more than farming

MORE THAN FARMING (MTF) is a series of short educational videos, produced by STEAM ONWARD, that will present examples of careers in agriculture and natural resources in Maryland. The MTF video series will illustrate for youth examples of the numerous "agriculture related" careers, where over 90 percent of those engaged in agriculture are employed.

The MORE THAN FARMING video project is produced by Steam Onward with grant support from the Rural Maryland Council.

The main objective of the MTF video series is to illustrate:

the diversity of careers related to agriculture, not just farming,
the diversity of technology utilized in agriculture and natural resources, and
the diversity of people engaged in agriculture and natural resources.

A major element of the series includes featuring African Americans, women, and persons in other underrepresented groups as owners of agriculture enterprises, as well as professionals in agri-business, ag education, and ag related government agencies.

link to RURAL MARYLAND COUNCIL

MORE THAN FARMING - UPCOMING EPISODES WILL FEATURE:

UMES: ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS PRECISION AGRICULTURE

In keeping with theme of environmental stewardship and modernizing agriculture, the objectives of ECPA were to implement “Precision Agriculture” at UMES, while also promoting the adoption of this technology intensive farming practice among local farmers and provide the necessary educational and support services.

MANRRS

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), is changing the face of agriculture, natural resources and related sciences by supplying the industry with a diverse pool of talented leaders. They combine their passion for improving quality of life with new ideas and perspectives to enhance the world around us.

terrapulse

TerraPulse is changing the way land is evaluated, managed, and transferred by improving the flow of information to land owners, users, brokers, insurers, investors, and government agencies.

MERCARIS

Mercaris is bringing market intelligence to sustainable agriculture. The Mercaris Data Service makes it easy to gain insights into Organic and non-GMO commodity prices, perform analytics, and trade identity preserved commodities.

SERENITY FARM

Serenity Farm is a working family farm lying peacefully along the Patuxent River in Benedict, Charles County, Maryland. It has been owned and farmed by the Robinson family since 1965. Their motto is, "You are welcome anytime."

DOUBLE Z COWBOY CORRAL

In the heart of Southern Maryland, Double Z Cowboy Corral states that their purpose is to share their enthusiasm of western horseback riding and to encourage folks far and wide to appreciate farm livin' and raisin' animals.

AQUAPONICS LAB - BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY

Bowie State University natural science students are discovering the benefits of the soilless agriculture techniques of hydroponics and aquaponics, processes that can expand the capacity to feed the world as traditional agriculture faces growing challenges from climate change and labor shortages.

Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy

Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy is an all-boy public middle/high school located in Baltimore, Maryland. The school's focus is on Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. STEAM ONWARD will document the installation of their AG-HYDROPONICS lab as a feature of More Than Farming,

MARYLAND'S FOREST SERVICE ASSOCIATION

From the hardwoods of the mountains to the pines of the Eastern Shore, Maryland's forests are as diverse as the uses we have for them, such as timber production, clean water, wildlife, recreation, and scenic beauty.

Future of Farming and Technology

The pie chart above from the US Department of Agriculture illustrates that of the 19.7 million jobs in agriculture, food, and related industries, only 1.4 % of these jobs are in direct farming, that agriculture is MORE THAN FARMING. Much more.

Many of the current career positions in agriculture related fields require individuals with skills in 21st century information sciences, engineering, robotics, bio-sciences, chemistry, economics, business development and business management, food and beverage services, as well as well as individuals with degrees in law, public policy, and government.

According to the report AGRICULTURE 4.0: The Future of Farming Technology produced by Oliver Wyman, an American management consulting firm, "the four main developments placing pressure on agriculture to meeting the demands of the future [include]: Demographics, Scarcity of natural resources, Climate change, and Food waste".

The AGRICULTURE 4.0 report goes on further to state that agriculture "will no longer depend on applying water, fertilizers, and pesticides uniformly across entire fields. Instead, farmers will use the minimum quantities required and target very specific areas" . . . that the 21 century agricultural revolution, must be a green one, with science and technology at its heart, that, "farms and agricultural operations will have to be run very differently, primarily due to advancements in technology such as sensors, devices, machines, and information technology. Future agriculture will use sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology. These advanced devices and precision agriculture and robotic systems will allow farms to be more profitable, efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly".

more than farming

DRAFT MTF EPISODE EXCERPTS

AQUAPONICS LAB at Bowie State University

HOPE & A PRA-YER FARM

UJAMAA - SORGHUM HARVEST 2020

UJAMAA SEEDS: Birth of a Notion