Manhattan, Kan. – The Kansas Agriculture Skills & Competencies Certificate, awarded by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), was earned by 38 Kansas agriculture education students from nine local schools. Each certificate awarded earns the school $1,000, distributed by the Kansas Department of Education.

The Kansas Agriculture Skills & Competencies Certificate recognizes agriculture education students who demonstrate excellence and a well-rounded experience by meeting the requirements of all three parts of the agriculture education model. Agriculture education with a combination of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience experiential learning, as well as leadership and skill development through FFA is key to developing young professionals to work in the agriculture industry. More than 11,000 students are enrolled in the 172 agriculture education programs in Kansas.

“The Kansas Department of Agriculture is committed to helping grow Kansas agriculture. Our industry needs young people who are interested in working in the fields of food, fiber, technology and production and have the skills to be successful in any career they choose,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey.

Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, providing more to the state economy, and employees more people, than any other single industry in Kansas.

The certificate is listed as a qualifying certificate for Governor Brownback’s Career Technical Education (CTE) initiative. The certificate has been endorsed by the Kansas agriculture community, including; Kansas FFA Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Grain & Feed Association, Kansas Livestock Association and other industry organizations and employers.

Applications for the Kansas Agriculture Skills & Competencies Certificate are accepted each spring. To find our more information, visit agriculture.ks.gov/ageducation.

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