Spring is in the air, and you might be thinking it’s time to start your spring cleaning. Getting ready for the summer without all the clutter inside and outside. But have you ever thought about what a beef producer does for their spring cleaning? Perhaps someone washing tractors, working cattle, or updating records and paperwork comes to mind.
Though a beef producer does each of those tasks in the spring, they are also done regularly to keep the beef operation organized. One cleaning task that people overlook is the cleaning of feedlot pens.
When driving your car and you catch the smell of “money” as you drive by cattle that look to be fenced in with a dirt floor, you may wonder, “does it smell like this all the time?” No, not always. Just when the wind blows. 😊
These are feedlots. A feedlot is a one type of livestock housing where cattle are fed for meat production. Cattle start at a feedlot when they are 300-400 pounds. They will be fed in the feedlot until they are around 1,300 pounds, then taken to a harvesting plant. After the cattle are harvested, the product (meat or hide) is sent out to consumers.
Outdoor Lot Cleaning
Yes, beef producers clean the cattle pens twice a week but after some time the dirt gets old at the bottom, and the pens need to be deep cleaned and reformed.
In the outdoor lots the cattle have a small hill they can lay on for a sunny warm nap, use as a windbreak, or a dry spot to lay down and relax as the pen can get muddy from the rain and snow. This hill works for the cattle to stand or lay on, as a dry spot. Over time these hills become smaller because of erosion. Wind, rain and snow all contribute to the hill getting smaller. These lots will need to be built up again for the start of spring and going into summer, fall, and winter. In order for the farmer to do this they need to move all the cattle out of the pen and start cleaning.
Most farmers use a tractor, skid steer, or payloader with a bucket attachment on the front to scoop up all the manure. This manure is either put into a manure spreader to be spread on corn and soybean fields or put into manure storages to be spread later in the year. Farmers spread manure on their fields to recycle. Just like how we recycle cans and paper at home. The manure is used to replenish nutrients in the soil for the crop planted for that year.
The farmer will clean the pen when it’s dry so that he doesn’t get stuck. Once all the manure is removed, the farmer will buy loads of dirt and limestone to rebuild the pen’s base and build up the hill for the cattle to lay on. Limestone (lime) is used in pens as a base for the dirt, just like concrete is used as the foundation of the house. The limestone used in the feedlot has a fine and sandy texture, used to provide a softer ground for the cattle.
Farmers use dirt and lime because it is more comfortable for the cattle to stand and lay down on. Cement is hard on the cattle’s hooves and can cause injury. Dump trucks transport the dirt and lime to the feedlot and the farmer will spread, using a tractor with a bucket attachment, as needed in each lot.
Once the pen is clean with a hill to lay on, the farmer will bring the cattle back to the lot and move on to the next pen.
Hoop Barn Cleaning
In the hoop barns there are normally four pens in one barn with fencing down the middle. The barns have metal hoops with a tarp on top to keep the rain and snow off the cattle. Hoop barns are another way that farmers can feed their cattle. Researchers have experimented with the difference of pens for cattle. They have found that hoop barns are better for the cattle feed conversion or how the cattle are converting the feed to muscle because they don’t need to travel very far for their food, like they would in an outdoor lot.
These pens are cleaned twice a week, and the cattle are put in the back of the barn while the farmer scrapes all the manure out the front. The front half of the barn has level concrete, which is easy for the bucket on the tractor to travel across.
For the summer, the farmer downsizes their cattle and won’t buy more until the deep cleaning is done. With fewer cattle in the barn, it is easier for the farmer to clean out all the manure.
Just like the outdoor lots, the farmer will have to add more dirt and lime in the back of the pen to help rebuild the bottom, so the cattle are not walking into holes or uneven ground. Then he will put lots of new corn stalk bales as bedding, for the new cattle that will be moving in.
Now that you’ve learned about how beef cattle farmers do some of their spring cleaning. Your spring cleaning should sound easy right?
-Cecelia Rowe Dallas Center-Grimes High School Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation School-To-Work Student
What is the greenest crop in Iowa? You might say clover, corn, or grass but it is actually Evergreen trees. These trees are green year-round while those other species are harvested or go dormant during the winter months.
Iowa’s Christmas Tree Varieties
White Pine, Scotch Pine, Concolor Fir, Canaan Fir, Fraser Fir, and Blue Spruce are the six varieties of Evergreen trees that are grown in Iowa. These varieties are known for being able to withstand bitter winters and hot summers that Iowa experiences. The varying soil types and pH are other characteristics that these species are able to endure in Iowa’s region.
Fraser Fir Tree
Tree Disposal
During the holiday season, real Christmas trees are a popular item! Many people talk about how to care for them, but how do you properly dispose of these trees?
Many consumers may believe that the landfill is the best place to dispose of used Christmas trees, but that is not true. The use of landfills for removal of the Evergreen trees can cause many problems for the disposal site. Dead Evergreen trees are highly flammable and can cause fires in landfills. Christmas trees also take up space in these sites. Both of these problems are serious, but decomposition time is another complication. Evergreen trees take longer to break down in a landfill than in other environments.
Blue Spruce Tree
Since Christmas trees are biodegradable, there are a few environmentally beneficial ways to dispose of them. The first way is to have your tree grinded into mulch. Other than being a great way to recycle, mulch is a great way to protect the soil and insulate flowerbeds, gardens, and other areas from the harsh winter conditions. Mulch also decomposes and can add nutrients back into the soil while doing so. Another way to dispose of your Christmas tree is by placing it at the bottom of a private fishpond. You must have permission prior to transferring the tree to the pond. The tree can also provide a place for species to call home and can elevate the complexity of the pond’s ecosystem.
Christmas trees are great additions to our agroecosystem in many ways. Make proper disposal another benefit this year!
In our rapidly evolving world, providing students with a foundational understanding of agriculture takes on a vital role. Beyond cultivating an appreciation for their food sources, agriculture literacy equips young minds with a diverse array of skills and provides a deeper connection to the environment and community that surrounds them. Agriculture is also one of the topics that students can easily connect to because they can apply concepts being learned. From the food we eat, clothes we wear, and even the fuel that powers the cars and busses we ride in, the resources for these materials come from plants and animals grown on the farm. Agriculture themes provide perfect real-world connections to STEM and make learning relevant to students.
Here are just a few reasons it’s important to teach agriculture literacy.
Food Awareness. Teaching students about agriculture helps them better understand where their food comes from, which fosters a deeper appreciation for the sources of their nutrition.
Health and Nutrition. It connects students with fresh, locally grown produce and emphasizes the nutritional value of different foods.
Interdisciplinary Learning. Agriculture involves elements of science, technology, engineering, math, social studies, and even art. Teaching it offers cross-disciplinary learning opportunities.
Critical Thinking. Students can explore complex systems and challenges such as crop rotation, pest control, and soil health.
Career Opportunities. It introduces students to potential career paths in farming, agribusiness, research, food science, and more, broadening their future prospects.
Economic Impact. Agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy. Teaching students about it helps them grasp its importance in local and global economies.
Problem Solving. Agricultural challenges like climate change, food security, and resource scarcity require innovative solutions. Teaching about agriculture encourages creative and problem-solving thinking and skills.
Hands-on Learning. Agriculture education often involves practical, hands-on experiences like gardening, which can engage students in active learning and foster a sense of responsibility.
Sustainability. It instills an understanding of sustainable farming practices, promoting responsible use of resources and conservation.
Future Challenges. As the world faces challenges related to food production, and population growth (among others), informed citizens with agricultural knowledge can contribute to informed discussions and decisions.
Want to connect your classroom to agriculture learning for the new school year? Here are a few ideas for the upcoming fall months to help tie-in to agriculture.
Be sure to also check out our 2023-2024 School Programs Calendar! It includes information and deadlines for our various teacher and student programs throughout the year.
Please reach out to anyone on the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation team to learn more about how you can easily incorporate agriculture into your classroom or how you can fund agriculture in the classroom efforts throughout Iowa or locally.
The Iowa crew at the 2023 National Ag in the Classroom Conference, Orlando, Fla.
One of my favorite parts of summer is going to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. This conference is held each year towards the end of June, and it brings together a group of educators that have a common passion, agriculture literacy. As a national conference the location travels around the U.S., and this year the conference was in Florida. Throughout the conference we were encouraged to “Go Beyond the Beaches” and explore Florida agriculture. I was ecstatic! I had only been to Florida when I was in 1st grade, and most of what I saw was from a semi-cab.
The conference was three days in length. The first day included breakout sessions and traveling workshops, and the other two days were filled with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking. Breakout sessions are a great way to share new information, ideas, activities, and to network. I always leave a breakout session learning something new. Below I discuss three sessions that I attended and new resources that I gained.
The Big Deal About Big Ag
Profile cards students use to compare farms.
Have you been in a conversation where someone says, “there really are no family farms anymore”, or “small farms are a thing of the past”? Or have you ever caught yourself saying, “industrial agriculture” or “big ag”? These phrases are often used to describe agriculture today. However, the use of these phrases poses a misnomer on agriculture. Family describes the ownership of a farm, where small describes the size of a farm which is determined by gross cash farm income (GCFI). In the session, led by Andrea Gardner, we tackled these questions and concepts engaging in a new high school lesson on the Curriculum Matrix, The Big Deal About Big Ag. Through this lesson, students gather a deeper understanding of the difference between a small farm and big farm, what family-owned means, and how technological advances and economic forces influence the size of farms. I could see using this activity in a high school, or even middle school, social studies course as it prompts good discussion and higher order thinking.
What do Ogres and Onions Have in Common?
Confession, I originally went to this session because I love, and I mean LOVE, onions. When I saw a session sharing information and resources covering this commodity, I could not pass it up, and I was not disappointed. This session discussed the Vidalia Sweet Onion which is the official state vegetable of Georgia. For an onion to be a Vidalia onion it must be grown in one of 13 counties in Georgia and packaged during the “Pack Date” set by the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner.
The sweet history of this onion dates back to the Great Depression when farmers in the Toombs County area were looking for a new cash crop. They planted onions and were surprised that they grew sweet rather than hot. Moses Coleman was one of the Vidalia onion pioneers that led to the mass production and distribution of the onion across the U.S. through his entrepreneurship in farmers markets and grocery stores. However, entrepreneurship can only go so far. Advancements in refrigeration technology improved storage of this onion, increasing storage time up to six months! Today we can enjoy Vidalia season from April-August.
The information from this session, presented by Cheryl Poppell and Riley Wimberly, got me thinking of new ways to incorporate onions into the classroom. I could see incorporating activities that encourage students to investigate how soil impacts onion flavor, the impacts the onion has on the economy, or even how policy affects agriculture rolled around in my head. To learn more about the Vidalia Sweet Onion and how you might connect it to your classroom visit Georgia Ag in the Classroom’s Onions Have Layers Lesson Plans.
Ag Literacy Book Tasting
There are many books available students can read, but how do you help students choose while providing them opportunity? Just like eating, students have a preference over book topics or genres. Sometimes reading about food and its impacts on our daily lives may not be at the top of the reading “menu” for students, which means students miss out on a story they could enjoy. Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom director, Sarah Kaper, shared about the impacts an Ag Book Tasting event can have on what students read. Hosting an Ag Book Tasting provides students a sample of a book and invites them to explore ag-themed books they want to read instead of being assigned a book.
To host an Ag Book Tasting it’s important to provide a range of books and styles as well as books that portray agriculture accurately. Many books tell stories and use images that show an antiquated view of agriculture such as someone milking a cow by hand into a steel pail. Though these books allow students to learn about what agriculture used to look like, if they only experience agriculture books that show antiquated ideas and concepts, they may generalize the genre and become turned off. Instead, it’s important to show a variety of agriculture books, including ones that portray current agriculture technology and share stories of innovation. Students get excited about robots, conservation, and books that make them think!
Setting the scene is another important part of an Ag Book Tasting. Set books at different tables (much like stations) and use a note sheet that follows the theme of a menu. On the menu card students record information about the book including title, author, agriculture topic, whether the cover grabs their eye, if they would read it why/why not, and they finally rate the book. During the tasting students will:
Look at the title
Look at the front and back cover
Look at the inside flap or Table of Contents
Look at the font type and illustration
Read the first 5-10 pages (age dependent)
Kaper suggests that a 30-minute book tasting is ideal and outlined a suggested schedule that allows students to move from book to book while providing time for them to reflect:
It may be nerve-wracking to apply to host a breakout session at a conference, but if you have an idea that you want to share with others, it’s a great time and experience! Next year’s national conference will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, and they are currently accepting applications until October 6, 2023.
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean the learning has stopped. Not only have we been busy teaching all about agriculture, but we’ve been busy learning too! Between school programs, conferences, teacher programs, and summer workshops we’ve had the chance to meet a lot of people across Iowa and even the United States!
Student Programs
The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) participates in a variety of events throughout the year from field days to ag safety days and everything in-between. This spring and summer are no different and we have been busy teaching students about all types of agriculture.
Linn County Ag in the Park
Students at Linn County Ag in the Park making seed germination necklaces.
We kicked off our spring programs at Linn County Ag in the Park. Students created seed germination necklaces with water beads and corn and soybean seed inside of them. The water from the water beads and heat from your body as you wear the necklace allow the seeds to germinate. The clear bag allows students to watch the difference between corn and soybeans as they germinate. This was my first event with IALF. It was a long and fast paced day, but it was a lot of fun. We were able to see more than 600 students and teach them about seed germination.
Clay County Stem Bash
Students jump rope as a part of the relay race in the activity Sun, to Moo, to You.
The Clay County Stem Bash is an event held by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and 4-H Youth Development at the Clay County Fairgrounds. The STEM Bash hosted more than 200 4th graders and a variety of booths where students learned about what energy is, where energy comes from and how to conserve energy. The day was focused on providing hands-on activities that aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards for 4th grade. During IALF’s activity at the Clay County Stem Bash students learned about energy systems and how energy moves through food webs. They modeled transfer of energy by passing a beachball around in a circle and by bouncing the ball to each other. Using their newfound knowledge, students participated in a relay race where they were challenged to put an energy system in order as a part of the activity Sun, to Moo, to You. My favorite part of this event was having conversations with students about how energy systems aren’t always a straight line, but a web where energy is transferred back and forth between objects.
Nevada Public Library Teen Club
In Nevada, we visited their teen club after school program at the public library and did an activity about grapes and jelly. Students were challenged to taste four different grape juices, choose their favorites, and engineer a grape jelly. The portion of the activity where students created a recipe for their jelly challenged them to discuss their opinions in a group setting and add fractions to create one cup of juice in total. This was my first time going to an event with upper middle and high school students. This was a great experience for me to have as I am hoping to become a high school agriculture teacher after graduation.
Iowa Children’s Water Festival
Cover crop monster
The Iowa Children’s Water Festival is an event that more than 2,000 5th grade students participate in annually. The students play games, visit exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and more to learn about the importance of water in their daily lives. This was the first event that our newest team member, Alex, was able to attend. We also partnered with Gretchen Volga from Central Iowa Agriculture in the Classroom. During the festival, students learned about water, how it is used in agriculture, and why it is so important to conserve water through Journey 2050 programming. Students also created their own cover crop monsters to demonstrate one way to conserve water. Although it wasn’t a planned part of the lesson, it was fun to be able to watch the students decorate their monsters and give them all their own unique personality!
Grant Ragan Elementary School Field Day
Students explaining the similarities between the pictures of a cow, bull and calf.
Our most recent student program this spring was the Grant Ragan Elementary School Field Day. For this program, IALF partnered with Dallas County AITC coordinator, Jamie Champion. Students learned about different cattle breeds and how genetics influence both looks and behavior. After learning about genetics, the students were challenged to correctly group themselves into breeds based on pictures of bulls, cows, and calves. This was a new activity we tried at this event. With it being an outdoor field day, we had the opportunity to set up a mock pasture where students pretended to be a herd of cattle by mooing, exploring, and some even wandered by the fence line to see if they could escape. When I asked them why they were trying to escape they told me it’s because their grandparents’ cows always try and find ways to get out and they were acting like the cows they’ve seen.
Conferences and Teacher Programs
In addition to educating students on agriculture through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, we also provide those resources to educators across the state. Some of the ways we interact with educators is through conferences and teacher programs.
University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Science Education Update Conference
Attending the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Science Education Update Conference allowed us to share our various resources with current science educators and future educators who are currently in teacher programs. We hosted a session about the science and STEM of Iowa’s grape industry where educators learned about what makes Iowa’s grapes special using the lessons Grapes Here and There. It was great to be able to connect with other future educators and possibly future colleagues.
Waukee Plant the Seed Day
At the Waukee Plant the Seed Day teacher event, we shared our resources with educators in the Waukee Community School District. We connected with teachers from all grade levels and shared how our resources connect to Iowa Core Standards. This was also a great opportunity for me to be able to talk to Cindy Snell, the 2023 Iowa Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award. As an aspiring future agriculture educator, I was able to talk to her about her experiences in the classroom.
Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom: Making the Connection Agriculture Literacy Conference
Cathryn Carney presenting about agriculture safety.
IALF was invited to attend this conference where farmers, educators, and professionals came together to exchange tools about how to help students and consumers understand how agriculture impacts their daily lives. At the conference, Cathryn hosted a breakout session about agriculture safety days. Although only two percent of the nation is currently involved in production agriculture, many people may encounter agriculture more than they think. Whether it’s visiting a fair and seeing animals or sharing a road with farm equipment, it is vital that people know how to act safely. The session took a closer look at our How-To Guide for Ag Safety Days and gave participants the resources to plan a successful agriculture safety day.
Iowa Reading Association and Association of Iowa School Librarians Literacy Conference
Participants exploring a timeline of Iowa’s agriculture in issue 4 of our Iowa Ag Today.
This summer, we attended the Iowa Reading Association and Association of Iowa School Librarians Literacy Conference and had the opportunity to connect with teachers, librarians, university professors, district coordinators, Area Education Agency (AEA) curriculum consultants, and other exhibitors from throughout Iowa. IALF attended to share our resources as an exhibitor as well as lead a session about our Iowa Ag Today student readers. The activity introduced educators to our Iowa Ag Today readers as they engaged in an activity that accompanied them.
New Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator Workshop
New AITC Coordinators rotating through station of various activities they can do with students.
Our conferences and teacher programs aren’t for just educators who are in the classroom daily. This spring we had our first New Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator Workshop. Agriculture in the Classroom is a program that allows educators to visit classrooms with fun and engaging activities to educate students about agriculture. The classroom visits range from teaching about agriculture safety to hands-on activities like hatching chicks and everything in-between. This workshop was for new coordinators across the state to provide them with the resources they need to run successful programs and create strong connections between students and agriculture. During this workshop, Ag in the Classroom Coordinators set program goals, practiced data collection, engaged in agriculture activities, and networked with other coordinators from across the state. Each Agriculture in the Classroom Program is tailored to fit that area’s needs, and this workshop provided the new coordinators with a variety of resources to build the best possible program for their area.
National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference
Iowa attendees at the National Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Orlando, Fla.
IALF team members having fun in the photo booth at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference
We have also been busy learning this summer! Some of our team members traveled to Orlando, Fla., for the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. In total there were 14 attendees from Iowa including Agriculture in the Classroom Educators, teachers, Iowa State University Extension representatives and IALF staff members. At this conference they experienced Florida’s agriculture, explored new resources and activities, and networked with agriculture educators from across the country. Cindy Snell, the recipient of the Iowa Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award was also recognized at an awards luncheon at the conference.
Coming Up: Find us at the Fair
Hiccup the Wonder Pig Book Cover
It’s been a busy summer but were not done yet. On Friday, August 11 at 10 a.m. we will host an activity at the Blue-Ribbon Kids Club Fun Forest Stage. There will be an interactive obstacle course reading of our book, Hiccup the Wonder Pig. Not only will the student author of the book be there, but the Iowa Pork Queen will also be there signing copies and representing Iowa’s pork industry.
Overall, this spring and summer have been incredibly busy but also rewarding. I’ve had the chance to network with educators across the state, share our resources, educate students about agriculture, and visit parts of Iowa I had never seen before.
AITC and IALF representatives accept the Leadership in Agriculture Education award from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig at the IDALS Annual Agriculture Leaders Dinner.
They say “if you eat, you are involved in agriculture.” Agriculture provides food for our dinner plates, fiber for our clothing, and fuel for our vehicles – things all of us use every day. Everyone is touched in some way by agriculture so it’s essential for all people to have an awareness and understanding of agriculture. The Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) network of educators and volunteers work every day to ensure that Iowa students become knowledgeable about agriculture and its impact on their everyday life. Recently, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) recognized the AITC network, including the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) with the Leadership in Agriculture Education award at the IDALS Annual Agriculture Leaders Dinner for their efforts. So, how does IALF and the AITC network engage students about agriculture in their classrooms?
Reaching students by providing teachers with agricultural resources AITC, which is part of a nationwide network, educates Iowa Pre-K through high school students about all aspects of agriculture. The Iowa AITC network works with approximately 3,000 teachers to reach more than 150,000 Iowa students across hundreds of Iowa schools.
IALF and the AITC network provide teachers with educational resources such as lesson plans and student reader publications that are aligned to core standards they can easily implement in their classrooms through core subjects such as math, social studies, language arts, and science. Local AITC coordinators regularly go into classrooms to conduct classroom agriculture programming tied to core subjects. Many Iowa students see first-hand animal lifecycles such as chickens hatching in their classrooms, have the opportunity to grow their own cover crops through cover crop monsters, and learn about plant lifecycles through gardening and hydroponics exercises.
Students are also exposed to agriculture through Ag Days, STEM Festivals, county fairs, and other community events throughout the year in an effort to continue to highlight the importance of agriculture for students and their families.
Middle school students learn about crops and livestock through IALF’s Iowa Ag Today publication.
IALF supports statewide Ag in the Classroom efforts IALF is uniquely positioned as the central, statewide resource for educators and volunteers who want to teach Iowa’s students about agriculture. Resources provided include:
lesson plans tied to Iowa Core standards
two-day teacher professional development workshops with in-classroom learning and field trips to local agribusiness sites for enhanced learning
online teacher professional development offerings
grants to teachers to bring agriculture programming to local classrooms
a lending library of agriculturally accurate and relevant materials
elementary and middle school student publications
IALF annually honors a local teacher to recognize their work in bringing agriculture into the classroom in an engaging way. That teacher receives a trip to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference with the chance to learn more about teaching agriculture as well as be recognized as a state winner. IALF also offers unique student competitions such as High Steaks! Beef Marketing Competition and Bushel of Stories writing competition as a way to engage students in fun, learning opportunities about agriculture. You might also see IALF at one of your local STEM Festivals, or county/community events through our many outreach efforts.
Providing these centralized resources means that local Ag in the Classroom coordinators and volunteers can spend more time in the classroom versus developing materials on their own, and it ensures a cohesive effort for agriculturally relevant and accurate information. IALF serves the Iowa AITC network by providing training and creating programming and resources they can offer to students and educators in their area that includes not only integrating production agriculture into core classroom standards, but also is inclusive of the entire value chain of agriculture including research, food processing, food sales, marketing and consumer nutrition.
Jordan Creek Elementary School Fourth Graders watch Bill Northey, Iowa’s former Secretary of Agriculture, as he spoke to them about activities on his Spirit Lake farm via FarmChat. Watch that FarmChat series video 1, video 2, video 3.
Get involved in your local AITC programs! “One question we often receive is how can Ag industry leaders like farmers, commodity experts, and Ag education advocates support or get involved in agriculture in the classroom efforts,” said Kelly Foss, IALF Executive Director. “There are many ways you can get involved! Donate to agriculture in the classroom efforts to support the development and distribution of agriculture resources. Contact your local AITC coordinator to see what programs they’re offering in schools and how you can help. Consider hosting school FarmChats or site visits on your farm/agribusiness for your local school. Purchase the specialty license plates offered through the Iowa Department of Transportation that support 4-H, FFA, and IALF for your personal or company fleet vehicles.” We invite you to learn more about IALF resources and how to Support Iowa Agriculture Literacy efforts across the state.
Morgan Hibbs, Linn County AITC Coordinator, presents an ag in the classroom program to young students.
Iowa’s future depends on students’ continued interest in agriculture Learning about agriculture can be a valuable way of inspiring interest in agriculture and developing curiosity to learn more. With consistent real-life connections students become more engaged with agricultural concepts which may lead them to pursue higher level agriculture-based education and future careers in agriculture. With one in five Iowa jobs tied to agriculture, it’s vital for the future of the state to have students who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture and citizens who understand the importance of agriculture in their lives.
Continuing to elevate the importance of agriculturally literate citizens will require collaborative support from Ag industry leaders, community advocates, educators, and everyone in agriculture working together to support and boost efforts to teach our youngest Iowans, throughout their life, about the ways agriculture impacts their daily lives.
Thank you and congratulations to the AITC network of educators and volunteers across Iowa for leading the way.Read more about the Leadership in Agriculture Education award, and watch the video highlight.
Elementary student reads about farming through IALF’s My Family Farm book series.
Iowa teachers Pre-K through high school are supported through IALF to implement agriculture-focused learning in their classroom through teacher grants.
Hello! My name is Alyson McCarty and I am the new Education Programs Intern for this upcoming year.
I was born and raised in Connecticut along the coastline of Long Island Sound. During my high school career, I had the amazing opportunity to volunteer at our local zoo. That program allowed me to spend my summers learning about a variety of animals and the care they require as well as educating visitors on the animals at the zoo. Getting to work hands-on with some of the animals was a major stepping stone in my future goals and passion for animals.
I am currently in my third year at Iowa State University where I am double majoring in Agricultural Education and Animal Ecology. At Iowa State I am currently a member of the Student Admissions Representatives (STARS) and give bi-weekly tours to prospective students and families. Additionally, I am a member of the Dairy Science Club and serve on multiple committees within the club.
My future career goals are to one day become an Agriculture Educator and run a successful agriculture program at the high school level. Having grown up without a strong agricultural background I was able to experience the positive impacts that learning about agriculture can have on someone. I hope to one day be able to pass my newfound passion for agriculture to the next generation.
I am excited to begin my journey in Agricultural Education and assist in showing the importance of agriculture in our world. I am also excited to begin creating connections with both students and educators from around Iowa. I am excited for the experiences I will gain in this next year and the connections I will make along the way.
Fun fact about me: While at the zoo I was able to help catch and tag geese to be able to track them.
Favorite thing at Iowa State: Making ice cream with the Dairy Science Club on Fridays
When farmers today want to plant their crop fields, they buy seeds. Was this always the case? Why do they buy seeds? Is there something special about the seeds they buy? Let’s walk through it together!
Historical Seed Sources
Let’s go way back to the beginning. Farming began as a practice in the Neolithic Era when people started collecting seeds from plants they were gathering, and purposefully put them in specific areas. This kept people more grounded in one location, and made their food supply more controllable. This process of harvesting what you need to use and then setting aside extra to plant the next year became common for centuries. Some people still do this today! Have you ever kept a couple extra potatoes from the bottom of your potato bag to plant in your garden in the spring? You have, too!
When collecting seed from crops was the main practice, farmers would keep seeds from specific crops that did well. A good example of this is corn. The native crop, teosinte, had extremely small ears with very tough and difficult-to-use kernels. Indigenous folks in teosinte’s native region slowly and purposefully kept (selected) seeds from teosinte that were from desirable plants that offered improved traits such as larger ears and easier-to-use kernels. This process of artificial selection brought us early corn!
In the 20th century, a new phenomenon was starting to be harnessed in the world of crops: hybrid vigor. This concept basically means that when you take two varieties of one species and breed them together, the offspring performs better than either parent would suggest. For example, if you crossbreed a breed of dog that commonly has joint issues with a breed of dog that commonly has breathing issues, the offspring may be larger and healthier than both parents. The same concept works with livestock and crops!
Here in Iowa, one of the pioneers of this concept was Henry A. Wallace. He went on to found a hybrid corn seed company that eventually became Pioneer Hi-Bred, now Corteva Agriscience.
Ok, so hybrid crops became more commonplace because they outperformed other open-pollinated varieties that folks were collecting from their own farm. But then why didn’t the farmers keep the seeds from the first year hybrid crop yield? Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work like that.
What makes hybrid crops so interesting is that they’re so uniform. We know what parent A and parent B are, so we know what their offspring will be. But when the first generation open-pollinates itself, the offspring are much less uniform. It’s not that the seeds won’t grow or that the plants are sterile, it’s more that you have lost that initial hybrid vigor of breeding two different varieties together. In a crop field, this could look like corn plants of many different heights or different abilities to fight off disease. The crop field could simply end up less uniform.
The chart to the right can help illustrate this. The first generation (F1) has a predictable genetic makeup (genotype) as well as predictable physical characteristics (phenotype). However, if it were to self-pollinate, its offspring (F2 generation) would be much less predictable due to the variety in its genetic background.
Does Genetic Engineering Have Anything To Do With This?
Yes and no.
Genetic engineering isn’t a term that’s really regulated, but you could call it the scientific intervention of a plant on a DNA level instead of at the plant level (like with cross-breeding). There have been different ways that this can be done, but essentially a plant breeder will be able to isolate a gene that is either good or bad for a plant and add, delete, or shut off the expression of that gene.
Having the ability to change specific genes can increase the development of a plant’s trait. For example, if there is one specific variety of corn that has poor yield, but is more drought resistant, scientists can identify and isolate that trait to incorporate into a variety that has better performance. This leads to a better-performing crop with improved drought resistance and none of the negative attributes from the parent plant.
Now, if a parent crop has engineered traits, its offspring will have those same traits. However, many engineered traits in crop seeds are copyrighted material, making it illegal to use without permission. These technologies, the research involved, and even down to the time it takes to go through regulations, is a very lengthy and expensive process. For that reason, legally, if using genetically engineered crops, you do need to purchase new seed each year.
But in addition to that, most, if not all, crop seed varieties that are genetically engineered (GE) are also hybrid, meaning that even if the offspring does have the GE trait, it wouldn’t perform as uniformly as the initial seed once did.
So, in short, GE traits would be passed down to future generations, but those traits must be used with permission, and also that offspring wouldn’t perform as desired anyway.
Is this true for all crops?
Partially yes, partially no!
The rules for GE crop seed would hold true to all GE crop seeds (unless the patent was forfeited to be used for humanitarian needs, like golden rice). However, there is a pretty limited amount of GE crops on the market right now. Farmers that produce corn, soybeans, and cotton will likely purchase hybrid, GE crop seed each year.
However, with the new boom of cover crops, more farmers are keeping seed from their last year’s cover crops to seed the field next year. When farmers do this, they will often call the seed bin-run. Cover crops in Iowa might be plants like rye. The goal of this rye crop isn’t necessarily to have the best rye crop or the most uniform rye crop, it’s to protect the soil. So, saving money by keeping some seed back can make sense for some producers!
Virginia Hanson, Agriculture Communications Associate Professor at Iowa State University
Virginia Hanson, an Agriculture Communications Associate Teaching Professor at Iowa State University, was raised on a multi-generational dairy farm in Walton, New York. After graduating high school, she continued her education in college where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s of English. Hanson taught grade school before advancing her career to the community college level. While instructing community college, Hanson enjoyed helping her students determine where they were academically and help them obtain new goals. After teaching at the community college level, Hanson decided to maneuver her career into agriculture communications due to the opportunity to continually learn new science. When applying for the new position, there was a full circle feeling due to her background and summer break jobs in extension.
Positions that helped Hanson reach her current job are teaching in both grade school and community colleges and being involved in community activities. The background in teaching aligned with what the agriculture communications department was lacking at the time of her hiring. Community events such as on a board involved in food cooperative and community gardens allowed her to hear what people were concerned about related to the agriculture industry. Hanson is on her way to becoming a professor, but the process has many roles and requirements that must be fulfilled.
Hanson’s day-to-day is flexible which allows her to be a mom at the same time. There are days that are completely spent in the classroom and others where she is answering emails or meeting with advisees. Meetings are a regular occurrence throughout the year as she represents the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences staff in the faculty senate. She regularly meets with the Dean and the chairs from all colleges with Iowa State University. Similar to other educators, she spends time grading assignments and writing letters of recommendation. She also serves as the advisor for the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow club. Hanson enjoys how intertwined her work and personal life have become. This allows her to grade assignments at home or leave work early to go to her kid’s sports game. Hanson’s favorite part of being an Associate Teaching Professor is “walking into a classroom of 25 new faces and telling myself, ‘This semester is going to be better than last.'”
Iowa State University Curtiss Hall. Photo courtesy of Iowa State University
Qualities that are important to become a college professor are being satisfied with not always knowing the outcome. Hanson has taught a class at Iowa State 33 times, and she doesn’t hear back from the majority of those students. Not knowing if the subjects taught made a difference in the student’s life is difficult as there is no measurable or tangible aspect after the course concludes. Another skill that is important in this field is the ability to listen. There are many students that just want someone to be there and listen when they need it most.
Some classroom subjects that apply to becoming a professor in agriculture communications is English and Science. English is the basis of communication, whether written articles, oral skills, working with groups of people, or engaging with others around you. These aspects are all important in the field and years of English preparation can relate to beneficial skills in the field. Science is an important factor in agriculture communications, but most can learn these topics much faster.
Hanson’s biggest accomplishment is working to make agriculture communications a stand-alone major, at Iowa State University. Currently agriculture communication is an option under another degree. Hanson believes this major will grow the program’s numbers significantly. There has been progress with other colleges to start certificate programs that will transfer to the degree requirements. “All we need is the name Agricultural Communications as a major. We have the club, we have the students, we’ve got the professors, we’ve got the courses,” stated Hanson. The greatest challenge professors are currently facing is how divided our world has become with stances on various issues. Working to bridge the gap and help people learn more about agriculture is something Hanson is striving to do.
Hanson’s advice to students interested in this field is to start out being a tutor to see if those aspects still interest you. Another way is taking college education courses throughout different areas, such as early childhood, middle or high school, or college. Reaching out to current teachers in various areas about what they do and why they chose the field could also be a great way to start. Agriculture communications is everchanging as agriculture never stops innovating and communication platforms are ever evolving.
October in National Pork Month, or as some call it ‘Porktober.’ It’s a great opportunity to celebrate one of our state’s highest exports – pork. Iowa is the number one pork-producing state in the U.S. and the top state for pork exports, according to the Iowa Pork Producers Association. Annually, farmers in our state raise nearly 24 million pigs at any one time. That means nearly one-third of the nation’s hogs are raised in Iowa.
Pork Nutrition Facts
Source: Canadian Pork Council
Pork is packed with nutrition. The Institute of Medicine suggests that about 10-35 percent of your day’s total daily calories should come from protein; and of that protein, they recommend about 20-30 grams per meal to help maintain muscle mass and function. Pork is packed full of protein plus many of the nutrients our bodies need to function. It contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for your body’s growth and maintenance.
Watching your heart health? Today’s pork has about 16 percent less fat and 27 percent less saturated fat as compared to 30 years ago. Pork tenderloin and pork sirloin roast meet the criteria for the American Heart Association Heart Checkmark, which means they contain less than five grams of fat, two grams or less of saturated fat, and 480 milligrams or less of sodium per label serving. Pork is packed with protein, making it easy to include in a balanced diet.
How much protein is in pork?
Source: National Pork Board
Which cut of pork should you choose?
You understand the benefit of adding pork to your diet but what cut of pork should you choose? There are many different types of pork cuts available.
Cuts of pork
Pork tenderloin – This savory cut is as lean as boneless, skinless chicken breast. Pork chops – Pork chops are the most popular cut of pork. Pork ribs – There are many kinds of pork ribs from back ribs to rip tips. Pork loin roast – These are sold either bone-in or deboned. Pork shoulder – This cut goes by many names in the grocery store – picnic roast, blade roast, and more. Ground pork – Ground pork is a versatile choice that soaks up any flavor you add to it. Bacon – The versatility of bacon makes it a good choice for many recipes. Ham – Whether it’s in a sandwich or the main dish for a holiday, ham offers a tasty choice for any meal. Pork belly – Pork belly is from the underside after the loin and spareribs are removed. Pork rib roast – This is also referred to as a rack of pork or cut pork loin. This type contains more fat, which makes it flavorful. Pork steak – These are quick-cooking, popular cuts perfect for grilling. Sausage – Sausage is seasoned ground pork and comes from a variety of cuts.
Time to eat! Easy Pulled Pork Recipe
Source: Iowa Pork Producers Association
One of my family’s favorite pork recipes is an easy, quick meal for busy school nights – pulled pork sandwiches. We enjoy this recipe from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
Ingredients
1 – 4-5 lb pork shoulder
Pork seasoning/rub of choice
½ cup chicken broth
1 – 12 oz can cola
½ – 1 cup barbeque sauce
Directions
Remove pork shoulder from the package. Liberally season with your favorite rub. Place in the slow cooker.
Pour the chicken broth and the cola over the pork.
Cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 5-6 hours) or until the pork is tender and easy to pull.
Remove the shoulder from the slow cooker and shred the meat. Stir in barbeque sauce of choice and enjoy alone or on a bun.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association has a new curriculum to help teachers educate their students about agriculture, specifically the swine industry. Through Destination Pork, students can gain a deeper understanding of the industry, its many opportunities, and how they can further career options. It’s great for general agriculture or animal science study. Access the free curriculum on the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence website.
Iowa Agriculture Literacy 