education

The American Farm Bureau recently held a training session in Washington, D.C., giving AFBF members and staff tools needed to successfully engage with consumers.  The Food Consumer Engagement Training helps farmers and ranchers connect with consumers and provided valuable information.  Va...

New data announced by the Department of Agriculture shows that rural counties with low education levels have worse economic outcomes than other rural counties. USDA’s Economic Research Service classifies 467 counties as “low education” counties, where at least 20 % of working-age adults, ages 25 to 64, do not have a high school diploma or equivalent.   Nearly 8...

The USDA’s Economic Research Service has released the results of a study that focuses on income in rural areas.   One discovery of the research, according to Economist Alexander Marre, is that those in urban areas generally make more money than people in rural areas.   “...

Farmers are beginning to use the power of social media to tell the story of agriculture and educate the public on what happens on the farm.   Emily Buck is a professor and farmer in Ohio said she’s hoping to create a dialogue.   “...

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day with an educational event in Wenatchee October 1st at the North Central Washington Gun Club.   Anyone 17 years of age or under can shoot WDFW firearms, archery equipment and air rifles for free.  ...

Many of the farmers markets through the Inland Northwest have great programs for kids to learn about the different parts of agriculture.   Ellensburg Public Library’s Youth Services Director Susan Hart runs one such program called Kids Grow which takes place the first Saturday of each month at the Kittitas County Farmers Market.   “...

Bill’s Berry Farm outside of Grandview is signing up schools, church groups, retirement homes and others for their Signs of Spring Farm Tours that begin on May 10th.   Julie Michener leads the tours and says people are so far removed from their food and where it comes from, she wants to educate.   “...

Governor Jay Inslee has announced $940,000 in grants for 19 projects in 15 counties designed to get kids outdoors and connecting with nature.   The largest amount, $125,000, went to the Yakima Valley Farm Workers for an outdoor adventure program providing experiences to kids with little to no access to state and national parks.  ...

The Grandview School District has unveiled a new foodservice website designed to inform parents about school nutrition and offers games for kids to learn healthy eating habits.   Food Service Manager Marcia Wagner said they started with the elementary school information first.  ...

The annual Teach, Tour and Taste event will take place Friday at the Grandview campus of Yakima Valley Community College.   YVCC Ag Program Chair Trent Ball says visitors can see behind the scenes of the wine industry.   “If they’ve had any apprehension or haven’t know how to take that first step into learning a little bit more about wine, this is a comfortable place to come and pick up on some th