Texas Farm Bureau’s ‘Doorways to Agriculture’ Exhibit Bridges Gap Between Students and Food Sources
Fort Worth, TX – – In an era where many children are increasingly disconnected from the origins of their food, the Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) “Doorways to Agriculture” exhibit is making significant strides in agricultural literacy. The exhibit, which recently concluded a three-week run at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, brought hands-on learning experiences to 5,149 students and teachers, offering a glimpse into the world of Texas farming and ranching.
The exhibit isn’t simply a static display. it’s designed to be an immersive experience. Students engage with touchscreen kiosks, explore oversized interactive “books,” and view videos showcasing the lives of Texas farmers and ranchers. A walk-through trailer houses a variety of displays and games, all geared towards illustrating how food and fiber are produced. A particularly popular feature is a miniature cotton gin model, providing a close-up look at the processing of cotton.
“Doorways to Agriculture helps students understand where food comes from, how it gets to the table and the stories and faces behind it,” explained Aubrey Schlimgen, Tarleton State University Collegiate Farm Bureau vice president and an intern with the program. This sentiment underscores the core mission of the exhibit: to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the agricultural industry.
The importance of this mission is amplified by the growing disconnect between younger generations and agriculture. As Schlimgen noted, many students are “several generations removed from agriculture,” making direct experience with farming and ranching a rarity. The exhibit, coupled with a visit to the stock show, aims to bridge that gap, demonstrating how everyday items originate on a farm.
The impact extends beyond students. The exhibit also serves as a valuable resource for teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to integrate agricultural literacy into their classrooms. “Connecting with teachers is so important,” Schlimgen emphasized to the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “Educators are the people who bridge the gap from the classroom to the real world. Through Doorways to Agriculture, educators are encouraged to grow agricultural literacy in their classrooms.”
The Fort Worth run of the exhibit, which took place from to , wasn’t without its challenges. Winter Storm Fern brought icy conditions and hazardous travel, forcing the cancellation of some school tours. However, many schools were able to reschedule, ensuring that students still had the opportunity to participate.
The “Doorways to Agriculture” exhibit isn’t limited to Fort Worth. The traveling exhibit is scheduled to appear at several other major livestock shows and rodeos across Texas, including the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, and the Austin Rodeo. This wider reach will allow TFB to connect with even more students and communities.
The exhibit’s success highlights a growing recognition of the need for agricultural education. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and food security, understanding the origins of our food is more critical than ever. The Texas Farm Bureau’s “Doorways to Agriculture” is playing a vital role in fostering that understanding, one student – and one teacher – at a time.
The exhibit utilizes a variety of interactive elements to engage visitors. Beyond the touchscreen kiosks and oversized books, the program incorporates videos featuring real Texas farmers and ranchers, offering a personal connection to the industry. The hands-on displays and games are designed to make learning fun and accessible for all ages.
The focus on both students and teachers demonstrates a strategic approach to building long-term agricultural literacy. By empowering educators with the resources they need, TFB is ensuring that the message of agricultural importance extends far beyond the exhibit itself and into classrooms across the state. This holistic approach positions “Doorways to Agriculture” as a key component in shaping the next generation’s understanding of food production and the vital role of Texas agriculture.
