07/21/06 Ag in the Classroom

The goal of Ag in the Classroom is to educate every child about where their food, fiber and even some of their fuel comes from. American Farm Bureau's Betty Wolanyk says the average American today is three generations removed from the farm and no longer understands the basics behind ag production. WOLANYK "So what Ag in the Classroom is doing is laying that foundation so that as voting citizens, as consumers, as people who might serve on a planning committee or a zoning board, they understand that it is really important for us to have a safe, sound, domestic food supply produced by American farmers." Teachers and students alike have benefited from the interactive lessons that Ag in the Classroom has provided for the past 24 years. WOLANYK "This is a fabulous way to connect science and social studies, and language arts and math in ways that are really interesting for students." Again this year more than 200 Idaho teachers signed up for six Ag in the Classroom workshops including one this week at Pocatello. There was so much demand some teachers had to be turned away in Nampa. The final workshop for Idaho teachers is scheduled next week in Twin Falls. Similar sessions were already held in Sandpoint, Meridian and Payette. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott