In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, Emma and I talk through some familiar, free resources that many ag teachers already know and use from time to time. We share our personal favorites, how we use them in our classrooms and FFA programs, and ideas for getting even more value out of these go to tools. If you’re looking for practical ways to make the most of resources you already have, this episode is full of helpful insights.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Facebook - Wisconsin Ag Ed Discussion

• WAAE Google Drive Folder - Request to be a “Viewer”

• One Less Thing

• WI Ag in the Classroom 

• National FFA Teacher Resources

• Wisconsin Team Ag Ed Directory

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected] 

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we interview National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Contest winner, Josie Roberts from Portage FFA, who shares the story behind her powerful speech on mental health and farmer suicide. In addition to discussing the impact and inspiration behind her topic, she walks us through her journey to the national stage, including the preparation process, practice strategies, and lessons learned along the way. This meaningful conversation highlights the power of advocacy, leadership, and perseverance within FFA, while offering valuable tips for members preparing for competitive events.

National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Finals 2025 (Josie begins at 38:20)

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with an ag teacher about teaching natural resources in their program. They share what a typical course looks like, essential resources and materials, and how they bring lessons to life through hands-on learning and field experiences. We also discuss connecting instruction to CDEs and their advice for teachers looking to develop or expand natural resources education in their own programs.

More Questions? Email [email protected]

In this “Ask and Ag Teacher” episode of Cultivating Classrooms, Emma and Sammy tackle your questions about all things ag ed. We talk about navigating FFA involvement, finding balance as a new parent in the world of ag education, and share a few practical time-management tips to help you survive (and thrive!) in the busy seasons. Join us for some honest advice, practical insights, and a whole lot of encouragement.

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected] 

Your question might be featured in our next “Ask an Ag Teacher” episode!

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with ag teachers Kaleb Santy and Jim Melby about the unique role aquaculture plays in their program. From setting up and maintaining a school aquaculture system to raising different species and engaging students in hands-on management, they share what their curriculum looks like and how it connects to real-world careers. We also dive into the challenges of starting and sustaining an aquaculture program, as well as their best advice for teachers looking to build one of their own.

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected]

This episode of Cultivating Classrooms features Mishicot ag teachers Jamie Propson and Katie Koeppel who share their experiences teaching floriculture and running a thriving floral design business alongside their program. They share how classroom lessons can connect to real-world applications, the skills students gain through their hands-on floral work, and the unique opportunities that come with running a floral business. Check out this episode for helpful tips to managing floriculture in your program. 

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected] 

Additional Resources:

Hands on Horticulture - Floral Design WAAE Presentation

Mishicot FFA Floral Design Website

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with ag teachers, Crystal Retzlaff and Kimberly Yohn,  to talk about educator effectiveness and what it looks like in their districts. They share how they create meaningful SLOs for all students, develop PPGs that reflect both growth and the unique nature of ag education, and use professional development to strengthen their teaching. From navigating challenges to offering advice for new teachers, this conversation highlights practical strategies for using educator effectiveness tools to improve instruction and student success.

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected] 

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we talk with ag teachers, Beth Babcock and Kathryn Lampi,  about how they teach meat processing in their programs. They share what their courses look like, the partnerships and resources that support their work, and the steps they take to keep students safe in the lab. From connecting lessons to CDEs to offering advice for teachers interested in starting a program, this conversation provides practical insights into bringing meat processing into ag education. 

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected] 

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we welcome Ag Teacher, Walter Taylor, from Oconto Falls High School as he shares about the rewards and challenges of teaching with and managing a school greenhouse. Wally provides insight on how he incorporates greenhouse management and work into his curriculum, keeps students engaged with hands-on learning, and handles the day-to-day operations of running a successful greenhouse program. Whether you are looking to build a school greenhouse or just improve the one you have, this episode offers practical tips and inspiration from the field.

More Questions? Email [email protected]

In this episode of Cultivating Classrooms, we sit down with ag teachers Kelly Hubert and Cierra Essock to talk about teaching dairy science in the classroom and beyond. They share how they bring the dairy industry to life for students through hands-on labs, real-world experiences, and creative lessons. This episode provides awesome insight to help you teach dairy science in your program as well as offers great resources for prepping a dairy Career Development Event team. 

More Questions? Email [email protected] or [email protected] 

Additional Resources: 

Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow 

Virginia Tech 4-H Quizbowl