Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources is a two year career and technical education program that provides both classroom and hands on experience in activities that are considered part of modern day agriculture and natural resource work. Curriculum content is closely aligned with national standards as assessed at a number of annual statewide Career Development Events (CTEs). This content will be covered throughout the year in a realistic workplace environment to develop entry level workplace skills and/or to go on to a post-secondary education.

Students enrolled in this class should be prepared to work outside in any type of weather and have appropriate outdoor gear and attitudes. Students will also take part in activities that encourage communication, decision making skills, and entrepreneurial business concepts. Safety in all aspects of the class will be emphasized. Though attending for a semester only is allowed, successful program completers will attend for two blocks, full year, for two years. Eight total credits will be awarded upon successful completion of the full two-year program. Students will earn one science credit and one career credit upon successful completion of the program. There are a number of real world, relevant learning opportunities provided.

Embedded Dual Enrollment Credits
Students will have the opportunity to earn five (5) college credits through WMCC’s Running Start program. These are Tree and Shrub Identification (1 credit) and Forest Resources (4 credits). Dependent on student interest Environmental Science (4 credits) can be offered as well.

Experiential, Hands-on Learning
The majority of our time will be spent working and learning on the Canaan Community Forest. Activities such as maple syrup production, sawmill operation, Christmas tree propagation, and wreath production, vegetable and small animal farming, and marketing of value added products will introduce students to a variety of agricultural fields with a wide variety of potential employment or educational opportunities.

Safety is a constant focus as students could be working with chainsaws, a tractor, and a number of other tools on a daily basis.

Career Development Events (CDEs)
The FFA sponsors a number of annual state level competitions. Students who perform well may be invited to participate at the national level. In the fall, there is the Land Judging Contest where students identify sites suitability for farming and/or development, gaining knowledge of what farmers, soil scientists, civil engineers, and developers must consider each day. Winter Forestry and Dairy Competitions take place at the VT Farm Show in January. Winter Forestry involves hands-on and written assessment of student knowledge of tree and tree pest identification, as well tree farm and sugar bush management, and maple syrup grading.

The Dairy Competition assesses student knowledge in bacteriology, milk quality, identification of diary versus nondairy products, and various international cheeses. The final CDEs are held in May at the FFA State Convention. Events include an Agriculture Mechanics competition where student knowledge of small engine repair, tractor operation, and welding are tested. Spring Forestry assesses student knowledge of Vermont trees and plants, topological maps, map and compass orientation, log and lumber scaling, and various wood products and tools. Individual students also get to compete in events such as expository speech, parliamentary procedure, and job skills readiness.