Third graders across Missouri are discovering how their lives are intertwined with agriculture through Missouri Farmers Care’s Agriculture Education on the Move (Ag Moves) this spring. Local educator, Lauren Quinlan, is leading St. Brendan elementary students through the 10-lesson Ag Moves experience to help them make connections to their food, fuel and farmers.

Ag Moves has created an intersection where agriculture literacy and leadership development meet. More than 50% of elementary students enrolled in Ag Moves are taught by local FFA members. These FFA educators have received state and national recognition for their leadership, education and dedication.

“We’re proud to support programs that invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders and help to bridge the gap between producers and consumers at a young age through this excellent program,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Claudia and I were able to see Ag Education on the Move in action. This program empowers FFA leaders across the state to go into elementary classrooms and teach hands-on agriculture lessons. It truly is the next generation teaching the next generation.”

Through Ag Moves, students are exploring various topics, including crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition and careers in agriculture. The STEM-focused lessons align with Missouri standards in science, math, social studies and language arts.

“Ag Moves connects students to agriculture in a way that’s engaging and memorable,” said Heather Fletcher, Agriculture Education on the Move program director . “At the same time, it gives young educators the opportunity to grow as leaders and communicators. When students understand agriculture and gain confidence sharing that story as educators, we’re investing in the future of our communities.”

Each lesson includes hands-on activities, guiding students as they create soybean germination necklaces, make corn plastic, prepare butter, develop feed rations, construct soil profiles and more. Through this curriculum, students gain insights into Missouri farm families and the dedication of farmers and ranchers throughout the year. Curriculum, materials and trained educators are supplied at no cost to participating schools by the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation.

“This program is important in explaining to students where their food comes from and in training the next generation of agriculture leaders through the FFA partners,” said Chris Chinn, Missouri director of agriculture. “I enjoyed the opportunity to see the Ag Moves program in person and how engaged the students are in learning about Missouri’s diverse agriculture industry.”

A list of elementary schools receiving Ag Moves programming this semester can be found here. In 2025, Ag Moves engaged 13,682 elementary students, reaching one in six Missouri third-grade students across 219 schools in 86 counties. Over 950 FFA members delivered Ag Moves in their communities.

“Agriculture surrounds Missouri students every day, but many don’t realize the role it plays in their lives,” said Ashley McCarty, Missouri Farmers Care executive director. “Ag Moves helps students connect those dots in a fun and meaningful way, building appreciation for the farmers, ranchers and rural communities that help keep our state strong.”

Ag Moves is funded by Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of over 40 agriculture groups in Missouri. Financial support comes from Missouri soybean farmers and their checkoff, as well as the MFA Oil Foundation, FCS Financial, MFA Incorporated, the Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, The Poultry Federation, Vital Farms, the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board and partners across Missouri agriculture. To learn more or to become a partner, visit www.agmoves.com.