Addressing Early Misconceptions About Agriculture 

by Deb Robie 

According to a recent publication of the American Farm Bureau, throughout history, people existed in close contact with the environment. They lived close to the soil, with the necessary sunlight and water to produce their own food. This is no longer the case. The highly scientific and technological advances of the 20th century have meant sweeping changes in life expectancy and lifestyle. As the United States population disconnected from the land after World War II, people began to understand less and less about agriculture and what is necessary to produce a bountiful supply of food. Those who do not understand how their food is produced and the challenges associated with that production can be easily misled, leading the public to make misinformed choices.

There are many misconceptions about the food system, even about the most basic questions and issues. From their earliest experience, children begin to establish misconceptions about agriculture and food. From television and advertising to pre-school books and animation, children generate ideas and stereotypes about farms, ranches and food production. They get the wrong impression of what farms and ranches are, what goes on there, and how vital farmers and ranchers are to our nation. For example, kindergarteners will identify the man in the bibbed overalls as the farmer and the tool most commonly used on a farm as a hoe. Research has demonstrated that if misconceptions are not addressed, new learning is built upon falsehoods and learners end up with very confused beliefs and ideas.

What is perceived as clever, creative, cute or comedic by an advertiser is often absorbed as factual by children and even by adult viewers. Access to information on the Internet will exacerbate misconceptions unless students learn accurate information at an early age. The need is there and it is our job to help educate the next generation of agriculturally literate consumers.

How would you do at answering the following questions if you were addressing a young audience? What kind of cow makes chocolate milk? What does a farmer or rancher look like? Where does an egg come from? Do you need a rooster to get a chick?

You might think these are silly questions with simple answers but to a young person they are not silly at all and the real answers might surprise them. At a recent presentation for our Ag Literacy program an adult commented that they didn't realize cows had anything to do with agriculture. It makes sense that our young folks are sometimes confused if even adults don't know about agriculture.

NH Ag in the Classroom has the resources necessary to help educate our young people, and, their parents in many cases. I have had the opportunity to see and use some of the best agriculturally accurate curriculums that are out there and available, many of them FREE, just for the asking. Pre-packaged, downloadable, teacher approved, user friendly and did I mention FREE in most cases. Fellow Ag in the Classroom staff from other states designed many of these programs. They cover every subject area from Art to Zoology, Pre-K through 12. Something as simple as agriculturally accurate reading books for the general classroom to complete thematic units are available. Did I mention FREE in many cases!!

All we need is a foot in the door to a classroom and we can help dispel many of the Early Misconceptions about Agriculture. Contact our state office or if in Grafton County contact me, Deb Robie  (see below).

We want to offer thanks again to all those who helped with our Ag Lit program. Granite State Dairy Promotion and Cabot Creamery provided important funding to offset the cost of books and teacher resource packets. The NH Humanities Council provided a grant to fund Steve Taylor's programs. The NH Farm Bureau through their county boards, Associated Women, Young Farmers and individual members purchased and distributed hundreds of the books to schools in all 10 counties. Dairy farmers, including dairy goat farmers, members of 4-H clubs, Agriculture Commissions, and dozens of individuals donated time, knowledge and enthusiasm to help children learn about what it takes to get milk into our glasses, ice cream in our cones and cheese on our pizza. We couldn't do this program (the most far reaching of anything we do) without this great herd of volunteers and supporters. Thanks to all of you!

May launches a busy season of School to Farm events. See the calendar listing for specific dates and locations. There is still space in the UNH event so any 4th grade teachers within reach of Durham who are interested in bringing students to this fun-filled and educational opportunity, please contact me.

May is also a time for NECAP testing in many districts. Agriculture is a theme that can be integrated into any area of curriculum and provides a base for learning basic skills in a meaningful way. We can help you teach what you're required to teach for the tests, but offer methods that are fun for students and educators too. During the summer months we will also be meshing our programs with the new Next Generation Science Standards. Stay tuned for updates in coming issues of Food for Thought.

Happy Spring,