Next Generation Beef Toolkits

The Next Generation Beef Toolkits have been developed to help teachers implement Next Generation Standards through an engagement with the beef industry. Each toolkit provides standards-based lessons, background knowledge on core concepts, and real world on the farm examples of highlighted concepts. Upon completion of the toolkit, transfer tasks will extend student learning while challenging them to apply their new found knowledge.

Next Generation Soil Toolkit

Soil is an extremely important resource for life on our planet. Over time, scientists and farmers have realized that this resource is alive with infinite microecosystems and that these ecosystems are essential to the health of our planet. There are many ongoing studies focused on better understanding the complexity of soil and how, as humans, we can be better stewards of this valuable resource.

Through participation with the soil toolkit, students will develop a deeper understanding of soil and soil health as they learn from a real New York beef farmer who uses science based best practices to benefit his farm's ecosystem and the natural ecosystems that surround it.

Genetics and Agricultural Efficiency

Genetics has played an essential role in human production of food and fiber. From the beginning of agrarian history, farmers have used breeding of plants and animals to increase what they produce by highlighting different attributes in plants and animals. Through modern advancements in the science of genomics, this practice has become more accurate and specialized. With the increase in the world population, there is ongoing research and development of breeding practices which seeks to make the production of food and fiber more efficient; "to grow more with less".

Through participation with the genetics toolkit, students will develop a deeper understanding of the history and trends of genomics and the potential positive and negative outcomes of hyper focused breeding of organisms as they learn from a real New York beef farmer who has used science based best practices for over six decades to develop desired traits in beef cattle.

Next Generation Water Toolkit

The planet Earth is unique and like no other planet as it is the only planet where plants, animals, and humans can survive. Unlike other planets in our solar system, natural Earth cycles allow life to not only exist but thrive. There is a reason that Earthis nicknamed the "blue planet”" as seventy one percent of its surface is covered with water. The water cycle, one of Earth's main cycles, is essential for the disbursement of water across Earth's crust.

Through participation with the water toolkit, students will develop a deeper understanding of the water cycle and water management practices as they learn from a real New York beef farmer who uses science based best practices to benefit his farm's ecosystem and protects the water source for over nine-million New York City residents.

Curriculum Partners

The Next Generation Beef Toolkits have been developed through a partnership between New York Agriculture in the Classroom, New York Beef Council, and American Farm Bureau Foundation. Thank you to the beef producers at Bishopp Family Farm, Trowbridge Farms, and Thunder View Farms for being willing to share your farms with students and teachers.