Nurturing Knowledge: NCFB’s Ag in the Classroom celebrates another year of growth

For many, this time of year is a time for reflection! So as we near the end of 2023, let’s take a look at what the North Carolina Farm Bureau’s educational program accomplished!

The North Carolina Farm Bureau recently celebrated the 38th year of its educational program, Ag in the Classroom (AITC) by highlighting some key moments over the years that underscore how the program impacts both students and teachers.

The AITC program also honored a dedicated educator at Poquoson Innovative Charter School in Washington County, Krista Bond, by presenting her with the North Carolina Farm Bureau AITC Teacher of the Year Award.

Bond incorporates ag-focused lessons into her teaching, and instills in students important agricultural principles like growing their food. Her innovative methods include hands-on experiences, like planting blueberries, creating raised beds, engineering chicken coops, and integrating lessons about soil amendment, circuits, and ventilation.

As part of her recognition, Bond attended the annual NAIC Conference in Orlando, Florida. There, she and other North Carolina educators explored new ways to integrate agriculture into their lessons. One notable session, “Not Another Thanksgiving Story,” hosted by Jasmine Locklear and April Parrot, explored the origins of native agriculture.

Ashonda Grissett, another standout teacher from Brunswick County, spent her summer diving into North Carolina’s oyster industry as part of her Keenan fellow experience. In her studies, Grissett learned about the life cycle of oysters their environmental benefits, and how they can help reduce carbon —all information she plans to share in the upcoming “Ag-in-a-Bag,” released in the spring.

The NCFB is also proud of two new workshops that add to the AITC program’s success. First, the Mitchell County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee organized a workshop in June focusing on mining history in North Carolina. Later in July, middle school teachers got a chance to explore the Central Crops Research Station on the N.C. State campus to learn about research involving soybeans, corn, and drone technology. There, teachers gained hands-on experience using digital microscopes to tour a dairy processing facility and even sample insect-based dishes like Cricket tacos.

Related Stories
What are some common mistakes that farmers and ranchers make regarding estate planning? Here are a few key ideas to consider from RFD-TV Ag Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law.
Agricultural law and taxation expert Roger McEowen discusses issues facing farmers and ranchers, like self-defense, Good Samaritan laws, preparing for the exit, and cleaning out fencerows.
When you work on your estate plan, RFD-TV’s farm legal and tax expert Roger McEowen recommends preparing a vital list of information for whoever will need it.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.
Dailey & Vincent are BACK ON RFD-TV for another great season, brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms. Join them as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests!
“The Marty Stuart Show” is a must-see during RFD-TV’s Saturday Night Music Row. Each exciting episode features Mr. Stuart and his band “The Fabulous Superlatives.” Episodes also feature his wife — “Country Queen,” Ms. Connie Smith—who has helped make the show a celebrated success.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country.
Hop in and travel with J.B. Sauceda on a road trip to discover ordinary people doing extraordinary things on the back roads of Texas. TCR’s longtime hosts Bob & Kelli Phillips have passed the keys to a new storyteller, who will continue the journey to uncover uplifting stories about oddball collectors, thought-provoking artists, and everyday heroes making the world a better place.