EXPLORE AFNR EDUCATION
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) education is much more than farming. It prepares students for careers that feed, fuel, clothe, and sustain the world. Along the way, students develop technical skills, solve real-world problems, and gain hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in college, careers, and life.
THE FOUNDATION OF AFNR EDUCATION
The Three-Circle Model of AFNR Education
At the heart of AFNR education is a proven formula for student success. The Three-Circle Model integrates classroom and laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experiences, and leadership development through FFA.
Together, these three components create an intracurricular learning experience that makes agricultural education unique. Rather than existing as separate programs, each intentionally builds upon the others, connecting classroom learning with hands-on experiences and leadership development. The result is knowledgeable, skilled, and career-ready individuals prepared to lead, serve, and succeed in an ever-changing world.
SUPERVISED AGRICULTURAL
EXPERIENCE
Whether raising livestock, designing floral arrangements, researching water quality, working at a veterinary clinic, or managing a greenhouse, students apply their skills in real-world settings while exploring career interests.
CLASSROOM & LABORATORY
INSTRUCTION
From classrooms and laboratories to greenhouses, mechanics shops, school forests, and land labs, students build technical knowledge and develop problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills through hands-on learning.
FFA &
LEADERSHIP
Through conferences, competitions, awards, chapter activities, community service, and career exploration, members build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, develop lasting friendships, and prepare for future success.
EXPLORE AFNR PATHWAYS
One industry. Hundreds of possibilities.
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources is more than one career. It’s an industry filled with opportunity. Explore more than 300 careers across nine career pathways and discover where your interests can take you.
AGRIBUSINESS SYSTEMS
Explore careers in business management, finance, marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, and agricultural economics.
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION & LEADERSHIP
Explore careers in education, communication, leadership, public relations, extension, advocacy, and agricultural literacy.
ANIMAL SYSTEMS
Explore careers involving animal health, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, veterinary medicine, and livestock management.
BIOSYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
Explore careers that apply engineering, technology, data, automation, and scientific innovation to agricultural systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE SYSTEMS
Explore careers focused on environmental protection, sustainability, conservation, waste management, and water and air quality.
FOOD PRODUCTS & PROCESSING SYSTEMS
Explore careers in food science, product development, processing, quality assurance, safety, packaging, and distribution.
NATURAL RESOURCES SYSTEMS
Explore careers involving forests, wildlife, fisheries, soils, water, recreation, conservation, and resource management.
PLANT SYSTEMS
Explore careers in crop production, horticulture, plant science, genetics, pest management, landscaping, and turf management.
POWER, STRUCTURAL & TECHNICAL SYSTEMS
Explore careers involving equipment, machinery, construction, electrical systems, fabrication, mechanics, and precision technology.