12: Inspiring the Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers

Whether they are first-time farmers, or farmers continuing their family’s agribusiness legacy, the next generation of farmers and ranchers face a unique set of challenges. In South Carolina, one school is helping to prepare high school students through hands on experiences across agriculture, land management, agribusiness, and forestry. The South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe is the first of its kind public, residential high school. Kinsley Miller, Director of Outreach, joins the podcast to talk about the opportunities offered through the school and how they are inspiring and preparing the next generation of young farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders.

Some of the questions we chat about:

  • What is the history behind the SC Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe?

  • What makes the curriculum unique? 

  • What are some of those challenges that they’re preparing students to take on and how are they doing so?

  • What kind of higher education and/or careers are their students going into after graduation?

  • We’ve talked to many young farmers who have diversified their family farms across a number of areas, including starting a creamery, expanding through agritourism, and even taking their marketing to new levels by leveraging social media like Instagram and Tik Tok. Does she see these wheels starting to turn in their students? 

  • What does the next generation needs most to be successful in agribusiness? 

  • Do y’all offer experiences for non-residential students? Are there things that the general public (adults and children) can take part in?  

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Mentioned in this episode:

https://delahowe.sc.gov/

https://delahowe.sc.gov/admissions

https://www.instagram.com/delahowe_/

https://delahowe.podbean.com/

https://www.agandarttour.com/york

https://www.visityorkcounty.com/

https://bit.ly/SCAPR 

Episode Sponsors:

Visit York County - The South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is back in York County, SC! Join us for this FREE, family-friendly event—a self-guided tour showcasing 25 farms with artisans at every stop. Experience first-hand where your food comes from, witness and shop from artisans in action, enjoy local musicians, and learn about the importance of supporting our local farms! You don’t want to miss this unique event, so mark your calendars for June 8th-9th! Visit agandarttour.com/york to learn more.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension - Annie’s Project is a nationwide program that aims to empower women in agriculture through risk management education. We welcome anyone supporting the Annie’s Project mission to participate. The next SC Annie's Project class is the summer retreat that will be held in Florence, SC. Over 3.5 days, participants will receive 18 hours of education on Financial, Human Resources, Legal, Marketing, and Production risk management. Participants can expect to learn from a diverse range of speakers, spend time networking, go on farm tours, and build confidence in the future of their operation. A 4-H Youth Development Camp is being offered simultaneously for participants with youth. Lodging is included in the $400 registration until May 14. Local lodgers and participants who register after May 14 are $175. Youth registration is $100 for the first youth and $50 for each additional youth registered. More information can be found at https://bit.ly/SCAPR 

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13: Flower Farming & Building a Strong Social Media Presence

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11: Multi-Generational Farming, Farmland Preservation, & Growing Strawberries 40 Weeks a Year