Many of the agricultural education openings in the northern Plains are the result of the addition of programs at high schools and career technical centers or expansion of existing programs.
Many of the agricultural education openings in the northern Plains are the result of the addition of programs at high schools and career technical centers or expansion of existing programs.
But state Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, is working to change that.
Harris recently won unanimous chamber approval for House Bill 1283 authorizing Indiana municipalities to establish urban agricultural zones that would be exempt from property taxes.
The measure requires a beginning or low-resourced farmer actually work the land in the zone to produce agricultural products. Gardens would not qualify for the tax exemption. Agriculture is a key part of Indiana s economy, but Hoosiers in urban areas like East Chicago may not feel like they can participate in it because of their surroundings, Harris said. There are many benefits to expanding agriculture to these urban areas. Young people would learn about the science involved and realize this is a career opportunity. Restaurants would have access to locally sourced, healthy produce. I think this kind of legislation, that offers hope and opportunity, is much-needed after the year we ve all had.
DECATUR â Alyssa Nichols knew she wanted to be a veterinarian at a young age.
Now a student at Richland Community College, the Moweaqua resident is taking the first steps toward that goal in the agricultural transfer program.
âAfter Richland, I want to go to Carbondale to get my (degree) in animal science, and then transfer to the U of I to become a vet,â she said. âI love animals and I don t know if there s anything else I want to do with my life.â
Richland has transfer agreements with several area universities in various programs to make obtaining that bachelor s degree and beyond, and recently renewed its ag agreement with the University of Illinois.