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Squabbles of the Soil
Squabbles of the Soil
Author: MTSU Collegiate FFA
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Description
Squabbles of the Soil is a podcast where we discuss different issues in agriculture and how they affect the current industry. This podcast series was first created and produced by agriculture students in the Fall 2020 "Debate and Discussion in Agriculture" course at Middle Tennessee State University. Each fall, a new group of students adds to the podcast episodes. The MTSU School of Agriculture does not endorse any specific opinion shared in this podcast series.
44 Episodes
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Teaching Guide for Squabbles of the Soil Season 3
Topic: Pesticide Use in Food Crops (Original Conventional versus New Integrated Pest Management Methods)
Host: Cincere Douglas
Guests: Chelsea Nelan and Sydney Snelling
This podcast episode entails the use of pesticides and its effects on the environment, human health, and so much more. The use of pesticides dates back to over half a century. Many argue that pesticides have brought our food production and consumption to a place that would not have been possible without. However, others believe that pesticides are doing more harm than good and that it may be time for an organic switch. Tune in to hear why pesticides are here, how they have evolved, and if they are essential for the growth and safety of our food crops.
Objectives:
I can describe what pesticides are and their effects.
I can explain why pesticides were created.
I can differentiate between the different IPM methods of pesticide use.
Pre-viewing Questions:
Name 3 food crops that may be grown using pesticides.
Why do you believe pesticides were brought into the food industry?
What about pesticide use makes it a disputed issue?
Guided Questions:
What does our first guest, Chelsea, do for a living?
What is Sydney’s major at her university?
As claimed by our second guest, what are some IPM methods for food crop growth and protection?
How have conventional pesticide methods helped and hurt the environment?
What does Chelsea suggest to those who are looking to begin their own journey for more organic eating and/or farming?
Post-Listening Questions:
Describe two effects that conventional pesticides have had on insect and plant species.
Do you believe conventional pesticide methods or IPM methods are better suited for food production today?
Are pesticides inherently good or bad in your opinion? What makes you choose your answer?
The comments shared on this podcast are not reflective of Middle Tennessee State University
Scoring Rubric:
The following scoring guide can be used to assess responses to open-ended post-listening questions. Create your own point value to align with your school’s approach to assessment:
Guided Question Answer Key:
What does our first guest, Chelsea, do for a living? Chelsea is a small-scale organic farmer in Colorado.
What is Sydney’s major at her university? Sydney studies Agriculture with a pre-professional concentration in Food Technology.
As claimed by our second guest, what are some IPM methods for food crop growth and protection? There are genetic, cultural, physical, and biological methods.
How have conventional pesticides helped and hurt the environment? They have allowed food crops to grow quickly and in vast numbers. But they have killed off any insect species.
What does Chelsea suggest to those who are looking to begin their own journey for more organic eating and/or farming? Chelsea suggests starting off by looking at and paying attention to where the food you buy originates from. She states it is critical to be aware of where what you are eating is coming from.
Organic Farming has gained popularity for its environmental, sustainability, and marketing value. Although there are criticisms, such as increased inputs, decreased yields, and reduced land efficiency. Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of Organic Farming in this podcast.
Teaching Guide Topic: Organic Farming
Host: Angayla Maxwell Guests: Dan and Nadia Spatz (Happy Flavors Farms), Lauren Palmer (Bloomsbury Farms)
Objectives:
1. Explore the benefits and challenges of organic agriculture.
2. Understand how sustainability is connected to organic farming.
3. Investigate public influence on organic agriculture.
Pre-Viewing Questions: (Have your students answer these questions independently before listening to the podcast, use as a bell-ringer or Know-Want to know-Learned chart.)
1. How would you define organic farming?
2. What challenges do you think organic farmers come across in their profession?
3. What is your opinion on organic agriculture?
Guided Questions to follow along: (Allow students to record their answers to these questions independently while listening to the podcast. Utilized to ensure students are engaged)
1. What is the NOP?
2. Farming for the next generation is called?
3. Other than organic certification, what other certification can farmers look into?
Post-Listening questions : (After listening to this podcast with your class, allow students to answer these questions to test their engagement, use as a exit ticket or a Know-Want to know-Learned chart.)
1. How does public perception relate to organic farming?
2. What were the pros and cons of organic certification?
3. What is your opinion on organic agriculture?
This topic is about ear cropping in dogs. This controversial topic discusses the various reasons why some might be opposed to ear cropping, like how painful it is for dogs, and why some may support it, like for breed looks. We will have two guests to give us information on the topic.
Topic: Ear Cropping in Canines
Host: Leandra Koss
Guests: Dr. Vickie Swarowski (Veterinarian in San Diego) & Noelle Bozeman (seasoned animal rescuer)
Objectives:
1. I can identify what ear cropping on canines is by the end of the podcast.
2. I can formulate my own opinion with information supporting my opinion on the controversial topic based off of the responses from the interviewees.
3. I can recite two pieces of information from each side that contributes to the controversy.
Pre-Viewing Questions: (for a bell ringer, use as a short discussion)
1. What is ear cropping?
2. What is your current stance on the controversial topic?
3. What makes this topic controversial?
Guided Questions to follow along:
1. Which interviewee supports the topic of ear cropping?
2. What are 2 reasons someone would crop their dogs’ ears other than cosmetic reasons?
3. What are reasons Noelle Bozeman is against ear cropping in canines?
Post Listening questions: (use as an exit ticket)
1. What is your stance after listening to the podcast? Why?
2. What are 2 things you learned?
3. What else do you want to know about ear cropping? What questions do you have after listening?
This podcast is about grain-free food and the controversial topic of it causing heart disease. There will be 2 guest speakers, one will be opposed and one will be in support of grain-free foods.
Topic: Grain-free Food and Heart Disease
Host: Emily Goolsby
Guests: Gabrielle Richey and Debbie Clark
Objectives:
1. I can identify the amino acid that is unabsorbable/not in grain-free food.
2. I can identify some Pros and Cons of grain-free food.
3. I can recall 2 things that are missing from grain-free foods.
Pre-Listening Questions:
Please have the students answer these questions on a piece of paper before listening to this podcast.
1. Are grains necessary for an animal's diet?
2. What do you know right now, about grain-free foods?
3. What grain-free food brands do you know?
Guided Questions to follow along:
Please have the students answer these questions on a piece of paper while listening to the podcast.
1. What breed has benefited from this food?
2. Is there a health reason one might put their dog on this food?
3. Does it affect cats and dogs the same?
Post Listening questions:
Please have the students answer these questions on a piece of paper after listening to the podcast. All questions could be used in a group/class discussion.
1. What is missing from grain-free foods and why is it important?
2. Do some animals have GI problems with grain-free vs. grain food
3. Are there any testings proving that this food can cause heart disease?
Declawing cats is a controversial topic due to people choose to alter their cats ability by removing their nails. Many people can declaw for health issues or to alter their behavior due to scratching and ruining furniture. Some may find other resources than declawing. Follow along to see what the guest today have to say about declawing cats.
Teaching Guide
Topic: Declawing of Cats
Host: Savannah Scott
Guests:
Abby Roberts, a Vet Tech from VCA Creekside
Alicia Jones, a Hospital Manager from VCA Mt Juliet
Gary Kirk, a Retired Rescue Owner
Heather Haufmann, a finance manager who had an interest in small animal medicine and welfare in college.
Objectives:
1. I can identify 2 pros and 2 cons of declawing cats by the end of this episode.
2. I can create my own opinion on the topic of declawing cats.
3. I can understand the procedure of declawing cats.
Pre-Viewing Questions:
(Can serve as a pre assessment and bell work. Have students write down their answered prior to viewing to gain knowledge of what they know prior to listening.)
1. What are alternatives to declawing?
2. How much do you think it costs to declaw a cat?
3. Do you think declawing is outlawed in other countries?
4. Do you think there are certain instances of declawing a cat?
5. Is there a good age to declaw a cat?
Guided Questions to follow along:
(Give this list of questions to follow along with the podcast. Serves as an accountability feature to ensure that students were engaged in the listening of the podcast.)
1. What 2 countries are still practicing declawing?
2. What are 2 reasons cats should and shouldn’t be declawed?
3. How is declawing different from a spay or neuter?
4. What affects the cost of declawing?
5. What are soft paws?
6. Does declawing lower the risk of spreading a disease?
7. What is an acceptable situation to declaw a cat?
8. Is it better to declaw or rehome an animal according to the guest?
9. What age should a cat be declawed?
10. What is a pheromone spray?
Post Listening questions:
(Allow this to serve as an assessment to ensure that they followed along.)
1. After listening to the podcast, what did you learn about the process of declawing cats?
2. What is the average cost for declawing a cat?
3. Is it easier and cheaper if the cat is already under anesthesia for a spay or neuter?
4. What is one thing multiple speakers said?
5. What are 3 alternatives of declawing cats?
Podcast Teaching Guide
Topic: Livestock Showing
Host: Lily Steed
Guests: Lindsey Nicholas and Kayla Wilson
Objectives
Animal Safety - Showmanship level
Animal Safety - Arena Level
Preventative Measures
Question for teacher to ask students before podcast:
What is livestock showing?
How does showing differ from breed to breed?
Do you think animals are harmed during livestock showing?
Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast:
How can we prevent harm to animals during showing/preparing?
How does showing differ from breed to breed?
How can we fight the negative stigma?
Podcast Teaching Guide
Topic: Genetically modified organism
Host: Colby Chapman
Guests: Jeremiah Lynch and Phil St
Objectives
Students will understand why the topic is controversial.
Students will be able to describe what a GMO is.
After being well informed about GMOs, students will able to formulate their own opinion.
Question for teacher to ask students before podcast:
List every fact you know about GMOs.
In your own opinion, should farmers be allowed to use GMOs?
What does GMO stand for?
Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast:
What are the pros to GMOs?
What are the cons to GMOs?
Using the guest answers, could GMOs ever be outlawed?
Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast
Could GMOs potentially improve the efficiency of production?
Jeremiah:
Phil:
What do you feel is the worst outcome of using GMOs in the worlds production?
Jeremiah:
Phil:
Do you think the world could have enough food supply if we only did traditional production practices?
Jeremiah:
Phil:
Has your view shifted since we started discussing this topic?
Jeremiah:
Phil:
Why do you think this is an issue in the eyes of the public?
Jeremiah:
Phil:
Teaching Guide – Right to Farm Podcast
Topic: Right to Farm Laws
Host: Jake Duke
Guests: John Duke, Joleana Starnes
Objectives
I can explain the original purpose of the Right to Farm Laws.
I can list the pros and cons of Right to Farm Laws.
I can create my own Right to Farm Laws that will be beneficial to the farmer and consumer.
Question for teacher to ask students before podcast:
What would you do if a neighbor was causing an inconvenience to you?
Should farmers be protected by law to continue farming how they want to farm?
Can consumers sometimes be negatively affected by the farms around them?
Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast:
Why were the Right to Farm Laws first established?
Mastered if: student correctly identifies the need to protect farmers against urbanization.
What are the ways that Right to Farm Laws both help and cause harm to individuals?
Mastered if: Student correctly identifies at least two pros (lets farmer spend time doing their job, keeps farmer from paying legal costs, lets farmers stimulate the economy, etc.) and at least two cons (consumer may not be able to sue a farm that is causing nuisances, large corporate farms are able to get away with bad practices, communities may be negatively affected by growth and practices of large farms, etc.).
Create your own set of Right to Farm Laws that will be beneficial to both the farmer and the regular consumer.
Mastered if: Student creates a feasible set of rules that allow the farmer to continue farming and the consumer to have the right to challenge bad practices of the farm. The language of the rules do not have to be formal to achieve mastery, content is the focus.
Teaching Guide – Veganism Podcast
Topic: Veganism
Host: Caitlin Faulkner
Guests:
Stephanie Branim
Gerlad Branim
Objectives
I can understand the pros and cons of choosing a vegan lifestyle.
I can understand the health benefits of eating on a vegan diet and a non-vegan diet.
Question for teacher to ask students before podcast:
Do you know reasons why people choose to eat a vegan diet?
Do you think that younger or older generations eat a vegan diet?
What beliefs do many people have about a vegan diet?
Teacher Notes:
Teacher should be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of a vegan lifestyle:
Animal slaughter, greenhouse gasses, lack of protein, etc.
Teacher should also be prepared to discuss the beliefs behind choosing a vegan diet.
A. The belief that they are eating more whole foods and less processed meats, the belief of inhumane animal animal slaughter, eating from a “clean label.”
Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast
Who in the family eats a vegan diet?
Answer: Mitch and Caroline Glass (sister and brother in law of the host)
Why is a vegan lifestyle not ideal for Gerald?
He is a runner who needs a high protein intake and feels more energy when he consumes meat in his diet.
Which of the following did Mitch experience after switching to a vegan diet?
a. Less binge eating
b. Clearer skin
c. Less stomach problems
What is another reason the interviewer's family chose a vegan lifestyle? __________ For the environmental impact
When did the interviewer’s family become vegan? 2017
What is something Gerald looks for when shopping for his meat? Low fat, high protein volumes.
What is one way you can ensure you know where your products are coming from?__________ Shopping from local farmers
Name one pro and con of eating a vegan lifestyle:
Con: The risk of lacking protein in your diet
Pro: Eating more whole foods and vegetables
Podcast Teaching Guide
Topic: Raw Milk
Host: Brandon Roy
Guests:
Mark Foley
Randy and Robin Pope
Objectives
I can explain the difference between Raw and Processed (pasteurized) Milk.
I can describe why many states and organizations do not sell or produce Raw Milk products.
Question for teacher to ask students before podcast:
Did you know that Milk is “cooked” via pasteurization before it is sold at the grocery store?
Do you think that pasteurization makes the Milk less healthy?
Could we benefit from drinking Raw Milk instead?
Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast:
Why is processing (pasteurization) required for the sale of most dairy products?
a. A student should be able to describe that bacteria present in raw milk has the potential to make people sick.
Why do many individuals stand by their practice of drinking raw milk despite the risk?
a. Students can discuss multiple factors, including but not limited to: bacteria present is healthy, loss of vitamins, taste, and texture.
What do you think about this? Do you think people should be drinking raw milk?
a. Student opinion question.
Teacher Notes:
Teacher should be prepared to discuss the the different types of bacteria that can be found in raw milk, listed below:
Brucella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella
Teacher should also be prepared to discuss the following two important terms:
A. Milk Homogenization:
a. Homogenization is a mechanical process that transforms the two, separate components of whole fresh milk– cream and low-fat milk–into one smooth beverage. To accomplish this, fresh milk is heated and pumped through tiny nozzles at high pressure. The pressure tears the fat globules of the cream into tiny particles, which then disperse evenly throughout the low-fat milk. Non-Homogenized milk will naturally separate into two layers of liquid milk and fatty cream.
B. Milk Pasteurization
a. Pasteurization is the process of heating milk up and then quickly cooling it down to eliminate certain bacteria. For effective pasteurization, milk can be heated up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or at least 161.6 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds
Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast
Where does our first guest attend college? Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
Milk is pasteurized because of __________ present in raw milk that can potentially make humans sick. Bacteria
Which of these major vitamins is added to milk during processing?
a. Vitamin B
b. Vitamin C
c. Vitamin D
d. Vitamin E
4. Other than cows, the most common animal that humans drink milk from is __________ Goats
5. What is the name of the farm that our 2nd guests’ own? Robin’s Nest Farms
6. What is the name of the regulation program required for the sale of Raw Milk? Herd share, goat share, or cow-share
Teaching Guide – Pesticides and Bees
Topic: Pesticides and Bees
Host: Bailey Lugo
Guests: Nathaniel Jennette / Brent Brewer
Objectives
Understand what type of chemical pesticides are less harmful to bee colonies
Be familiar with the different practices involved in pest management
Recognize the importance of bees to our world
Question for teacher to ask students before podcast:
What risks do you think pesticides pose to bees?
Are there other forms of pest management that don’t involve chemicals?
Why are bees important to our livelihood?
Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast:
What were a few of the other methods of pest prevention
What was the application method that reduced overall bee death
Were granular or mist applications more harmful to bee populations?
Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast
- What effect do bt genetically modified crops have on specific insects?
- What would be a few effects of losing a large portion of our bee population?
- What is an example of biological control and how does it operate?
Teaching planning guide
Topic: Precision agriculture
Host: Alana Hester
Guest: Colin Miller, Carter Woodruff
Lesson overview:
Students will be able to decide their standpoint on precision agriculture. Students will be able to explain the struggles some farmers are having adjusting to the change into precision agriculture. Students will also be able to list some possible downs sides from switching to precision.
Discussion questions before listening to podcast:
Has anyone heard of precision agriculture?
Has anyone heard of self-driving tractors? Well, these navigational systems that allow for this are an innovation brought by precision agriculture.
As you listen or after listen to this podcast, I want you to answer a few questions.
1) How do the guest on this podcast view the topic of precision agriculture?
2) What is the reason behind precision agriculture according to Mr. Woodruff?
A) increase production
B) increase expenses
C) increase farms
3) How does precision help with waste of chemicals?
A) it doesn’t
B) more precise application
C) it doesn't use chemicals
4) What type of agriculturalist were the guest on this podcast?
5) What industry has precision agriculture hurt the most?
A) poultry
B) Beef cattle
C) Meat Goat
D) Dairy cattle
6) Is precision agriculture affordable to all agriculturalists?
7) What is a problem between the older generation of farmers and these innovations?
8) How could a farmer make an unwise investment regarding innovations?
9) What resources do farmers have to learn about precision agriculture?
Teaching Guide – Horse Slaughter Podcast
Topic: Horse Slaughter
Host: Loren Huling
Guests: Savannah Scott & Abigail McConnell
Objectives
To gain more knowledge of Horse Slaughter
Listen and analyze different opinions
Question for teacher to ask students before podcast:
Write down anything you already know about Horse Slaughter.
Why do you think horse slaughter is an issue?
Would you be for or against horse slaughter? Why or Why not?
Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast:
What was one interesting point you heard and How does that point relate to you and your opinion?
After listening to the podcast, what other problems could arise when slaughtering horses for meat? One that wasn’t mentioned in the podcast.
In one short paragraph tell me what your opinion on Slaughtering horses for is?
Teaching Guide – Antibiotic Usage in Livestock
Topic: Antibiotic Use in Livestock
Host: Madison Looney
Guests: Reauna Person, Galeon Collier
Objectives
I can explain the purposes of antibiotic use in livestock
I can list the pros and cons of antibiotic use in livestock
I can differentiate between livestock that has antibiotics and livestock that doesn’t
Question for teacher to ask students before podcast:
Do you think antibiotics should be used in food animals?
Why do you think people give antibiotics to food animals?
How can antibiotics affect the animal?
Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast:
How does the government regulate antibiotics?
- students: The government regulates antibiotics by having veterinarians come and regulate them.
Does the use of antibitoics in food animals lead to resistant bacteria in meat that can make people sick?
- Students: Antibitoics can only make people sick if they are not given correctly to animals.
Why are antibitics used in livestock
- students: Antibiotics are used in livestock to produce better quality meat.
Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast
1. Where did the podcast guest go to school?
a. MTSU and UTK
b. UTK and University of Arizona
c. Vanderbilt and MTSU
d. University of Arizona and Tennessee State University\
2. Which Guest has experience using antibiotics in Livestock? Mr. Collier
3. 3. What can happen if you overuse antibiotics? Bacteria can spread to others, making them sick
4. What percent of antibiotics is used for treatment?
a. 10%
b. 40%
c. 20%
d. 35%
4. Superbugs are hard to control, but what is a beneficial way to make sure these antibiotics are given properly? Making sure they are properly administered by someone licensed.
5. Who tests the food and animals before being given humans?
a. FDA
b. . CDC
c. AAFCO
d. FFDCA
5. What promotes diseases in animals? Most likely their environment
6. Why are antibiotics given to sick animals? Because sick animals cannot produce good quality meat.
Host: Makala Blythe
Guests: Jacob Tipton- A local agriculture teacher whose focus is in animal science and who runs a seedstock meat goat operation.
Doug Caywood- A Tennessee native who raises beef cattle and specializes in architectural development in residential and commercial areas.
Description: In Tennessee, many farmers are losing their access to farmland for a variety of reasons. It is estimated that nearly 60,000 acres of farmland are lost every year due to foreign countries, which they have no chance of winning against. Instead of acts being put in place to protect farmers, there are acts in place that allow these buyouts to take place. In total, Tennessee has lost nearly 1.6 billion acres thus far. While Tennessee is often seen as a leading developmental state, controversy has emerged surrounding the topic of land loss due to development and whether this loss may be justified. Given the recent natural disasters affecting many Eastern Tennesseans, they are at the most risk for loss of land due to government interference.
Objectives:
1. Investigate the causes and consequences of farmland loss due to foreign investment and buyouts, focusing on the effects on local farmers' livelihoods and the state's agricultural economy.
2. Assess the current legal framework in Tennessee, including policies and acts that allow farmland buyouts, and propose potential legislative solutions to protect local farmers and their access to land.
3. Explore the relationship between development pressures, government intervention, and the vulnerability of farmland in Eastern Tennessee, particularly in the context of recent natural disasters and environmental risks.
Pre-listening questions:
1- What are the reasons for farmland loss in Tennessee?
2- What policies affect American farmland and even more specifically, Tennessee?
3- How do you think foreign land investors can impact the American economy?
Guided Questions:
1- What is Mr. Tipton's current occupation?
2- What is Mr. Caywood's current occupation?
3- What is one way that farmers can ensure that their voices are heard?
4- How does each guest describe their concern for a foreign buyout?
5- How can American land be purchased through the AFIDA?
Post-listening questions:
1- What is the AFIDA?
2- How does the AFIDA affect Tennesseans?
3- How would you describe Mr. Tipton's and Mr. Caywood's stance on this topic?
Host: Christopher Dorsett
Guest: Samantha Brown- Environmental Scientist in The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute
Dylan Smith - Owner of a 50-acre organic farm and member of the local organic farming association
Description:
The issue of GMOs is particularly important now due to the increasing global food demand driven by population growth and changing dietary habits. As agricultural practices face pressures from climate change and environmental concerns, GMOs are seen as a potential solution to ensure food security and sustainable farming. How are GMO's benefitting and or hindering farmers?
Learning Objective:
Analyze the benefits and detriments of GMO's in agriculture.
Pre-viewing Questions:
What is the importance of GMO’s in your field? What is a GMO? Historical Background?
Intro and outro:
Welcome to Squabbles of the soil the podcast exploring the wide world of agriculture, directed by students from the Debate and Discussion class at Middle Tennessee State University. We'll bring you insights from experts, diverse perspectives, and real stories from those making an impact. Keep in mind, the views expressed here are not affiliated with MTSU. Thanks for tuning in let’s get right into it” Thank you for joining us on another episode of. We hope you have enjoyed digging deep on the pressing issues facing our agricultureworld. Keep listening to find out who you are rooting for.
Teaching Guide
Topic: Government Transparency in Food Labeling
Host: Dorique Insisienmay
Guest: Gavin Plumlee
Description:
Government transparency in food labeling is increasingly significant as consumers demand clear, accurate information about what they eat. This issue touches on public health, ethics, and trust in regulatory bodies, especially with the rise of GMOs and advanced food technologies. Debates focus on balancing consumer rights to know their food's contents with industry concerns about regulatory burdens. Advocates push for stricter labeling standards to ensure informed choices and support sustainability, while critics argue for voluntary approaches due to cost and feasibility. This tension highlights broader questions of trust and accountability in the food system
Objectives:
I can explain why transparency in food labeling is important to consumers.
I can identify consumer concerns about food labeling, including GMOs and government regulations.
I can evaluate the impact of stricter food labeling laws on trust, pricing, and consumer choice.
Pre-Listening Questions:
Why might some consumers care about detailed food labeling?
What are GMOs, and why do they often appear in labeling debates?
How do you think stricter food labeling regulations could impact grocery prices?
Guided Questions:
What reasons does Gavin Plumlee give for why food labeling is important to him?
How does Gavin feel about stricter government regulations on food labeling?
What are Gavin’s thoughts on including GMOs or gene editing information on food labels?
How much trust does Gavin place in food companies to provide honest labeling?
What does Gavin say about the potential impact of stricter food labeling on grocery prices?
What is Gavin’s opinion on the government’s role in ensuring transparency in food labeling?
What changes does Gavin believe should be made to food labeling today?
Post-Listening Questions:
Provide two reasons why consumers, like Gavin, support transparency in food labeling.
Explain one potential downside of stricter government regulations on food labeling that Gavin mentioned.
In your opinion, do the benefits of including GMO information on food labels outweigh the challenges? Why or why not?
Scoring Rubric for Post-Listening Questions:
1. Provide two reasons why consumers, like Gavin, support transparency in food labeling.
• Level One: Provides one reason with no explanation.
• Level Two: Provides one reason and an example from the podcast.
• Level Three: Provides two reasons and examples from the podcast, with clear connections to the discussion.
2. Explain one potential downside of stricter government regulations on food labeling that Gavin mentioned.
• Level One: Mentions a downside without explanation.
• Level Two: Describes one downside with some detail.
• Level Three: Explains a downside in detail and relates it to consumer impact.
3. In your opinion, do the benefits of including GMO information on food labels outweigh the challenges? Why or why not?
• Level One: States a simple opinion without explanation.
• Level Two: Provides an opinion with one reason or example.
• Level Three: Provides a well-reasoned opinion supported by at least two examples or arguments from the podcast.
Host: Wyatt Stokes
Guest: Kali Schurmeier – agriculture student at Murray State University who has grown up on a family farm in the industry.
Description:
Should the government subsidize more parts of agriculture (livestock & fruit/vegetable production) than just commodity crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, & rice. Supporters of this argue that the government should be putting more money into healthier agriculture instead of less healthy options. Opponents argue that the government subsidizes these things to ensure that agriculture products that are necessary for the country are readily available.
Learning Objective:
Analyze the benefits and detriments of government subsidies in agriculture.
Pre-viewing Questions:
What is a subsidy? Why have subsidies? Are subsidies negative or positive for farmers and consumers?
Guided Questions:
Who is the quest speaker and where are they from?
How do government subsidies affect a small family farm?
What are your thoughts on the small amount of healthy agriculture that is subsidized?
Teaching Guide
Topic: Due to government regulation, would an emphasis on agricultural education improve or impact the economy?
Hosts: Samantha Calvetti, Allison Wells
Guest: Clayton Bundy, Randy Lockbridge, Kat Smith
Description: One large issue that faces the United States agriculture industry is the need for more education. This lack of agricultural education has led to social and economic problems within agriculture and the general public. The government places many rules and regulations on the industry. Unfortunately, many individuals making those decisions aren't adequately educated in the agriculture industry. Many government officials and most of the general public lack any knowledge of how the agriculture industry functions. Government regulation could also help increase agricultural education by making ag-ed a mandatory class. This would set up a foundation of knowledge about agriculture, which could help combat some of the issues the agriculture industry faces.
Objectives:
I can describe the pros and cons of agriculture education.
I can explain the impacts of education on government regulation
I can describe how government regulation impacts the economy and agriculture
Pre-Viewing Questions:
How do you think agriculture education has an impact on government regulations?
Do you think that agriculture education should become a high school graduation requirement?
Do you think agriculture education would help you better understand why prices are high?
Guided Questions:
Kat Smith got her bachelor’s degree in __________ at ___________.
Randy Lockbridge worked for ______ for _______ years.
What is Clay Bundy’s agriculture background?
Randy Lockbridge raises what kind of livestock?
What is one way Kat Smith stated how agriculture education is influenced in Common Core classes?
Out of those interviewed, who is for an emphasis in agriculture and who is against?
Post Listening Questions:
List as many examples as possible of government regulation mentioned in the podcast
From what you've learned from the podcast, do you think an emphasis on agriculture would impact the economy, and why?
Based on what you learned in the podcast, how would an increase in agriculture education impact the agriculture industry?
Scoring Rubric for Post-Listening Questions:
Question One
Level one: 1 example listed
Level two: 2 examples listed
Level three: 3 or more examples listed
Question two
Level one: Provides an answer with little or no explanation
Level two: Provides an answer with 1-2 sentences of explanation
Level three: Provides an answer with 3+ sentences of factual explanation
Question three
Level one: Provides an answer with little or no explanation
Level three: Provides an answer with 1-2 sentences of explanation
Level three: Provides an answer with 3+ sentences of factual explanation
Host: Paige Nevil
Guest: Maddie Head the daughter of the owners of Head's Farm in Cedar Hill Tennessee; Cody Johnson an averagge consumer with extensive knowledge in agriculture from Hendersonville Tennessee.
Discription: Whether foreign countries should own U.S. farmland centers on economic, security, and sovereignty concerns. Supporters argue that foreign investment boosts local economies, enhances agricultural efficiency, and fosters global trade. Opponents state national security risks, loss of food supply control, and potential foreign influence over critical resources. The issue raises questions about balancing economic benefits with safeguarding national interests.
Learning Objectives: I can analyze the economic impacts of foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. I can evaluate the national security risks associated with foreign investments in agriculture. I can formulate a personal stance on the issue based on evidence and diverse perspectives.
Pre-Viewing Questions: Why might some countries or corporations want to invest in U.S. farmland? How could foreign ownership of farmland potentially impact local farmers and food production? Do you think the U.S. should restrict foreign ownership of critical resources like land? Why or why not?
Guided Questions:
Who is the first guest speaker and where are they from?
How does the first guest feel about foreign countries owning U.S. farmland?
Based off the first guest speaker what are factors causing U.S. farmland to increase in price?
Who is the secound guest speaker and where are they from?
How does the first guest fell about foreign countries owning U.S. farmland?
Based on the secound guestspeaker what role should U.S. governement play in foregin ownership of farmland?
Based on the secound guest speaker how does foreign ownership of farmland affect local farmers and rural communities?
What is your opinion on the topic should foreign countries be allowed to own and or have farmland in the U.S.? Why or Why not?
Open Ended Questions: Objective 1: What are the economic benefits and drawbacks of foreign ownership of farmland in the U.S.? Objective 2: How could foreign ownership of farmland pose a national security threat? Objective 3: Based on what you heard, should foreign ownership of farmland in the U.S. be restricted? Why or why not?
Scoring Rubric for Open Ended Questions: Excellent (5 pts), Good (4 pts), Satisfactory (3 pts), Needs Improvement (1-2 pts)
Content Accuracy: Response is accurate, detailed, and includes evidence from the podcast (Excellent). Response is mostly accurate and includes evidence from the podcast (Good). Response is partially accurate with minimal evidence from the podcast (Satisfactory). Response is inaccurate or lacks evidence(Needs Improvement).
Critical ThinkingDemonstrates deep analysis and clear reasoning (Excellent). Shows some analysis and reasoning (Good). Shows limited analysis or reasoning (Satisfactory). Lacks analysis or reasoning (Needs Improvement).
Clarity and StructureWell-organized and clearly written (Excellent). Organized and mostly clear (Good). Somewhat organized but lacks clarity (Satisfactory). Disorganized or unclear (Needs Improvement).





