Ag Education on the Move™ invests in the next generation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Third graders across Missouri are discovering how their lives are intertwined with agriculture through Missouri Farmers Care’s Agriculture Education on the Move™ (Ag Moves) this spring. Professional educators and FFA members are leading thousands of Missouri elementary students through the 10-lesson Ag Moves experience to help them make connections to their food, fuel and farmers.

Ag Moves has created an intersection where agriculture literacy and leadership development meet. More than half of elementary students enrolled in Ag Moves are taught by local FFA members. These FFA educators have received state and national recognition for their leadership, education and dedication.

“We’re proud to support programs that invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders and help to bridge the gap between producers and consumers at a young age through this excellent program,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Claudia and I were able to see Ag Education on the Move™ in action. This program empowers FFA leaders across the state to go into elementary classrooms and teach hands-on agriculture lessons. It truly is the next generation teaching the next generation.”

FFA student educators lead an interactive Ag Moves lesson teaching about Missouri’s poultry industry in one of ten Ag Moves lessons.

Through Ag Moves, students are exploring various topics, including crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition and careers in agriculture. The STEM-focused lessons align with Missouri standards in science, math, social studies and language arts.

“Ag Moves connects students to agriculture in a way that’s engaging and memorable,” said Agriculture Education on the Move™ Program Director Heather Fletcher. “At the same time, it gives young educators the opportunity to grow as leaders and communicators. When students understand agriculture and FFA educators gain confidence sharing that story, we’re investing in the future of our communities.”

Each lesson includes hands-on activities, guiding students as they create soybean germination necklaces, make corn plastic, prepare butter, develop feed rations, construct soil profiles and more. Through this curriculum, students gain insights into Missouri farm families and the dedication of farmers and ranchers throughout the year. Curriculum, materials and trained educators are supplied at no cost to participating schools by the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation.

“This program is important in explaining to students where their food comes from and in training the next generation of agriculture leaders through the FFA partners,” said Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “I enjoyed the opportunity to see the Ag Moves program in person and how engaged the students are in learning about Missouri’s diverse agriculture industry.”

A list of elementary schools receiving Ag Moves programming this semester can be found at https://www.agmoves.com/news. In 2025, Ag Moves engaged 13,682 elementary students, reaching one in six Missouri third-grade students across 219 schools in 86 counties. Over 950 FFA members delivered Ag Moves in their communities.

“Agriculture surrounds Missouri students every day, but many don’t realize the role it plays in their lives,” said Missouri Farmers Care Executive Director Ashley McCarty. “Ag Moves helps students connect those dots in a fun and meaningful way, building appreciation for the farmers, ranchers and rural communities that help keep our state strong.”

Ag Moves is funded by Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of over 40 agriculture groups in Missouri. Financial support comes from Missouri soybean farmers and their checkoff, as well as the MFA Oil Foundation, FCS Financial, MFA Incorporated, the Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, The Poultry Federation, Vital Farms, the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board and partners across Missouri agriculture. To learn more or to become a partner, visit www.agmoves.com.

Ag Moves educators leads students through STEM focused lessons and activities connecting students to the agriculture around them.

ABOUT AGRICULTURE EDUCATION ON THE MOVE™ (Ag Moves)

Agriculture Education on the Move™ (Ag Moves) Ag Moves is an educational effort that brings trained educators to the classroom to build agricultural literacy at elementary ages. The 10-week hands-on education program works to increase general understanding of agriculture through interactive educational experiences in the classroom and on the farm. Curriculum, materials and trained educators are supplied at no cost to participating schools by the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation. Visit www.agmoves.com to learn more.

ABOUT MISSOURI FARMERS CARE FOUNDATION

Missouri Farmers Care Foundation enables Missourians to understand the influence and importance of agriculture in their daily lives by serving as the centralized hub of the unified educational programs, awards, and hunger relief efforts of Missouri’s agricultural community. Visit www.MOFarmersCare.com to learn more.

ABOUT MISSOURI FARMERS CARE

Missouri Farmers Care is a joint effort by Missouri’s agriculture community to stand together for the men and women who provide the food and jobs on which our communities depend. The coalition of more than 40 leading Missouri agricultural groups promotes the growth of Missouri agriculture and rural communities through coordinated communication, education and advocacy. Visit www.MOFarmersCare.com to learn more.