AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

For most of us rooted in agriculture, farming has always been cool. But the realities and harshness of farming and ranching haven’t always made what feels cool a career choice or path.

Wanda Patsche, new Farm Camp director, has farmed with her husband near I-90 in southern Minnesota since the 1970s and shares her passion for farming on her blog.

Hunter Kvistad's farm in Yellow Medicine County is the site of a virtual tour on Nov. 22, 2022 –- two days before Thanksgiving -– as part of Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom. Keri Sidle of Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom said the organization has been visiting a turkey farm just before Thanksgiving every year since 2016. Minnesota is the nation's leading turkey producer and the turkey farm is the most popular of the virtual tours. Sidle expects more than 100 elementary classrooms from 12 to 15 states will participate.

Multiple colleges in North Dakota and Minnesota are starting up meat cutting programs to try to help meet a demand for workers. Some of the first North Dakota State College of Science students are interning with a small-town meat locker as part of that program.

JCC FFA team takes sixth place in national Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE contest

The National 4-H Council plans to use the $50 million that writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated to boost training and programming for both adult leaders and for the youth they serve.

For 14 years, NDSU Extension and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Association have teamed up to help North Dakota youth get more involved within the sheep industry.

Event planned at Southwest Research and Outreach Center.

Kernza has been getting some buzz in recent years for its multiple uses as a forage, a grain that can be used in the kitchen, and a plant beneficial to water quality and the environment. Alexandria High School in Minnesota is planting test plots to help its ag students learn more.