April 7, 2000

Applications are now being accepted for the 2000 Summer Ag Institute (SAI) .

Tarleton State University in Stephenville hosts the annual Texas Farm Bureau-sponsored event.

Teachers attending SAI participate in hands-on workshops, demonstrations and field trips that stress the importance of agriculture and how to integrate it into everyday lessons. Soil science, plant identification, horticultural activities, entomology, and water use and conservation are just some of the topics covered. Teachers can also experience firsthand a large dairy operation, peanut processing facility and a high-tech horse breeding farm.

Representatives from various agencies and organizations present participants with a host of resource materials about agriculture. Presenters include Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Beef Council, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M Research Center, Tarleton State University Departments of Animal Science and Horticulture, and Texas Animal Health Commission.

Teachers also receive Texas Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom material, including the new resource guide, Food and Fiber for the 21st Century, Let’s Visit Texas video and lesson plan supplement, and What’s to Eat? video.

Those attending the Institute are eligible for three hours of graduate credit and 45 clock hours of CPE.

Two sessions will be held. Session I is June 26-30. Session II is July 10-14.