1. Introduction to Agricultural Science Teaching
Ag Advocacy
Introduction to Agricultural Science Teaching
Katherine Goss, Jennifer Elihan, Ashley Cline

3. Objectives of Ag Advocacy
To promote the agriculture industry on all levels, from local to the state level.
To educate the consumer and general public about the importance and value of the agriculture industry.
To promote the principles of agriculture such as: biotechnology, soil stewardship,resource management, economic and environmental benefits as well as the humane principles of sound livestock production and management.
To prepare students to promote agriculture in a professional and effective manner through essential communication and presentation skills.

4. Why Participate in Ag Advocacy?
Ag Advocacy is designed to inform the general public and consumers about the importance and value of the agriculture industry and how agriculture impacts human lives.
Students are able to pick any theme/topic they choose as long as they are advocating for agriculture.

5. How to participate in Ag Advocacy
Form a team consisting of 3 to 5 members
Choose a topic relating to any agricultural field
Design props, skits, or other creative elements
You may include technology but it is not an advantage nor a disadvantage
Study your topic in depth as well as current agricultural topics as judges will ask questions after the presentation is over

6. How to participate in Ag Advocacy
Participants must be in official dress
Setup and takedown must be completed by team members, advisors, or a designated person
The giving of gifts or memorabilia to judges is prohibited

7. Tips for Success Pick a topic you and your team are excited about
Go over the general rules of professionalism
Allow plenty of time to prepare for the competition
Use props and materials to help aid in the presentation
Make sure to practice the presentation many times to become comfortable with the flow

8. Ag Advocacy Video Demo:

9. Ag Advocacy Judging TIMING
Teams will present 5-8 minute presentation for a panel of judges.
They will be allowed a maximum of 5 minutes for set-up and a maximum of 5 minutes for tear-down.
The penalty for violation shall be 10 points per minute or major fraction thereof. A major fraction of a minute is defined as 31 seconds.

10. Ag Advocacy Judging SCORING CONTENT
Conciseness, clarity of presentation (50)
Organization of presentation (100)
Ability to hold audience’s interest (50)
Innovativeness, uniqueness, creativity of presentation (150)
Power of expression, fluency, sincerity, enthusiasm (125)
Equal participation by members (50)
Response to questions (200)
Overall quality and effectiveness (125)
Agricultural industry knowledge and skill (150)

11. Ag Advocacy Judging

12. Ag Advocacy Judging
RANKING

13. Tie Breaker
Ties will be broken based on the greatest number of low ranks. Team low ranks will be counted and the team with the greatest number of low ranks will be declared the winner. If a tie still exists, then the event superintendent will rank the team’s response to questions. The team with the greatest number of low ranks from the response to question will be declared the winner. If a tie still exists then the team’s raw scores will be totaled. The team with the greatest total of raw points will be declared the winner.

14. Activity Now it’s your turn!
If you all look down at the notecard you have received there will be a color dot (SURPRISE). Please meet your group in the following locations:
Front left corner of the room: Blue
Back left corner of the room: Red
Front right corner of the room: Green
Back right corner of the room: Black

15. Activity Topics Theme Examples: Food Safety Livestock Production
Biofuel Production
Food Production

16. Activity In your groups create: A theme for your team to advocate for
A hook for why your topic is important
A sketch of your presentation set up
Materials you feel it would be good to include
Key points you would touch on in the presentation

17. References
Agricultural Advocacy. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2016, from
Iowa Park FFA [IowaParkFFA]. (2012, November 15). Agriculture Advocacy. [Video
file]. Retrieved from
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA]. (2015, September 17). Whole
Foods ‘Happy Meat’ Supplier Exposed. [Video File]. Retrieved from