Focusing on the History of Agricultural Education and Rural America
Last week’s Footnote examined many of the “Educational Firsts” that occurred in Massachusetts. With the numerous “firsts” it was somewhat surprising to learn that Massachusetts was one of the last to affiliate with the National FFA Organization. They were the 47th state to be Continue reading The Massachusetts FFA – Tardy to the Party! (4/25/2025)
Have you heard a television commentator during an election refer to some state or county as a “bellweather?” The term refers to being a leader or accurate indicator of a trend. It is also used in weather forecasting. However the Continue reading Massachusetts – The Education “Bellweather State” (or should we say “Belled Wether”)? (4/18/2025)
Do you recognize the title of this Footnote? The entire phrase is actually “Jenny and Me was like peas and carrots.” Does that help? That phrase was uttered in the movie, Forrest Gump. That phrase could also apply to county agricultural schools Continue reading Like Peas and Carrots (4/11/2025)
The Smith-Hughes Act of 1917, the act providing federal funds to support the teaching of agriculture in public schools, had a requirement that (Section 10) “…schools shall provide for directed supervised practice in agriculture, either on a farm provided for Continue reading The Birthplace of Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs (4/4/2025)
This week we continue our exploration of agricultural education in Maryland. According to the 2023-2024 FFA Manual Maryland has 50 FFA chapters with 2,225 members. Maryland was the 9th state nationally to receive a charter from the National FFA in 1929. Continue reading Agricultural Education on Steroids – The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation (3/28/2025)