From 1931-1944, Future Farmers of America made 157 radio broadcasts to acquaint the public with the organization's activities and its contribution to the war effort; these shows inspired state affiliate broadcasts. Membership grew from 60,000 to 80,000. (Contains 22 references.) (SK)

Formal supervision of agricultural education teachers by state supervisors began with the 1917 Smith-Hughes Act. Supervision has evolved from the "iron fist" to the consultant. Some felt that supervisors usurped the role of teacher educators. By the end of the 20th century, supervision had devolved to local administrators and vocational directors.…

Currently advocated agriculture teaching in the elementary classroom has historical precedents. Elementary agriculture curriculum in the early 20th century often followed Pestalozzi's recommendations and used hands-on activities such as nature study. By 1951, 21 states required agricultural education in rural elementary schools. (SK)

Jonathan Baldwin Turner was instrumental in the creation of the concept of land-grant universities. Despite a push for normal schools as the site of agricultural teacher training, land-grant institutions become the main source of teacher preparation, creating closer ties with agriculture than with pedagogy. (SK)

The Hatch Act of 1887 established agricultural education as primarily academic with a strong scientific base, supported by the leadership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Smith-Hughes Act shifted to vocational emphasis and leadership by the Federal Board for Vocational Education. Examination of the profession's history can lead back to…

Before the Smith-Hughes Act, Congressional district agricultural schools in Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia provided an early example of federal support for vocational agriculture. Although agricultural instruction was included, these schools were in reality comprehensive high schools that set precedents for subsequent agricultural curricula. (SK)