Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders: The Critical Role of Agricultural Educators

Enabling a strong future for agriculture by supporting ag educators today.

Agricultural education is vital to prepare the next generation of leaders who will feed, fuel, and clothe the world. But this mission depends on passionate, well-equipped teachers who can bring agriculture to life in the classroom and beyond and prepare students to meet the real-world challenges in the fields.

Unfortunately, the United States faces a critical shortage of agricultural educators, limited resources, and increasing demands on the teachers who remain. The future generation of farmers, business leaders, researchers, innovators, and teachers are in classrooms today, but a nationwide shortage of agricultural educators raises concerns for the future of the industry.

Agricultural educators make FFA experiences possible for more than 1 million youth. At FFA, we see first-hand the impact agricultural teachers have on our members that ultimately sets them up for successful careers and lives. We need these educators now more than ever to help continue building the talent pipeline and the leaders of tomorrow. The shortage of qualified agriculture teachers is the greatest challenge facing FFA and agricultural education. We are thankful for companies like Bayer who continue to support this challenge in front of us.

Molly Ball

,

President of the National FFA Foundation

To help address this challenge, Bayer is investing in programs that support agricultural teachers, enhance professional development, and ensure students have access to high-quality agricultural education.

Supporting agricultural educators is a priority at Bayer through various initiatives aimed at enhancing education and fostering future leaders in the field.

Jaci Limestall, learning and development specialist and FFA alumni member at Bayer, says, “Though Bayer cannot physically put agricultural educators into classrooms, we will try to retain and support them in the best ways possible.”

Providing resources to ag educators

Through programs such as the CASE curriculum, Bayer provides teachers with technical content and skills to prepare students for careers in plant biotechnology while conducting train-the-trainer programs for professional development. Additionally, Bayer collaborates with organizations like the National Association of Agricultural Educators to offer further professional development opportunities and resources for teachers. These efforts demonstrate Bayer’s commitment to empowering agricultural educators and enriching agricultural education.

Bayer’s commitment also extends to broader youth-development platforms such as the positive youth development (PYD) Academy hosted by National 4-H, which equips educators with modern tools for mentorship and engagement. By supporting 4-H and the PYD Academy, Bayer is enhancing access to leadership, service, and STEM pathways in agriculture education.

A PYD Academy attendee said, “We’re all here with a common goal, preparing youth for the ‘real’ world. Culture and backgrounds may differ, but all people deserve the right to be challenged, accepted and included. The PYD Academy highlights and celebrates the struggles of youth today while empowering educators and advocates to help these kids navigate the uncertain waters of the future.”

From 2024 to 2025, over 2,200 professionals attended PYD Academy events, and those educators reached an average of 1,500 youth each, contributing to 2.25 million young people impacted annually.

The impact of educators on student’s lives

While these national programs have a broad impact, the work of individual educators shows how this support comes to life for the next generation.

Driving through rural southeast Minnesota, cornfields stretch for miles, cow pastures surround the interstates, and small schools dot the agricultural landscape. At Hayfield High School, a busy classroom and greenhouse are where Jack Crowson works diligently to support his students and the community they are raised in.

Crowson’s passion for agricultural education stems from a deep concern about the lack of mainstream understanding surrounding food production. Reflecting on why he chose to teach agriculture and the importance of such educators, he states, “It is alarming how many people lack a basic understanding of production agriculture and food processing. I believe everyone should have at least a foundational knowledge of where their food comes from, and that education should start at the ground level.”

To bring this belief to life, Crowson ensures his students have a wide range of opportunities to help each find their niche.

“A typical day starts with career and leadership development event practices. These are competitions focused on agricultural pathways. Then, during the school day, I teach seven classes covering all pathways within the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources framework.”

Agricultural educators, including Crowson, have responsibilities that extend far beyond the classroom.

“Depending on the day, my tasks continue—whether it is visiting a job site for the work-based learning class, driving students to conferences or contests, watering plants in the greenhouse, or maintaining welding equipment, the to-do list never ends,” said Crowson.

In addition to his roles as agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, he also serves as work-based learning coordinator, Glen Perkins facilitator (supporting career and technical education), school-based enterprise instructor, and trusted mentor to his students.

Crowson balances his demanding professional responsibilities with family life, raising a son with his wife, Ashley, while managing their cattle operation.

“Agricultural educators do more than teach; we help develop leaders, strengthen communities, and shape future agriculturists. Agricultural education is not just a profession; it is a way of life,” said Crowson. “Thankfully, the resources and support systems available to me have made a real difference. They have helped me grow, not just as an agriculture teacher, but also as a husband, father and farmer.”

An FFA Advisor and Ag Teacher helps students in the classroom — An FFA advisor and ag teacher demonstrates a science concept to two students in an agriculture class.

Across the country, countless agricultural educators are making a lifelong impact on their students. They do more than teach agricultural content, they offer life advice, mentorship, and, most importantly, help students find clarity in their values, direction, and purpose. For many, the influence of an agriculture teacher lasts far beyond high school.

Bev Flatt, director of global farmer engagement and amplification at Bayer, reflects on how her teacher helped shape her personal and professional journey.

“Mr. Shumaker, my agricultural education teacher, was more than just an instructor; he was a mentor who helped shape my future. Through his guidance, I not only learned the science of agriculture but also developed critical life skills like leadership, responsibility, and perseverance. His dedication to all his students and passion for the industry ignited a spark in me that continues to drive my career today. The impact he had on my life is immeasurable, and I'm forever grateful for his influence.”

Stories like Flatt’s are a testament to the power of agricultural educators and the ripple effect they create. As these educators face increasing challenges, sustained support from both local communities and industry partners is essential to ensure future generations receive the same transformative experiences.

As Crowson and others continue to inspire the next generation, support from communities and companies remains crucial to securing agriculture’s future.