Texas A&M University Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications’ Post

Agriculture is Arkansas' largest industry, contributing $16 billion annually to the state's economy. However, many young people, including those at land-grant universities, remain unaware of the Cooperative Extension System’s mission. The Experiential Scholars Program (ESP) addresses this by offering hands-on learning in agriculture, food safety, and rural development to Arkansas university students. Over five cohorts, participants receive leadership training and mentorship from faculty, Extension specialists, and county agents, preparing them for careers in Extension. The program aims to increase awareness of Extension’s role and recruit skilled professionals to deliver science-based knowledge to communities. #reeu #nifaimpacts #usda @usdagov

🌱 Exploring Competency-Based Education in Agricultural Higher Education 🌱 I’m excited to share my research on the perceptions of competency-based education at Razi University’s College of Agriculture. This study highlights the transformative impact of student cooperatives in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Check out this video introducing the student cooperative, showcasing the campus, operations, and diverse activities that drive their mission to build a sustainable future. You can read the full paper here. https://lnkd.in/d3XkaDJV

“Diverse academic backgrounds can contribute to this industry in some capacity, as agriculture and food is quite literally a growing industry. ‘We need skilled people in finance, technology, international relations, engineering, marketing, and research,’ said Hendricks. ‘There are thousands of fulfilling, purpose-driven careers with real-world impact.’ ” https://lnkd.in/g_i_yBdg

Last week I had the privilege of attending in person Dr. Sylvain Charlebois's lecture "From Farm to Fork: Saskatchewan's Role in the Future of Food Security and Innovation." Being new to Regina, I learned that the lecture series is intended to bring the insights of science to bear on pressing policy issues critical for Saskatchewan. That seems important. I arrived early to the lecture and found myself in conversation with Dr. Charlebois. I discovered our common farming heritage (dairy in Quebec in his case, grain and some livestock in Northern Alberta for my part). I also learned we had both lived in Regina in past years and it's always nice to find some common points of reference. I would encourage you to watch the lecture if you can but a few things stood out: 1. There has been a 34% reduction in farm employment in SK since 2010; 2. Food insecurity is higher in Canada than it is in the US; 3. Agricultural leaders in Europe are much more familiar with SK food production than people in the Greater Toronto Area are here at home. Each of these is worth further reflection and discussion as hinge-points in the conversation about what innovative policy might look like for Saskatchewan from producer to consumer. As Dr. Charlebois noted, the divide between urban and rural communities deeply undermines effective policy. It may be that the greatest innovations in SK agriculture will come from seeding new forms of social and institutional collaboration that overcome long-standing and ineffective divides. What are the opportunities you see for the future of SK agriculture? https://lnkd.in/ea9trdbZ

The Rhode Island Agriculture and Food Systems Fellowship Program (AFSFP) seeks funding to mentor students in experiential learning opportunities focused on sustainable agriculture, food nutrition, and agricultural policy. Students from URI and CCRI collaborate with faculty on research and extension projects, developing skills in plant science, food safety, policy, and science communication. The program includes hands-on projects, externships, and teaching practicums in local schools, fostering leadership and professional growth. Fellows engage in community education and industry partnerships, preparing for careers in sustainable agriculture and food systems. #reeu #nifaimpacts #usda @usdagov

Our #SummerSchool 2024 "Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems in the EU: Legal and Policy Perspectives" is now #open 🌞

I came across this #grantopportunity for #hispanicservinginstitutions and had to share. This program is intended to promote and strengthen the ability of Hispanic-Serving Institutions to carry out higher education programs in the food and agricultural sciences. Programs aim to attract outstanding students and produce graduates capable of enhancing the nation's food and agricultural scientific and professional work force. https://lnkd.in/e_gX_MPf #agriculturalscience #foodscience USDA USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Before I graduated college ages ago, I was told not to decline the first job offer I will get. This landed me to join the then ‘angels’ of Dr Edwin and Dr Rosa Fe Hondrade working mostly for upland rice research and extension services. After 2 decades, it was such a memorable and heartwarming day for us to gather again and reminisce the good old days that brought us to how we’ve become today - epitomes of checklists, notebooks, on-the-dot timings, scientific writing, arts in between and many more! Quite far from my plant breeding degree being a researcher at that time but I opted to stay for 3 years as the job was equally challenging and fulfilling. A soft hearted individual will not survive our daily routine back then😅 Nevertheless, it was those learning opportunities and their leadership styles that molded us to be the best versions of ourselves as professionals. Despite the strict atmosphere, we were trained to be capable to write, speak, engaged and to never fall into just a mediocre type of output. Always give it your best! I will be forever grateful for The Hondrades’ for inculcating in us until today that no matter what, giving up is not an option. As Ma’am Rose recently told us, we may wander and think too much and make things appear complicated but always go back to your objective and stick to it. What is important is you finish and unlock your goal. Let us be reminded that whirlwind activities is never ending in our daily work but always remember your goal and keep working on it. #leadership #careerjourney #careergoals #USMbeloved

Leaders developing environmental economics expertise while learning how this discipline impacts business decision-making. Check out this innovative Master’s program

Dr. Rashid Sumaila, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics at UBC, offers invaluable advice for prospective graduate students. In this video, he shares insights on: how to reflect on your motivations and telling your story through a statement of interest, the importance of reaching out to prospective supervisors. Plus, get valuable tips on succeeding once you’re in grad school.  Watch the full video now and take the first step toward your grad school journey:https://lnkd.in/emtwY6JM