By MAGGIE MCMURRAY
Moapa Valley Progress
The Moapa Valley Agricultural Education Advisory Board met last week with a roomful of agriculturally-minded community members. The group discussed upcoming changes to the Ag programs at Moapa Valley High School and Mack Lyon Middle School.
New this year to MVHS is a food science program. The class will net students, who satisfactorily complete the requirements of the course. between 8-12 college credits,according to MVHS Ag Teacher Denise O’Toole.
The change in the curriculum was made for multiple reasons. Under the governor’s new budget, only technical programs that are in the areas of manufacturing, health science, IT, or training future teachers will be funded. O’Toole said she wanted to add more options for local students.
Last spring O’Toole proposed adding a food science class for 3rd and 4th year Ag students. The idea was received enthusiastically. O’Toole and others spent the summer installing a commercial kitchen in the existing straw bale house at the MVHS Ag farm. The kitchen is currently still under construction, but is progressing rapidly, she said.
O’Toole said that she had done research on the food science industry and the opportunities it holds for high school graduates. She stressed that the new food science program does not replace the current foods program at MVHS. Rather, the food science class relates more to the manufacturing, storage, safety issues, and scientific side of the food industry, she said.
“This class covers the science behind marketing food that is safe for the public,” O’Toole said. “I learned these jobs are extremely well-paying for kids even straight out of high school and there is a huge demand for employees with an Ag background.”
Future employment was a big area of concern for many of the gathered parents. Parent Leah Bush explained that getting a college degree in the past used to be enough; however, today things are different. “Today so many kids end up with a college degree that can’t get them a job,” Bush said. “They need to know there is so much more out there than just being a doctor, a lawyer, or a teacher.”
Dennis Jarrel, who runs the Ag program at the middle school, attended the meeting to talk about his rapidly growing program. There are more kids who want to take Ag in middle school than can fit it into their schedule, Jarrel said. So the school is looking into the possibility of an after school club.
Many parents were also interested in the possibility of bringing FFA into the middle school to help prepare students for the transition to the high school program.
O’Toole said she is planning on taking her students on several field trips so they can see firsthand employment options. She currently is proposing Anderson Dairy, the new pig farm, Springs Preserve, the gardens at the Bellagio, and the Sheet Metal Union. But she is looking for more companies with an Ag connection that would be a good fit for her students and receptive to allowing kids to come and learn about them.
Several people also proposed a number of guest speakers. Those who have a connection with an Ag related company or field, or would like to come speak to students can contact O’Toole at otooldm@nv.ccsd.net.
Extension Educator Carol Bishop proposed combining the Ag Advisory Board with the Farm Foundation since their goals were similar and it would open the possibility of taking advantage of more grant opportunities.
There was a wide range of attendees at the meeting. Parent and 4-H leader Scott Adams said, “I attended today because my daughters are in the Ag program and I want to keep informed about what is happening and what their options are for college.”
Cindy Hardy from the Nevada Farm Bureau said, “The Ag program in our valley prepares kids for careers that are important to our society. I love that they are focusing on the fact that there are more careers in Ag than just farming.”
O’Toole was pleased with the support and input she received. “I’m thankful for the great turnout, the help, and the interest in this program,” she said. “We’re trying hard to prepare our kids for today’s job markets. The food science industry is crying out for kids with Ag backgrounds. It’s a great opportunity for our students. The jobs are high paying and viable employment solutions and we want our students to be able to take advantage of that.”
