Ag degree useless? We disagree!

Last April, a Newsweek blog listed agriculture as the third most useless degree in the nation. Not to be out sensationalized, last Thursday, a Yahoo.com writer moved it up to number one. Illinois Farm Bureau couldn't disagree more. In fact, IFB works diligently to make sure that agriculture education is a critical part in making sure the future of farming is bright.  Here are a few ways:   

Using Farmer-Created Policy
Illinois farmers can look beyond negative job outlooks and continue to support classes for future farmers, veterinarians, and more. It shows in IFB's Policy #9, Higher Education. In part, it reads:

We will support retention and enhancement of agricultural curriculum and research at institutions of higher learning…

We will support co-curricular agricultural organizations, which allow hands-on experience for students to further develop their leadership skills. Organizations such as these help to foster our next generation of agriculture leaders. (Download the entire Ag Education Policy) 

Getting the Truth Out
Within a day of the Yahoo post, Illinois Farm Bureau fired back with facts and support on social networks, including two passionate blog posts:

• Media expert Rachel Torbet describes how her ag degree helps put food on her table… and tables throughout the nation. 
• Agriculture in the Classroom's Kevin Daugherty believes the more removed Americans are from knowing where their food comes from, the greater the need for agriculture education.

Offering Ag Scholarships
This year, Illinois Farm Bureau's IAA Foundation is awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships to help ease the financial burden agricultural students face. In fact, the applications are due in a little more than a week from today.

Enhancing 4-H and FFA Education
Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliate Companies help 4-H and FFA students kick off their agriculture education and careers with conferences, educational tours, booths at career fairs, and so much more. County Farm Bureau's often use their FFA Acquaintance program to highlight local farm jobs. (Download IFB's grassroots policy on ag vocation and education for high school students.)

Building College Relationships
IFB keeps up-to-date with what's happening on college campuses throughout Illinois.  Members and staff continually meet with the schools' agriculture leaders and offer assistance wherever possible.

Yes, reading the Yahoo article, it's pretty clear that most of it is swayed by personal opinions and probably shouldn't be taken  seriously. But it also serves as a reminder - as the farm population shrinks, so does American's understanding of what we do. It is important that we remain united and strengthen our future through agriculture education.

You can be part of it! Contact your county Farm Bureau and say, "I know ag education isn't useless!"