AGRICULTURAL LITERACY COURSE (this unit is to be used in development of agricultural literacy efforts at Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 levels) This unit introduces students to an understanding of the world of agriculture through investigation of issues and completion of tasks related to various aspects of agriculture and our enviroment. It is suggested that students would be challenged to think creatively and solve "problems" using various real life thought processes. Topics covered include the world of agriculture, economic impact of agriculture, animal, plant, and environmental concerns and policymaking related to agriculture. I. Objectives A. To introduce students to the spectrum of agricultural career opportunities B. To acquaint student with the depth, breadth and diversity of what agriculture is and does in our world today C. To promote an understanding of agriculture in our society and economic system D. To enhance student understanding of agricultural industry and leadership as an integral part of our world E. To help students develop an understanding of international, American, and Wisconsin agriculture and its importance to people and the economy F. To help students develop an understanding of consumer needs for agricultural products and of the agricultural marketing system G. To develop a positive understanding in students of how the environmental and agricultural issues impact and are not mutually exclusive goals H. To provide students with a basic literacy about agriculture and it's systems and there interrelationships which impact daily lives II. Competencies, at the conclusion of this unit, students will be able to: A. appreciate the range of educational and career opportunities in agriculture; B. demonstrate an awareness of the world's need for an improved quality and delivery of food and fiber; C. contrast and compare the field of agriculture and related industries on the Global scale; D. consider relationships between agriculture the quality of life; E. demonstrate an understanding of the various concepts that comprise the agricultural industry at all levels; F. recognize the presence and significance of agriculture in their lives and in the global community; G. understand the impact of production agriculture on our natural resources contrasted with the needs for Food and Fiber and consider solutions for such complex issues; H. identify major technological changes and investigate possible uses and affects on various sectors of agriculture industry and society; I. recognize the various challenges, production processes and distribution channels that exist between agricultural producers , agricultural processors/distributors and the global consumer; J. and better understand the relevance of daily life to the field of agriculture. III. Subject Matter (Basic skills integration areas are shown in brackets following title.) A. Careers in agriculture - Agriculture employment opportunities [Social Studies, Careers] 1. Agriculture Science/Production Management -- Includes horticulture, biotechnology, genetics, agriculture business management, inputs management, sustainable agriculture, and all applied science, mathematics and production areas 2. Agriculture Processing/Food and Fiber -- Includes food science, storage, value adding, alternative usage, research and development for all agriculture products 3. Agriculture Marketing/Distribution and Retail Services -- Includes sales, promotion, and transportation 4. Agriculture Supplies and Services -- Includes all services and supplies to and from all sectors of the agricultural industry 5. Agriculture Mechanization/Engineering and Technical Support Services -- Includes all systems of technology and engineering impacting the agriculture industry 6. Agriculture Resources Management -- Includes all management of natural resources and their relationship to and impacts from all agricultural and non agricultural activity. 7. Professional Employment in Agriculture -- Includes all agriculture career opportunities normally associated with a university degree 8. Specialty Careers and Opportunities -- In our dynamic agricultural industry we will constantly be having additional opportunities for entrepreneurship and occuaptions, use these current trends as an interest approach for students to investigate their potential in the agriculture industry B. Agricultural career statistics -- Students will investigate as an issue which areas of careers have the greatest potential for growth, for income, for providing a high quality of life, and for satisfaction, and will select careers relative to their own interests and skills to idscuss with classmates, and community partners [Social Studies, Mathematics] C. American agriculture [Social Studies] 1. Definitions (Have students develop definitions for these using cooperative learning or other group methods) a. Agribusiness b. Agriscience c. Agritechnology d. Production agriculture e. Sustainable agriculture f. Natural Resources g. Other 2. Major types of production agriculture a. Crop production b. Meat animal/poultry production c. Dairy production d. Specialty crops e. Companion animals f. Forestry g. Wildlife Management h. Soil/Water Management i. Horticulture D. Importance of agriculture to the economy (Activity idea - discussion or project developed around of issue people strving in parts of the world vs oversupply of food and fiber in other parts - how can the problem be addressed and positively impacted?) [Social Studies] 1. Global population a. growth rate b. location of people in relation to food production 2. Global land uses a. crop land b. grazing land c. urban uses (e.g., buildings, roads, parking lots, etc.) d. other, such as wildlife habitat and recreational land E. Agriculture in Wisconsin [Social Studies] (Possible issue -- have students develop possible reasons as to why various areas of Wisconsin developed into specific agriculture producing areas putting Wisconsin among leading states in production of selected following commodities/areas) 1. Dairying 2. Cereal crops 3. Specialty crops 4. Fruits 5. Vegetables 6. Forest production 7. Livestock production 8. Companion animals 9. Horticultural production 10. Other agricultural products 11. Marketing, distribution, and retail careers 12. Agricultural processing industry 13. Resource management a. Soil/Water b. Forestry c. Wildlife d. Recreation management/tourism 14. Alternative enterprises F. Agriculture in the local area [Social Studies] 1. Specific development by local program based on local Labor Market opportunities in agriculture. Why do local area's agriculture production and/or agribusiness enterprises develop and thrive there) G. Others 1. Marketing and the consumer [Economics] a. Pricing b. Processing c. Quality standards of food products d. Food products advertisement e. Distribution 2. Agricultural policy [Social Studies] a. Federal and State legislation and local ordinance impacts b. Property tax c. Agency dictates 1. Departments of agriculture 2. Departments of natural resources d. Special interest group impact 3. The cost of doing business in agriculture [Economics, Business] a. Equipment b. Labor c. Consumable inputs d. Maintenance and depreciation e. Taxes IV. Motivational and Learning Activities A. Take field trips to facilities and locations related to agricultural or natural resources industries. B. Invite resource people to give class presentations. C. Use computer applications and simulations V. Instructional Materials A. References: 1. Ag In The Classroom, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, 1984 B. Bulletins and Pamphlets: 1. Project Food, Land and People, 643 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206. Brickell, Roxanne, et al. 1992-94. 2. What Is Your Agricultural Vision?, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Agricultural Education, P.O. Box 7841, Madison,WI 53707, Wisconsin Leadership[ Council for Agricultural Education, Doerfert, D.L. et al. 1993. C. Teaching Units 1. Teaching Units from the Agricultural Literacy 706 Course, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, Compiled by Matteson, G.R. and Richard Jensen.