Does a learning garden teach more than food and farming?

By Invited Guest Blogger | September 20, 2012 |

learning garden, agriculture education, foods, farmers, farming, gardening, PTO, Bobbi Kleinschmidt,

How do we teach our children where their food comes from? Guest blogger, Bobbi Kleinshmidt shows that learning gardens at schools increase a student’s self-esteem, understanding of nutrition, non-verbal communication skills, positive attitudes about the environment – and raises science scores.

Did 9/11 push us into cowardly rudeness?

By Michele Payn | September 11, 2012 |

Did 9/11 numb our society to common courtesy and turn us into cowards? Michele points to distrust in Muslims and lack of courtesy in conversations around food as evidence in the loss of civility – particularly when firsthand experience is missing. She believes more respect is needed for the freedom of choice – and greater decorum should be brought to the food debate.

Fat kids, big government or lazy parents?

By Michele Payn | September 4, 2012 |

The number of overweight kids has doubled in the last 30 years, but is USDA limiting the amount of protein in school lunches really the answer? What about exercise in schools with limited recess and physical education? How about helping the kids care about their food and why nutrition matters to them?

Back to school: teen’s guide to sharing the farm story

By Michele Payn | August 17, 2012 |

Confident, communication skills, the cool factor, clarity, conversation and conviction are the 6 Cs Michele suggest for teenagers to keep in mind as they find their voice to tell their farm and ranch story. Ideas included from 4-H and FFA members, high schoolers, parents and college students.

Farming the human value of Pinterest

By Michele Payn | July 31, 2012 |

What does a site filled with wedding dresses, recipes and shoes have to do with farmers? Pinterest is ripe with opportunity for agriculture to go beyond choir & connect on a human level.