MICHIGAN
State Contact:
Ms. Debra Schmucker
Michigan Farm Bureau
7373 W. Saginaw Hwy.
Lansing, MI 48909 |
P: (517) 323-7000 Ext. 3213
F: (517) 323-6604
E: dschmuc@michfb.com
Website |
Major Program Accomplishments
Michigan continues to expand training programs for teachers by training county Farm Bureau volunteers on how to
teach agriculture in the classroom lessons as well as how to conduct teacher in-service training. The biggest
successes have occurred by conducting workshops during already established in-service programs. The number of
counties participating continues to grow each year. In addition, as a state, we participate in both the Michigan
Science Teachers and Social Study Teacher conferences conducting both a workshop on the above-mentioned
lessons and resources as well as a booth at the trade show. Over 3,000 teachers were reached through these
activities. As a result, we are seeing an increase in the lessons being utilized from our website. Additionally, a few
of our other accomplishments this year include a steady increase in the number of downloads from our website.
These downloads include both lesson plans and general agricultural information. The total number of downloads
increased 15% in 2005. A new fourth grade lesson centering on the importance of agriculture in Michigan and a
Michigan commodities map were introduced in the past year. One-hundred volunteers received training with over
500 students receiving training thus far. Further, we help a Project T.E.A.M. Conference (Together Everyone
Achieves More) where 100 volunteers representing 45 counties from across the state learned more about AITC and
the resources available to conduct local activities.
Major Program Impacts
Agricultural literacy activities conducted by volunteers increased across the state by 20% in 2005.
70% of our volunteers trained at the state level conduct AITC lessons at the local level.
Volunteer involvement in Michigan Agricultural Education programs rose by 20% in 2005.