An Update From The Council

The Agricultural Education Magazine: Inspiring Agricultural Education

The Agricultural Education Magazine began as a bold idea at the 1928 agricultural education conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Representatives from Meredith Publishing offered their support, and a committee led by Z. M. Smith of Indiana set to work. One year later, the inaugural issue rolled off the press, establishing a national forum where teachers could exchange fresh ideas, research and classroom strategies.
For more than nine decades, the magazine was available only in print; in 2020, it transitioned to a digital format, expanding its reach while remaining free to agriculture educators. Each issue is built around a theme selected by guest editors and features book reviews, classroom-ready tips, visual storytelling, and timely updates for educators and stakeholders.

The current edition—Volume 97, Issue 4, “Innovative SAEs”—celebrates the versatility of Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Contributors share firsthand accounts illustrating how SAEs empower students from every background to engage in meaningful, work‑based learning. Articles trace the evolution of SAE programs, highlight their alignment with the SAE for All initiative, and demonstrate how inclusive, student‑owned projects strengthen the three‑circle model of agricultural education (classroom/laboratory instruction, FFA and SAE).

By spotlighting innovative SAEs and the progress of SAE for All, this issue underscores a simple truth: When every learner has access to relevant, real‑world experiences, agricultural education thrives—and so do the students it serves.

Through its nearly century-long journey, the magazine has remained a trusted resource and source of inspiration for agriculture educators across the country. By sharing practical tools, diverse voices and innovative ideas, the magazine continues to fulfill its original mission: to support and strengthen agricultural education—one issue at a time.