posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 in Central Region News
Eighth grade students at Harlan Community School had a guest speaker from AMVC Management Services, the tenth largest pork producer in the United States, to complement their agriculture coursework. It was the ideal time for a swine management company to come into the classroom, as October is National Pork Month.
In the past, October was the time hogs were traditionally marketed, while today it is an opportunity for those involved in the swine industry to connect with those who do not have a background in pig farming. Alicia Humphrey, AMVC public relations coordinator, is a trained Operation Main Street presenter with the National Pork Board and educated students about the modern swine industry. The interactive presentation focused on the global demand for pork and how pig farmers are raising healthy pigs’ sustainably, as well as, showcased careers that are supported by the swine industry.
Mrs. Justine McCall, agriculture instructor at Harlan Community Schools, was excited to host AMVC in her classroom to enhance the students’ coursework. Her eighth graders had been learning about pork production and the importance of sustainability and efficiency in the agriculture industry to feed a growing population.
Throughout the class period the students interacted by asking and answering questions throughout Humphrey’s presentation.
After the presentation, eighth grade student, Braydon Ernst, commented, “I learned that pigs are very important to our economy. It takes time and effort to raise pigs.”
Guest speakers bring a new perspective for the students, so McCall welcomes them into her classroom.
“It’s important to have guest speakers in the classroom, so our students can make the real-world connection to someone working in the agriculture industry. It helps them connect the topics we learn in class to the things people in the industry are doing. It also makes them think about how they could become involved in the agriculture industry by being an advocate and educator to others,” added McCall.
Humphrey was thrilled to see so many students interested in production agriculture, as AMVC is a local employer. Harlan High School student and AMVC part-time employee, Hannah Tunender, helps mentor the eighth-grade students in McCall’s class, and she also participated in the class presentation by sharing her AMVC work experience with the group.
Fellow eighth grade student, Cori Mages, added, “Everyone who has a job in the industry has an important role. I learned there are many opportunities having to do with pigs.”
AMVC is proud to be part of the community and be an educational resource for area students. AMVC manages 143,500 sows across ten states and manages three sow farms in the Harlan area.
Tags
- ag education
- agvocacy
- community