KBC Hosts On-Farm STEM Program For Educators

The Kansas Beef Council (KBC) last week hosted an On the Farm STEM experience for 24 Kansas educators representing middle and high school science classrooms from both rural and urban communities across the state. The educators learned to use food and agriculture as a vehicle for teaching science while building students’ understanding of where their food comes from and the role agriculture plays in society.

The day began with KC Olson, Kansas State University professor of range beef cattle nutrition and management, sharing the history and ecology of the Flint Hills. At Lindamood Ranch in Eureka, participants heard about prairie ecosystems, hay production, cattle nutrition, feed upcycling, crop life cycles and the role of technology in modern ranch management.

The year 2015 was just before a national election – which have major influences on policy paths, administration goals, and how farmers feel about their future.