Agriculture Education on the Move: No Summer Slowdown

For many students across Missouri, the final school bell signals the start of summer vacation. For Ag Education on the Move (AEOTM), however, the mission of agricultural education doesn't end when the school year does. 

A valued partner of the Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC), AEOTM has become one of Missouri's leading agricultural literacy programs, reaching third-grade students in more than 65 counties across the state. Through engaging, hands-on lessons, students gain a better understanding of where their food comes from, and the important role agriculture plays in their everyday lives. 

While AEOTM covers agriculture as a whole, the program places a special emphasis on the beef industry. Whether exploring the nutritional benefits of beef, learning how cattle are raised on Missouri farms and ranches, or discovering the many beef by-products found in everyday items, students are introduced to an industry that touches their lives in more ways than they realize. 

For many children, these lessons provide their first meaningful exposure to production agriculture. They help answer questions, challenge misconceptions, and build trust in the farmers and ranchers who work every day to provide safe, wholesome food for families across the country. By helping students understand the care, science, and stewardship behind beef production, AEOTM is moving the needle for the beef industry and strengthening the connection between consumers and those who raise their food. 

Even though most schools are on summer break, AEOTM hasn't slowed down. This summer, the program is delivering educational experiences in 81 summer programs across Missouri, reaching 5,782 students through summer school classes, enrichment programs, and day camps. While many of these opportunities take place through local school districts, AEOTM educators are also connecting with youth through community organizations and camps, ensuring agricultural education remains accessible long after the traditional school year ends. 

During the school year, AEOTM educators typically visit third-grade classrooms once each week over a 10-week period to deliver the full curriculum. Summer schedules, however, require flexibility. Because many summer school programs only last two to four weeks, educators often visit daily or every other day to complete all 10 lessons. Some programs even include two lessons per day over the course of a single week. 

"Our team works to accommodate each school's schedule and approach to summer learning," Heather Flecher, Program Director said. "Every program looks a little different, but we want to make sure students receive the same high-quality experience." 

Helping make that possible is a team of 24 college educators and interns representing seven universities across the state. Many are studying agricultural education and bring both enthusiasm and firsthand agricultural knowledge into every lesson they teach. Beyond delivering curriculum, these interns serve as ambassadors for agriculture, helping students connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences. 

AEOTM also continues its partnership with Missouri FFA chapters during the summer months. This year, Neosho, Republic, Halfway, Clark County, and Troy FFA chapters are helping teach lessons within their local school districts, extending the program's reach while providing leadership opportunities for FFA members. 

The organization's commitment to agricultural literacy extends well beyond summer school classrooms. Throughout the summer, interns visit FFA camps each week to promote the AEOTM educator program and encourage FFA members to become future educators during the school year. These visits help cultivate the next generation of agricultural advocates while strengthening the pipeline of AEOTM educators.

The team has also spent time at 4-H Camp Clover Point, sharing interactive lessons focused on beef, dairy, and soybeans. Additional programming has reached students through Jefferson City Parks and Recreation day camps, YMCA camps, Boys & Girls Club programs, and other enrichment opportunities across the state. 

"We love any opportunity to connect with students during the summer," Heather shared. 

As consumers become increasingly removed from production agriculture, programs like AEOTM play an important role in bridging the gap between the farm and the consumer. By reaching students early and often, the organization helps build a foundation of understanding that can last a lifetime. 

For MBIC, supporting agricultural literacy is an investment in the future of the beef industry. Today's third graders are tomorrow's consumers, community leaders, and decision-makers. Helping them understand the value of beef production and the dedication of Missouri cattle producers today helps strengthen the industry for years to come. 

Summer may bring a different pace and a different classroom setting, but AEOTM remains committed to its mission. Whether in a school cafeteria, an FFA camp, or a recreation center, the message remains clear: agriculture matters, beef matters, and learning never takes a summer vacation. 

Learn more about Agriculture Education on the Move.

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About the Beef Checkoff

The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.