University of Idaho Agricultural Education, Leadership, and Communications

by Maggie Elliot Saturday, March 26th, Collegiate FFA competed in a college-wide competition deemed "CALS Olympics." Participants enjoyed a brunch and then got down to business with events including a hay bale toss, marshmallow shoot, three legged race, and barrel racing.  Sammi Jo and Kylee work together during barrel racing Olvia and Mary Kate hurdle over a bale during the three-legged race Team CFFA: Sammi Jo Sims, Olivia Zurcher,  Taylor Nelson, Mary Kate Myers, and Kylee Fisher Great job representing CFFA!

With all of the possible careers students invested in agriculture can pursue, finding the right fit may seem overwhelming. Here are a few words from guest blogger Cindy Miller, senior director of producer relations and consumer confidence at United Dairymen of Idaho. Cindy Miller, United Dairymen of Idaho      Full disclosure: I haven’t worked in agriculture my entire career. However, I did spend a great deal of time on my uncle’s dairy farm in Wisconsin when I was growing up, which naturally primed me to work at United Dairymen of Idaho. So did my bachelor’s degree and subsequent career in public relations.      The tools PR pros use to communicate continue to evolve, but one thing remains constant: telling compelling stories. Simply put, this is what I do here at United Dairymen of Idaho, and it’s what I’ve been doing my entire career. Communicating the important and the interesting is what brings brands to life and gives me the opportunity to connect and en

By Maggie Elliot Aaron McKim On Wednesday, March 23rd,  our department will be welcoming Dr. Aaron Mckim to campus as a candidate for the professorial position within the AEE department. Dr. Mckim earned his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Education from Purdue University in 2006. After being an agriculture instuctor in Indiana he moved on to obtain his Masters and Ph.D from Oregon State University. At 11:00 in the Ag Ed classroom, a pizza luncheon will be provided for students interested in learning about Dr. Mckim's "Philosophy of Teaching," as well as his plans for our department! Join us on Wednesday to meet our last candidate! 

By Maggie Elliot Daniel Foster The next AEE faculty search luncheon will feature Dr. Daniel Foster, a current Agricultural Teacher Educator from Penn State University. Dr. Foster recieved his undergraduate degree in Agricultrual Education from the University of Arizona, and earned his Master's and Ph.D at Ohio State University.  He is active as a Global Teach Ag! Teacher Educator Join us Monday, March 21st at 11:00 am in the Ag Ed classroom to meet Dr. Foster and hear how he plans to contribute to our department's success! 

by Maggie Elliot

By Maggie Elliot Kasee Smith Monday, March 7th, students will have the opportunity to meet Kasee Smith, the next candidate for a professorial postion within the AEE Department. At 11:00 AM in the Ag Ed classroom, Mrs. Smith will give a brief word on her "Philosophy of Teaching" and answer any questions from students. Kasee Smith was raised on a cattle operation in Central Utah. She served as a Utah FFA State Officer after completing high school, and obtained her degree in Agricultural Education from Utah State University. She worked as a high school agriculture instructor for ten years before moving on to complete her Masters at Utah State University, and will graduate with her Ph.D in Agricultural Education in May from Texas A&M University.  Join us for a pizza luncheon to meet Mrs. Smith, have the chance to ask questions, and learn more about her vision for our department!

By Maggie Elliot Congratulations to Genesee A's Parli-Pro team, who will be representing their district at state! At the end of FFA week, the UI campus was flooded with a flurry of blue and gold jackets, shiny black shoes, and the occasional scolding of “Tuck in your tallywacker!” North Idaho CDE’s had begun! Students and staff of the Agricultural Education and Extension department helped to facilitate the FFA Career Development Events of Agronomy, Prepared Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Parliamentary Procedure, hosting approximately seventy FFA members. Students of the department helped judge events, coordinated the contests, and even set up a floriculture workshop. Ag Ed majors chose to become teachers because they thrive on interactions with students, and watching competitions gave a special glimpse into the role as an Ag teacher, motivating college students to keep studying hard and pursue their career goals. The very next day Collegiate FFA members