With Florida’s population surpassing 23 million, the need for agriculture education is paramount. Many new residents are moving into areas where agriculture once thrived and is now being divided and diminishing. Educating consumers and families about the cattle industry and how it impacts Florida will lead to improved choices at the grocery store and in their everyday decision making.
UF/IFAS Extension agents in South and Central Florida are educating participants about cattle through the Adopt-a-Calf and Adopt-a-Cowboy programs. The goal is to educate residents about contributions made to Florida’s economy and environment by dairy and cattle operations as well as nutritional benefits of consuming dairy and beef.
UF/IFAS Extension Agents partnered with Discover Dairy and Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation to provide virtual and in-person education about the dairy and beef industries. Students participated in hands-on learning by making butter, sampling beef sticks, petting calves and watching a horse-back cowboy crack his whip while gaining appreciation and understanding for the environmental and economic impacts. Live, virtual events were held for schools that could not participate in person. Calves and cowboys also made appearances at fairs, field days, and heritage days for more hands-on interaction with students.
Students increased their nutrition knowledge by 76%, learning that milk has 13 essential nutrients, and they get zinc, iron and protein from beef. Students also had large knowledge increases in cattle’s contribution to the environment and economy, 82% and 54% respectively. Even more impactful were conversations with teachers and chaperones who asked questions to clear up misconceptions about animal care and the environmental impacts of livestock. The programs are also making a difference when students choose snack and meals at school. Following the Adopt -a-Calf program, 20% of teachers noticed their students choosing more dairy products.
The excitement, participation, and interest in these programs have led to conversations about expanding to reach more students and their families. As fewer people have a connection to livestock and agriculture, extension educators and collaborators can provide this vital message to Florida residents. Sign-ups for both programs are going on now for the 2024 – 2025 school year. To adopt a calf, go to: https://www.discoverdairy.com/adopt-a-cow/ To adopt a cowboy, go to: https://adoptacowboy.org/
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