Welcome to the Agriculture Program at Havelock High School
What is Agricultural Education?
Agriculture education is a systematic program of instruction available to students desiring to learn about the science, business, technology of plant and animal production and/or about the environmental and natural resources systems. Agricultural Education first became a part of the public education system in 1917 when the U.S. Congress passed the Smith-Hughes Act. Today, over 800,000 students participate in formal agricultural education instructional programs offered in grades seven-adult throughout the 50 states and three U.S. territories.
Why do we teach agriculture in high school?
Agriculture is a broad-spectrum industry with a diversity of career and job opportunities. Only a small percentage of those people working in agricultural industry are involved in production agriculture. The rest work in agribusiness, communications, science, government, education, processing and distribution, marketing and sales, as well as other occupations that serve the farmer or the total agricultural industry.
Based upon the above information, instructional programs have been clustered to deliver instruction that will provide students with a wide range of opportunities for entry-level employment or further education. New and emerging occupations in biotechnology, microtechnology, electronic and satellite technology in agricultural mechanics, and integrated financial management will necessitate a sound foundation in agriculture at the secondary level. As these new occupational areas and others develop and labor needs are demonstrated, additional program and course descriptions will be developed. A regional delivery system should offer training for occupations as determined by employment opportunities and the needs of the students.
Based upon the above information, instructional programs have been clustered to deliver instruction that will provide students with a wide range of opportunities for entry-level employment or further education. New and emerging occupations in biotechnology, microtechnology, electronic and satellite technology in agricultural mechanics, and integrated financial management will necessitate a sound foundation in agriculture at the secondary level. As these new occupational areas and others develop and labor needs are demonstrated, additional program and course descriptions will be developed. A regional delivery system should offer training for occupations as determined by employment opportunities and the needs of the students.
What will I learn in Agricultural classes?
Agricultural Education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems. Getting a food product from farm to fork requires many different people with many different specialties and skill sets. Students in agricultural education explore a variety of career fields, from biology to business management. Students receive the knowledge and leadership skills they need to succeed in any career path they choose after high school.