Beef in the Classroom Brings Agriculture to Life for Missouri Students

The Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC) is making a lasting impact on education through its Beef in the Classroom program. Developed specifically for Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teachers, this program is helping bring beef into high school classrooms while deepening students’ understanding of where their food comes from and how it fits into a healthy lifestyle.  

At its core, Beef in the Classroom is an educational initiative that allows FACS educators to teach students about beef production using a well-rounded "pasture to plate" curriculum. This curriculum guides students through the entire beef lifecycle—from raising cattle on pasture to processing, preparation, and consumption. The experience not only reinforces key food and nutrition concepts but also brings important agricultural and economic context into the classroom. 

The goal of the grant program is to connect students to the beef industry in a way that’s engaging, practical, and relevant. By giving teachers the tools and resources they need, we’re empowering them to offer a hands-on learning experience that many students wouldn’t otherwise receive. 

To support this initiative, MBIC offers classroom reimbursements of up to $400 per educator, with a maximum of $2 allowed per student. These funds are used by teachers to purchase beef products for classroom demonstrations, cooking labs, and taste-testing activities, making the learning experience not just educational, but memorable. 

So far, this fiscal year, the program has reached nearly 4,200 Missouri students across a wide range of communities. At an average reimbursement cost of just $1.17 per student, the program is not only impactful—it’s cost-effective. Students across Missouri are gaining valuable insight into nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and the role of beef in a balanced diet—all for just pennies on the dollar. 

The Beef in the Classroom curriculum offers adaptable, ready-to-use resources that make it easy for teachers to incorporate beef education into a variety of lesson plans. Lessons often include topics like beef cuts and cooking methods, nutritional benefits of beef, sustainability practices in the beef industry, and budgeting for meals. Teachers are also encouraged to integrate career exploration opportunities within the beef and agriculture sectors, helping students understand the broader economic impact of the industry. 

Feedback from educators has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers appreciate the funding support, but even more, they value the opportunity to provide a meaningful, real-world connection for their students. For many learners, preparing a beef-based recipe in class or discussing the journey of food from the farm to their plate is a brand-new experience that sparks curiosity and appreciation for the agricultural systems that feed the nation. 

“I’m so grateful for the Beef in the Classroom program. It has truly raised awareness of the beef industry, both through the Pasture to Plate presentation and the valuable conversations we’ve had about beef cuts, nutrition, and more,” said Ashley Newberry, FACS teacher at Nixa High School. “I can already see a boost in my students’ confidence when it comes to cooking different cuts of beef now that they’ve had the chance to work with it firsthand.” 

As MBIC looks ahead, it remains committed to supporting education and fostering consumer awareness through partnerships with schools and educators. With thousands of students reached each year, Beef in the Classroom is playing a vital role in building a more informed and appreciative generation—one that understands the value of Missouri’s beef industry from both a nutritional and economic perspective.