Think of this scenario — Tazewell County without an agricultural background.
Ten years ago, this thought may have never crossed our minds.
In a county like Tazewell, this would be surprising, particularly because the area is flush with fields and farms. This county was built within a farming framework. And, it still has a major agricultural presence.
So what could cause its demise? Simply put, a lack of interest among youth.
It starts at the very beginning — education. Through programs like FFA and 4H, youths are lent an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of agriculture. It began to spread beyond the organizations and into community high schools where students could earn credit while learning about agriculture.
But, the reality is that, thanks to reduced state education funding, schools around the state are faced with some concerning budget cuts that, in turn, will have a profound impact on many of the agriculture programs. Morton High School is faced with that scenario today.
During a Thursday night meeting between agriculture supporters, District 709 superintendent Roger Kilpatrick, board members Tom Neeley and Noah Menold and Morton High School principal Dennis Johnson, a variety of concerns were raised.
After deciding not to renew high school agriculture teacher Quentin Ackerman’s contract, those supporting agriculture programs now realize that this could mean the end of agriculture education at the high school.
But, Morton would not be alone.
High schools in Tremont, Deer Creek, Pekin and East Peoria do not have agriculture programs. Surprised?
It makes one think, is the farming industry as important to the county as it used to be?
For next year, enrollment in MHS’s agriculture classes is between 24 and 26 students. That includes both semesters. District officials maintain that number is minimal. So, when faced with $1.1 million in reduced education funding from the state for this year alone, officials must consider the program’s importance.
However, there is some consolation. Officials are looking at ways to offer agriculture education without pulling from the district’s budget. That would mean fee-based programs or a potential co-op program with Delavan could be initiated, Kilpatrick said. Nothing has been decided.
But, it would be difficult for the school district to justify funding a program that has lost the interest of those attending the schools, particularly when the district is strapped for cash. Even if the district was not faced with reduced funding, Kilpatrick said it may be necessary to consider modifying the program. That could include the removal of the word “Ag” from course names.
Nonetheless, the issues causing the reconsideration of the agriculture program are diverse. Solving them will require cooperation among supporters, organizations and the school district alike.
