Rep. Mann, Colleagues Celebrate National Teach Ag Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional FFA Caucus co-chairs, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Career and Technical Education Caucus co-chairs, Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced a resolution recognizing September 21, 2023 as National Teach Ag Day in celebration of the important role that agricultural education teachers play in America’s schools and communities. 29 other Members of Congress cosponsor the resolution.  

“This resolution recognizes the tireless efforts of agricultural educators, who are committed to training and equipping the next generation of leaders who will feed, fuel, and clothe the world,” said Rep. Mann. “My agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor taught me to take pride in my work, never cut corners, and always show up prepared. As the co-chair of the Congressional FFA Caucus, I’m honored to introduce this resolution alongside my colleagues. We hope that it sends a strong message to current and future agricultural education instructors that Congress is proud of the career path they have chosen and of the way they continue to invest in the future of agriculture.”  

Today, there are more than 14,500 agricultural educators in nearly 9,000 agricultural education programs in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. More than 2,700 students are currently enrolled in agricultural education degree programs at colleges and universities across the country. 

"We are thrilled for the resolution supporting NAAE National #TeachAg Day and celebrating 75 years of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE)," said Alissa Smith, CEO, National Association of Agricultural Educators. "The foundation of our organization has been built on supporting agricultural educators at every age and at every stage of their careers. NAAE advocates for agricultural education, provides professional development, and works to recruit and retain agricultural educators in the profession. The success of more than 1 million students and FFA members annually is made possible by agricultural educators. Great leaders start with great teachers and our agricultural educators have been cultivating the next generation of leaders since 1917, and there’s always room for more. That’s what NAAE National #TeachAg Day is all about." 

“Our nation’s agricultural educators are vital to teaching and inspiring the next generation of leaders, whether in the classroom, fields, or laboratory,” said Rep. Panetta. “As we celebrate 75 years of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, it’s an honor to put forward a bipartisan resolution to recognize their contributions to our country and the paths that they have opened for so many of our young people. Those who teach ag help carry on a proud tradition that has sustained this country, while building the necessary foundation for America’s continued agricultural leadership in the world.” 

"We must cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders and that starts in the classroom,” said Rep. Thompson. “By recognizing our agricultural educators, we can ensure our students have knowledge and exposure to all the opportunities the agricultural sector has to offer. Thank you to all the Ag teachers and volunteers across the country who help support our nation's farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers." 

“Agriculture is central to our everyday lives and economy, especially in Oregon,” said Rep. Bonamici. “In the classroom, through Extension Services, or with FFA, agricultural educators are preparing the skilled and diverse workforce we need to feed our nation and be stewards of our natural resources. Agricultural education is an important component of a well-rounded education and can help students succeed academically, learn entrepreneurship and teamwork skills, and cultivate relationships with peers from different backgrounds. I’m grateful to join my colleagues in recognizing the many educators who dedicate their time to teaching others about agriculture and mentoring the leaders of the next generation.” 

The National Teach Ag Day Resolution would: 

• Designate September 21, 2023 as National Teach Ag Day 
• Recognize the important role that agricultural educators play in developing the next generation of leaders 
• Celebrate 75 years of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) 

The National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) is a federation of state agricultural educators’ associations with more than 9,000 members. NAAE’s members are involved in school-based agricultural education at any level, from middle school through postsecondary, and state and national agricultural education leadership. 

The National FFA Organization is a congressionally chartered school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. 

Find out more about National Teach Ag Day here. 

Get more information about the Congressional FFA Caucus here. 

The full text of the resolution can be found here. 

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