Farming Lessons Could Grow in Missouri Schools

Missouri might soon bring more farming science into classrooms. Lawmakers are pushing for a new statewide program. This would let kids from kindergarten to high school learn about agriculture. The idea is to help students in both cities and countryside areas. Some lawmakers think this is a good idea. They believe it can help kids understand where food comes from. It could also show them jobs in farming. State Senator Barbara Washington supports this. She wants kids to learn about farming as a science. She thinks it should not just be for rural schools.There was a small test program from 2020 to 2023. It started with 44 teachers but ended with only 20. The pandemic made it hard. Teachers said they didn't have enough time. But they liked the hands-on activities. The new program would not be the same. It would be optional for schools. State Representative John Martin wants to work with Missouri Farmers Care. This group helps bring farming lessons to schools. The education department is open to working with them too. The cost for now is about $116, 000 a year. This is just for teacher training. If the program grows, they might ask for more money. Some lawmakers think it will be successful. They believe it will help kids see farming as a career.