With the average American at least three generations removed from the farm, it is crucial that consumers have a chance to explore where their food, fiber, and energy comes from. At Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s Making the Connection Conference held June 9 in Kearney, farmers, ranchers, educators, and agriculture professionals from across Nebraska discovered ways to help students and the general public understand how food gets from the farm to their plate.
“It is our responsibility in agriculture to help bridge the gap between those who produce our resources and those who use them,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “This conference brought together both agriculturalists and educators in a setting to spur conversation, encourage transparency, and build relationships to help incorporate accurate agricultural concepts in classrooms and communities.”
Former Husker and NFL defensive end, Adam Carriker, provided an inspiring keynote address on how influential belief in yourself and others can be. Hands-on breakout sessions on Agriculture in the Classroom resources, telling the story of agriculture, and after school programming opportunities left participants excited and equipped to connect others to agriculture. Attendees also explored a variety of Nebraska commodities during the Nebraska Grown Gallery Walk.
As a farm wife and mom, Arlys Cupp, a second-grade teacher in Chase County, is always looking for new ways to teach her students about agriculture while advancing classroom goals. She left Making the Connection Conference confident in ways she could use agriculture examples to teach core subjects and eager to share with her coworkers so they can do the same.
“This conference is helping me bring back ways to get more teachers at my school involved in Agriculture in the Classroom,” said Cupp. “The speakers and breakout sessions have been a great opportunity to spark new ideas and bring them back to my community.”
The Making the Connection Conference is hosted by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Promotion and Engagement Committee, a group dedicated to building stronger connections with those who may not understand where and how their food is grown.
“Our committee of farmers and ranchers was really proud to host an event that brought together both sides of the conversation and gave both agriculture and education space to create workable solutions. Fostering these connections means educators can call on people in agriculture when they have questions,” said Andra Smith, Nebraska Farm Bureau Promotion and Engagement Committee chair and rancher from Cherry County.
Buffalo County Farm Bureau proudly sponsored the Making the Connection conference and supports the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation’s goal to have every Nebraskan understand where their food, fiber, and energy comes from.
“Farmers and ranchers do not always have an opportunity to leave their operations and connect with consumers, yet it has to be a priority in order to sustain consumer’s trust in food production,” said Brock Elsen, president of Buffalo County Farm Bureau. “This conference provided us with great information and a chance to expand our network with educators. We are grateful for an opportunity to support an event that prioritizes agriculture literacy.”
Nearly 100 people attended the bi-annual conference and presenting sponsor Buffalo County Farm Bureau made event registration free.
The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.
