2. Agricultural Education- What’s in it for Me?

3. Agriculture Feeds the World b Each American Farmer feeds 131 people b Everyone has a responsibility to know where their Food and Clothing Come from

4. A Wealth of Opportunity!! b According to the USDA, more than 48,000 jobs are available each year in agriculture!!! b In contrast, only 45,675 graduates have expertise in agriculture, an annual shortfall of qualified people

5. Job Opportunities for Students b Today’s agriculture is based on technology, bringing a new level of sophistication to the industry. b Examples: Precision agriculture Biotechnology Meat lower in fat and cholesterol

6. 24.4 percent of the Illinois work force is employed in some phase of agriculture!! 24.4 percent of the Illinois work force is employed in some phase of agriculture!! b More than 250 specific career areas are available. b For example:Marketing, Merchandising and Sales Representatives, Scientists, Engineers, and Related Specialists b Managers and Financial Specialists b Communication and Education Specialists b Social Services professionals b Agricultural Production Specialists

7. It’s not Cows, Sows, and Plows Anymore- b Seven people work in agribusiness for every American farmer b Technical Skills, Communications, and Business Management are key factors in the Agricultural Industry, and in all related industries.

8. Agriculture- The Natural Science b Agriculture is considered an applied science, and qualifies for science credit in schools and for college entrance b Curricula today include hands-on practical concepts that meet state goals for learning in science, math, social studies and language arts, K-12

9. Agriculture- The Natural Science b BSAA and PSAA course curriculum was developed by the University of Illinois as a means of teaching agriculture as an applied science b High school agriculture prepares students to attend the state’s major universities

10. Three Components of a Quality Agricultural Education Program- Classroom Instruction SAE FFA

11. Classroom Instruction b 5 possible approved Pathways Agricultural Business & ManagementAgricultural Business & Management Agricultural Mechanics & TechnologyAgricultural Mechanics & Technology HorticultureHorticulture Agricultural ScienceAgricultural Science Agricultural ResourcesAgricultural Resources

12. Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs (SAE) b Over 40 opportunities for Independent learning to gain business experience, workplace skills, and entrepreneurship

13. FFA- Premier Leadership, Personal Growth, Career Success b An Intra-curricular organization to apply the concepts learned in Agricultural Education Programs b 500,000 members throughout the United States, making it the worlds largest youth organization. b 1.5 Million Dollars in Scholarships Available through the National FFA Scholarship Program

14. Demographics- b Since 1990, Illinois has had an annual increase in enrollment in high school agriculture courses. b Currently, more than 24,000 students are studying agriculture in 302 Illinois high schools, a 51-percent increase in the past 9 years. b Illinois FFA membership currently exceeds 15,000, a 35-percent increase over the past nine years

15. THE INDUSTRY TOO BIG TO IGNORE The Door of Opportunity is Open to YOU!!