Farm-Based STEM Program Connects Teachers to Agriculture
"The results demonstrate the value of creating opportunities for educators to see modern beef production firsthand"
Washington County, NY (September 2026)– A day spent learning on working beef and dairy farms is already making a difference for the educators who participated, equipping them with new experiences and real-world connections they can bring back to their classrooms across New York State.
The 2026 On-the-Farm STEM Immersive Tour brought K–12 STEM educators directly onto working farms in Washington County on May 5 for a full day of hands-on, place-based professional learning. Hosted by the New York Beef Council in partnership with WSWHE BOCES and funded by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture (AFBFA), the experience connected classroom science with real-world applications of agriculture.
The program gave educators the opportunity to see the science, technology, and decision-making behind modern agriculture firsthand while connecting directly with the farmers and agricultural professionals who put those practices to work every day.
Thirty educators registered for the program, with 27 attending. Participants rated the experience a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0, and the program generated strong interest among educators, reaching capacity and creating a waiting list.
Most importantly, the experience changed how educators viewed modern beef production. Before the event, 44% of surveyed participants described their perception of beef production as positive. Following the farm tour, that number increased to 95%. Additionally, 84% agreed that beef can be sustainably produced, and 89% agreed that beef producers care for environmental resources.
"The results demonstrate the value of creating opportunities for educators to see modern beef production firsthand," said Chrissy Claudio, Director of Producer Communications and Consumer Engagement for the New York Beef Council. "These teachers were able to talk directly with farmers, ask questions, and experience the science and technology being used every day on New York farms."
During the tour, educators explored the beef lifecycle, grazing and soil health, herd nutrition, genetics, animal care, and agricultural technology. They saw firsthand how producers apply science and data-driven decision-making to support animal health, productivity, environmental stewardship, and resource management.
The program's impact also extends beyond the teachers who attended. Participants reported plans to bring concepts including soil health, regenerative agriculture, sustainability, agricultural technology, and career exploration into their classrooms. Several also said they plan to develop agriculture-based curriculum, connect with local farmers, and create additional farm-to-school learning opportunities.
"Educators are an important connection between agriculture and the next generation," Claudio said. "When we help teachers better understand the science and innovation behind beef production, that knowledge has the potential to reach students and communities throughout New York."
The New York program demonstrates the power of collaboration in extending the reach of agricultural education and producer-funded programs. By bringing together the New York Beef Council, WSWHE BOCES, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, local farmers, and agricultural professionals, the tour connected classroom educators with authentic agricultural experiences and the people who make them possible.
Based on the strong interest, positive feedback, and measurable changes in perceptions of beef production, the New York Beef Council and its partners are exploring opportunities to continue agriculture-based STEM professional learning in the future.
About the New York Beef Council:
The New York Beef Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program. The Council works to strengthen demand for beef through programs focused on promotion, consumer information, producer communications, and industry engagement. Learn more at nybeef.org.
About the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture:
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture works to build awareness and understanding of agriculture through educational programs and resources that help connect learners with the people, science, and innovation behind food and farming.
About the On the Farm STEM Immersive Tour:
The On-the-Farm STEM Immersive Tour is a place-based professional learning experience designed to connect educators with authentic agricultural applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The New York program brought K–12 educators directly onto working beef and dairy farms in Washington County for hands-on learning and collaboration with producers and agricultural professionals.