter and the farm. Ag in the Classroom is a tool to help us accomplish that goal.” Teachers heard from agriculture and education experts about topics such as poultry embryology, fertilizers and integrated pest management, and student learning styles. During tours of local farms and agribusinesses, teachers saw cows being milked at Bush River Jersey dairy farm, sampled fresh nectarines, blackberries and figs at Callaham Orchards, watched produce and meats being ordered and shipped to grocery stores at the Bi-Lo distribution warehouse, and learned about beef cattle at Providence Cattle Company. The annual Institute, available to pre-kindergarten through high school certified classroom teachers in SC public or private schools, continues to grow. “We have seen a continuing increase in the number of applications over the past several years,” said Maria Samot, AITC director. “Ag in the Classroom lesson plans are aligned to the South Carolina Standards, and the AITC Institute features hands-on learning as well as exciting tours of the ag industry in our state.” Applications for the summer Institute are mailed to South Carolina schools in March. 2004 Institute sponsors include South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation (SCFB), the AITC Fund, SC Beef Board, Farm Credit Associations of South Carolina, SC Farm Bureau Insurance Companies, SC Pork Board, SC Greenhouse Growers Association, and County Farm Bureaus of Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg and Union. SCFB’s Ag in the Classroom program offers cost-free grade specific lesson plans, related materials and year-round in-service workshops to South Carolina pre-kindergarten through high school teachers, schools and school districts. For more information or to schedule an in-service workshop, contact Ag in the Classroom Director Maria Samot, 1-800-628-4571.
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