Winter Ag Workshop Series
Overview
We are excited to be hosting the Winter Ag Workshops again this year! The 2024 series of sessions will take place during the afternoons of February 5-8, 2024 via Zoom. Both “live” and on-demand options are available. Attendance is open to everyone!
Attendees will be able to earn up to 8 Act 48 hours (up to 2 per session). Don’t miss the chance to learn how to bring agriculture into your classroom right from your computer!
Sessions will take place each day at 4-5 pm EST. You’ll be able to interact and ask questions of our presenters.
Can’t make it at those times? No worries! You can also register to participate in an on demand format. On demand sessions will be available until Sunday, March 10, 2024. We hope this will make it easier to attend during the school year. Have questions? Email us at CRSchaeffer@pfb.com.
2024 Agenda
POSTPONED until Monday, March 11
Mushroom Cultivation
4 – 5 p.m. | 1 Act 48 hour
*Registration for the live session is still open. The on-demand version will be available until Sunday, April 7, 2024*
Join mushroom science researcher Dr. Pecchia for a discussion about the cultivation of mushrooms, disease management, and composting. Plus, attendees will learn about ways they can incorporate mushrooms into their curriculum.
Presenter: Dr. John Pecchia, Director of the Mushroom Research Center and Spawn Laboratory
Day 2 | Tuesday, February 6
Grape Growing & Viticulture in the Classroom
4 – 5 p.m. | 1 Act 48 hour
Erie County is situated within the Lake Erie Grape Belt, which is the largest contiguous grape growing region east of the Mississippi. The discussion will include a brief history of the region, the types of grapes typically grown, and some of the basics of viticulture and technology used in the region.
Please note: This session will be in a slightly different format. We will begin with a short slideshow and follow it up with a discussion about incorporating viticulture into the classroom. Participants will be allowed/encouraged to have their video/audio on during the discussion.
Presenter: Dr. Michael Campbell, Director, Lake Erie Regional Grape Research and Extension Center
Day 3 | Wednesday, February 7
Trout Farming
4 – 5 p.m. | 1 Act 48 hour
Learn how this family-owned company has raised and marketed trout for over 50 years. You’ll learn about the methods of raising high-quality trout and the diversification available through aquaculture including stocking, farm to table, fee fishing, pond maintenance, and fee fishing.
Presenter: Liz Pritts, Laurel Hill Trout Farm, LLC
Day 4 | Thursday, February 8
Unearthing the Microscopic World: Soil Science in the Classroom
(Soil Microscopy)
4 – 5 p.m. | 1 Act 48 hour
Join our interactive workshop, where we’ll dive into the fascinating soil food web. Discover how to bring this intriguing subject into your classroom through hands-on microscopy, a unique microbial card game, and engaging discussions on soil’s vital role in our ecosystem. You’ll learn how microscopic organisms in soil contribute to plant health, influence the environment, and can be integrated into your curriculum to ignite a passion for science in your students.
Presenter: Suzanne Shea, Certified Soil Food Web Lab Tech, Old Sword Farm
2023 Winter Ag Workshop Series
The C3 Framework in Agriculture: College, Career & Civic Life
Lynn Wallin, M.Ed., Education Specialist, Utah State University & National Center for Agricultural Literacy
Folk’s Butterfly Farm
David Folk, Folk’s Butterfly Farm
Distance Learning with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance
Ben Porkolab, Conservation Education Coordinator, Keystone Elk Country Alliance, Elk Country Visitor Center
Cheese is Whey Cool!
Andrea Gardner, Education Specialist, National Center for Agricultural Literacy
2022 Winter Ag Workshop Series
Project Based Learning for Agricultural Literacy (Secondary focus)
Andrea Gardner, Education Specialist, National Center for Agricultural Literacy
Cultivating Agricultural Literacy (Elementary focus)
Lynn Wallin, M.Ed., Utah State University & National Center for Agricultural Literacy
Growing Tomatoes and Cucumbers Hydroponically
Dr. Elsa Sanchez and Dr. Robert Berghage, The Pennsylvania State University
Beef’s Role in a Nutritious Eating Pattern from Baby and Beyond
Beth Stark, RDN, LDN, PA Beef Council/Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative
On the Search for Native and Invasive Species in Your Local Natural Areas
Amy Jewitt, Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program & Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Bringing Poultry into Your Classroom
Phillip Clauer, The Pennsylvania State University
2021 Winter Ag Workshop Series
Connecting with the Food System: The PA Farm to School Network
Kelsey Porter, The Food Trust – Pennsylvania Core Partner, National Farm to School Network
Building Outdoor Learning Opportunities: School Gardens
Diane Velozo, PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation
A Sweet Time with Maple Sugaring
Eric Rensel and Carey Huber, Parker Dam State Park Complex – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Building Employability Skills Through Agriculture Across Pennsylvania
Doreen Petri, Erie City School District
Natalie Barkley, Newport School District
Laura Fridirici, M.Ed., Pennsylvania Department of Education