NFRBMEA Communications Seeking Adult Farm Business Management Instructors

Ira L. Beckman, President Elect, NFRBMEA

Do you have a degree in agricultural education, economics, or business? Are you looking forward to a new but rewarding challenge? Have you ever considered teaching adult farm or ranch business management education? The National Farm and Ranch Business Management Education Association (NFRBMEA) board of directors is searching for more adult agriculture teachers as it has identified instructor recruitment as one of its highest priorities.

The members of the NFRBMEA believe that as a whole, we are on the verge of a crisis in adult agricultural education. Currently there are positions open in many states including: Oregon, Washington, North Dakota, and Minnesota. In the very near future, this number is sure to rise substantially; even the states that do not report a shortage today know that this will be a problem on the horizon. There are over 100 Adult Farm Management Educators in Minnesota, approximately one-third of which are projected to retire within the next five years.

Why are more people not interested in teaching adult farm business management? We are not sure – other than possibly because of a fear of working with adults, or that many people do not know that this job opportunity exists. Historically, many of the new teachers have come from the secondary level or extension. The numbers of teachers switching to adult education are down dramatically as of late. We hope they are not fearful, as adult education is just different. The adult student is very motivated, and you see the results from the instruction you deliver more rapidly. An additional reward is the sincere appreciation of your students. Adult education is "just-in-time" education. We invite you to give it a try!

The NFRBMEA would like to encourage anyone considering a career change to try adult agricultural education. If you are interested, or have any inquiries or comments, contact us at www.nfrbmea.org.