Curriculum
Because Agricultural Education is based on an industry that is always changing, and due to the drastic variance in agriculture across Nebraska, finding curriculum that is right for your students and program can be a difficult task.
Nebraska has developed Course and Program of Study Standards to use as a resource as you develop your local curriculum. Additionally, there is curriculum developed by Nebraska teachers, National FFA, and other states ready for your use. Technical resources also exist from UNL, Extension and other sources that can help you bring the most current and relevant information into your classroom.
Use the links on the left to help your search!
Nebraska agricultural teachers, faculty from higher education, and industry representatives have helped to determine appropriate standards for students enrolled in agricultural education courses. Taking a backwards-approach to development, standards were written with capstone courses that are based on entry level college courses in Nebraska. From there, an intermediate level course was written, and finally the introductory level course. This creates a three-level Program of Study for a student to experience specific career pathways within the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career field.
The courses are outlined in the graphic below with the introductory level on the left, intermediate level in the middle, and capstone level courses on the right. Click to download a printable version of the AFNR Programs of Study and Course Standards Outline at the bottom of this page. To view specific standards for each course, click the Visit the Course Standards Portal button.
Visit the Course Standards Portal
Looking for more resources as you build your curriculum?
While not specifically endorsed by the Nebraska Department of Education since Nebraska offers our own set of course-based standards, the National Council for Agricultural Education has developed a comprehensive set of Career Pathway-based standards for Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. They were revised in 2015 and provide a good source of information, resources and ideas for teachers in addition to Nebraska’s standards.
Introducing students to the career opportunities within Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) is a critical component of the
mission of Agricultural Education and FFA. The Nebraska FFA Foundation has developed a Nebraska FFA & AFNR Career Student Handbook to support agricultural teachers as they work with their classes and school and community leaders.
The free handbooks are available by request in the spring, through sponsorship from the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s True Blue supporters.
Supplementary lesson plans, activities and a PDF version of the handbook are available below and on the Nebraska FFA Foundation website!
Handbook Download
2023 Nebraska FFA & AFNR Career Handbook
Lesson Materials (2023 Handbook)
Lesson 1 – What about the Classroom?
Lesson 2 – SAE…What’s in it for me?
Lesson 3 – The Blue and Gold Experience