Squabbles of the Soil

This episode of Squabbles of the Soil explores the possible advantages and disadvantages of 12 month employment contracts for agriculture teachers. Many believe that this structure of employment offers no time for agriculture teachers to have a personal life, time outside of the school, or takes them away from their families, children, spouses, and so on. There are some that argue that teachers should not be seeing students outside the normal school year, and most often it comes down to one thing: money. The first argument commonly made is that teachers are just not paid enough to spend an extra two months doing work in or related to the classroom. This episode has also been structured to be used as an instructional opportunity in classroom. Teaching Guide Topic: 12 Month Employment Contracts for Agriculture Teachers Host: Bailey Warren Guests: Dr. Lori Brown, Director of CTE for Maury County Schools Mr. Byron Peery, 2nd Generation Agriculture Teacher for Culleoka Unit School Objectives: 1. I can identify at least one advantage and one disadvantage of 12 month employment contracts for agriculture teachers. 2. I can form my own opinion on the topic of 12 month employment contracts for agriculture teachers. 3. I can understand why there are 12 month employment contracts for agriculture teachers. Pre-Viewing Questions: 1. Why might 12 month contracts be controversial? 2. Do all agriculture programs and teachers have to be on 12 month contracts? 3. Why are 12 month contracts usually used for agriculture programs? Guided Questions to follow along (to ensure participation in the podcast from students): 1. What is normally accomplished in the 2 extra months of employment in a 12 month contract? 2. Do you feel all agriculture programs should be 12 month programs? 3. Do you feel that 12 month employment contracts have the potential for burnout for teachers as well as students? 4. Do you feel as though students gain more out of the two extra months of possible instruction? 5. What do you believe is the biggest benefit/downfall of 12 month employment contracts for agriculture teachers Post Listening questions: 1. What is your stance on 12 month employment contracts for agriculture teachers? 2. What is at least one advantage and one disadvantage of 12 month employment contracts for agriculture teachers? 3. Do you think agriculture teachers should get a bonus incentive for the two extra months of work?

Host: Richie Lowery Guests: Lily Pruitt West/Haley Cheatem Issue: Nationwide Licensure for Agriculture Education Teachers The topic of a nationwide licensure for agriculture education teachers was the issue discussed at The Farm Bureau discussion meet in 2021. As with most things in agriculture, there would be advantages and challenges associated with this implementation. As we strive to move forward into a brighter future of agriculture, it is important to understand how this could affect future generations for not only agriculture educators, but as well as the students they teach. This episode is not meant to influence or persuade an individual's opinion on the subject, but rather allow them to form their own opinion through viewing both sides. Also, this episode can serve as an activity for classroom engagement. Below are objectives that could be implemented when having students listen to this podcast. Objectives: 1. Analyze and evaluate information discussed throughout the podcast and compare both advantages and challenges with implementing a nationwide licensure for agriculture educators. 2. Create a T Chart to distinguish between prior knowledge and knowledge gained after listening to the podcast. 3. Collaborate with the other students using effective problem-solving skills to provide a solution to the controversial issue. Pre-Viewing Questions: 1. What is a nationwide teacher licensure? 2. How is an agriculture licensure different from other content area? 3. Would this implementation be an overall advantage or disadvantage to both educators and students? Guided Questions to follow along: 1. What would a nationwide teacher licensure for agriculture teachers mean in terms of curriculum? 2. What would this licensure mean for military families and teachers who would like to travel? 3. How would this licensure affect future generations as they integrate into the workforce? Post Viewing questions: 1. Has your opinion on the subject matter changed after listening to this podcast? 2. What is your stance on the issue? 3. Have you ever considered a future in agriculture education?

Organic Farming has gained popularity for its environmental, sustainability, and marketing value. Although there are criticisms, such as increased inputs, decreased yields, and reduced land efficiency. Let's dive deeper into the pros and cons of Organic Farming in this podcast. Teaching Guide Topic: Organic Farming Host: Angayla Maxwell Guests: Dan and Nadia Spatz (Happy Flavors Farms), Lauren Palmer (Bloomsbury Farms) Objectives: 1. Explore the benefits and challenges of organic agriculture. 2. Understand how sustainability is connected to organic farming. 3. Investigate public influence on organic agriculture. Pre-Viewing Questions: (Have your students answer these questions independently before listening to the podcast, use as a bell-ringer or Know-Want to know-Learned chart.) 1. How would you define organic farming? 2. What challenges do you think organic farmers come across in their profession? 3. What is your opinion on organic agriculture? Guided Questions to follow along: (Allow students to record their answers to these questions independently while listening to the podcast. Utilized to ensure students are engaged) 1. What is the NOP? 2. Farming for the next generation is called? 3. Other than organic certification, what other certification can farmers look into? Post-Listening questions : (After listening to this podcast with your class, allow students to answer these questions to test their engagement, use as a exit ticket or a Know-Want to know-Learned chart.) 1. How does public perception relate to organic farming? 2. What were the pros and cons of organic certification? 3. What is your opinion on organic agriculture?

This topic is about ear cropping in dogs. This controversial topic discusses the various reasons why some might be opposed to ear cropping, like how painful it is for dogs, and why some may support it, like for breed looks. We will have two guests to give us information on the topic. Topic: Ear Cropping in Canines Host: Leandra Koss Guests: Dr. Vickie Swarowski (Veterinarian in San Diego) & Noelle Bozeman (seasoned animal rescuer) Objectives: 1. I can identify what ear cropping on canines is by the end of the podcast. 2. I can formulate my own opinion with information supporting my opinion on the controversial topic based off of the responses from the interviewees. 3. I can recite two pieces of information from each side that contributes to the controversy. Pre-Viewing Questions: (for a bell ringer, use as a short discussion) 1. What is ear cropping? 2. What is your current stance on the controversial topic? 3. What makes this topic controversial? Guided Questions to follow along: 1. Which interviewee supports the topic of ear cropping? 2. What are 2 reasons someone would crop their dogs' ears other than cosmetic reasons? 3. What are reasons Noelle Bozeman is against ear cropping in canines? Post Listening questions: (use as an exit ticket) 1. What is your stance after listening to the podcast? Why? 2. What are 2 things you learned? 3. What else do you want to know about ear cropping? What questions do you have after listening?

In this episode we will explore the controversial topic of coyote hunting competitions. We will hear from our guest, Tucker Barrett, about what happens at the competitions and why he and several others take part in coyote hunting competitions. We will also hear some arguments from the opposing side. We will also learn about why some organizations are non-supporters of coyote hunting competitions. Teaching Guide Topic: Coyote hunting competitions Host: Maxwell LaFrenier Guests: Tucker Barrett Objectives: 1. Inform the listener on what coyote hunting competitions are. 2. Inform the listener why these competitions have been created and continued. 3. Challenge the listener to analyze the topic for themselves to decide their opinion. If you are using this podcast as a teaching resource, these questions are intended for listeners or students to answer before starting this episode to serve as a benchmark for their understanding of the topic before listening. Pre-Viewing Questions: 1. What are coyote hunting competitions? 2. What issues do coyotes pose for farmers and ranchers? 3. Why are coyote hunting competitions viewed negatively? Guided questions are intended to be answered while the listener or student is listening to the podcast. Guided Questions to follow along: 1. Are coyote hunting competitions popular? 2. Are coyote hunts strictly for prize winning? 3. What issues come with these competitions? Post-listening questions are intended for the listener or student to answer after they have listened to the podcast to gauge what they have learned from the episode. Post-Listening Questions: 1. What possible alternatives to predator problems are there? 2. Do you support or oppose coyote hunting competitions?

This podcast is about grain-free food and the controversial topic of it causing heart disease. There will be 2 guest speakers, one will be opposed and one will be in support of grain-free foods. Topic: Grain-free Food and Heart Disease Host: Emily Goolsby Guests: Gabrielle Richey and Debbie Clark Objectives: 1. I can identify the amino acid that is unabsorbable/not in grain-free food. 2. I can identify some Pros and Cons of grain-free food. 3. I can recall 2 things that are missing from grain-free foods. Pre-Listening Questions: Please have the students answer these questions on a piece of paper before listening to this podcast. 1. Are grains necessary for an animal's diet? 2. What do you know right now, about grain-free foods? 3. What grain-free food brands do you know? Guided Questions to follow along: Please have the students answer these questions on a piece of paper while listening to the podcast. 1. What breed has benefited from this food? 2. Is there a health reason one might put their dog on this food? 3. Does it affect cats and dogs the same? Post Listening questions: Please have the students answer these questions on a piece of paper after listening to the podcast. All questions could be used in a group/class discussion. 1. What is missing from grain-free foods and why is it important? 2. Do some animals have GI problems with grain-free vs. grain food 3. Are there any testings proving that this food can cause heart disease?

Declawing cats is a controversial topic due to people choose to alter their cats ability by removing their nails. Many people can declaw for health issues or to alter their behavior due to scratching and ruining furniture. Some may find other resources than declawing. Follow along to see what the guest today have to say about declawing cats. Teaching Guide Topic: Declawing of Cats Host: Savannah Scott Guests: Abby Roberts, a Vet Tech from VCA Creekside Alicia Jones, a Hospital Manager from VCA Mt Juliet Gary Kirk, a Retired Rescue Owner Heather Haufmann, a finance manager who had an interest in small animal medicine and welfare in college. Objectives: 1. I can identify 2 pros and 2 cons of declawing cats by the end of this episode. 2. I can create my own opinion on the topic of declawing cats. 3. I can understand the procedure of declawing cats. Pre-Viewing Questions: (Can serve as a pre assessment and bell work. Have students write down their answered prior to viewing to gain knowledge of what they know prior to listening.) 1. What are alternatives to declawing? 2. How much do you think it costs to declaw a cat? 3. Do you think declawing is outlawed in other countries? 4. Do you think there are certain instances of declawing a cat? 5. Is there a good age to declaw a cat? Guided Questions to follow along: (Give this list of questions to follow along with the podcast. Serves as an accountability feature to ensure that students were engaged in the listening of the podcast.) 1. What 2 countries are still practicing declawing? 2. What are 2 reasons cats should and shouldn't be declawed? 3. How is declawing different from a spay or neuter? 4. What affects the cost of declawing? 5. What are soft paws? 6. Does declawing lower the risk of spreading a disease? 7. What is an acceptable situation to declaw a cat? 8. Is it better to declaw or rehome an animal according to the guest? 9. What age should a cat be declawed? 10. What is a pheromone spray? Post Listening questions: (Allow this to serve as an assessment to ensure that they followed along.) 1. After listening to the podcast, what did you learn about the process of declawing cats? 2. What is the average cost for declawing a cat? 3. Is it easier and cheaper if the cat is already under anesthesia for a spay or neuter? 4. What is one thing multiple speakers said? 5. What are 3 alternatives of declawing cats?

Podcast Teaching Guide Topic: Livestock Showing Host: Lily Steed Guests: Lindsey Nicholas and Kayla Wilson Objectives Animal Safety - Showmanship level Animal Safety - Arena Level Preventative Measures Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: What is livestock showing? How does showing differ from breed to breed? Do you think animals are harmed during livestock showing? Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast: How can we prevent harm to animals during showing/preparing? How does showing differ from breed to breed? How can we fight the negative stigma?

Podcast Teaching Guide Topic: Genetically modified organism Host: Colby Chapman Guests: Jeremiah Lynch and Phil St Objectives Students will understand why the topic is controversial. Students will be able to describe what a GMO is. After being well informed about GMOs, students will able to formulate their own opinion. Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: List every fact you know about GMOs. In your own opinion, should farmers be allowed to use GMOs? What does GMO stand for? Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast: What are the pros to GMOs? What are the cons to GMOs? Using the guest answers, could GMOs ever be outlawed? Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast Could GMOs potentially improve the efficiency of production? Jeremiah: Phil: What do you feel is the worst outcome of using GMOs in the worlds production? Jeremiah: Phil: Do you think the world could have enough food supply if we only did traditional production practices? Jeremiah: Phil: Has your view shifted since we started discussing this topic? Jeremiah: Phil: Why do you think this is an issue in the eyes of the public? Jeremiah: Phil:

Teaching Guide – Right to Farm Podcast Topic: Right to Farm Laws Host: Jake Duke Guests: John Duke, Joleana Starnes Objectives I can explain the original purpose of the Right to Farm Laws. I can list the pros and cons of Right to Farm Laws. I can create my own Right to Farm Laws that will be beneficial to the farmer and consumer. Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: What would you do if a neighbor was causing an inconvenience to you? Should farmers be protected by law to continue farming how they want to farm? Can consumers sometimes be negatively affected by the farms around them? Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast: Why were the Right to Farm Laws first established? Mastered if: student correctly identifies the need to protect farmers against urbanization. What are the ways that Right to Farm Laws both help and cause harm to individuals? Mastered if: Student correctly identifies at least two pros (lets farmer spend time doing their job, keeps farmer from paying legal costs, lets farmers stimulate the economy, etc.) and at least two cons (consumer may not be able to sue a farm that is causing nuisances, large corporate farms are able to get away with bad practices, communities may be negatively affected by growth and practices of large farms, etc.). Create your own set of Right to Farm Laws that will be beneficial to both the farmer and the regular consumer. Mastered if: Student creates a feasible set of rules that allow the farmer to continue farming and the consumer to have the right to challenge bad practices of the farm. The language of the rules do not have to be formal to achieve mastery, content is the focus.

Teaching Guide – Veganism Podcast Topic: Veganism Host: Caitlin Faulkner Guests: Stephanie Branim Gerlad Branim Objectives I can understand the pros and cons of choosing a vegan lifestyle. I can understand the health benefits of eating on a vegan diet and a non-vegan diet. Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: Do you know reasons why people choose to eat a vegan diet? Do you think that younger or older generations eat a vegan diet? What beliefs do many people have about a vegan diet? Teacher Notes: Teacher should be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of a vegan lifestyle: Animal slaughter, greenhouse gasses, lack of protein, etc. Teacher should also be prepared to discuss the beliefs behind choosing a vegan diet. A. The belief that they are eating more whole foods and less processed meats, the belief of inhumane animal animal slaughter, eating from a “clean label.” Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast Who in the family eats a vegan diet? Answer: Mitch and Caroline Glass (sister and brother in law of the host) Why is a vegan lifestyle not ideal for Gerald? He is a runner who needs a high protein intake and feels more energy when he consumes meat in his diet. Which of the following did Mitch experience after switching to a vegan diet? a. Less binge eating b. Clearer skin c. Less stomach problems What is another reason the interviewer's family chose a vegan lifestyle? __________ For the environmental impact When did the interviewer's family become vegan? 2017 What is something Gerald looks for when shopping for his meat? Low fat, high protein volumes. What is one way you can ensure you know where your products are coming from?__________ Shopping from local farmers Name one pro and con of eating a vegan lifestyle: Con: The risk of lacking protein in your diet Pro: Eating more whole foods and vegetables

Podcast Teaching Guide Topic: Raw Milk Host: Brandon Roy Guests: Mark Foley Randy and Robin Pope Objectives I can explain the difference between Raw and Processed (pasteurized) Milk. I can describe why many states and organizations do not sell or produce Raw Milk products. Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: Did you know that Milk is “cooked” via pasteurization before it is sold at the grocery store? Do you think that pasteurization makes the Milk less healthy? Could we benefit from drinking Raw Milk instead? Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast: Why is processing (pasteurization) required for the sale of most dairy products? a. A student should be able to describe that bacteria present in raw milk has the potential to make people sick. Why do many individuals stand by their practice of drinking raw milk despite the risk? a. Students can discuss multiple factors, including but not limited to: bacteria present is healthy, loss of vitamins, taste, and texture. What do you think about this? Do you think people should be drinking raw milk? a. Student opinion question. Teacher Notes: Teacher should be prepared to discuss the the different types of bacteria that can be found in raw milk, listed below: Brucella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella Teacher should also be prepared to discuss the following two important terms: A. Milk Homogenization: a. Homogenization is a mechanical process that transforms the two, separate components of whole fresh milk– cream and low-fat milk–into one smooth beverage. To accomplish this, fresh milk is heated and pumped through tiny nozzles at high pressure. The pressure tears the fat globules of the cream into tiny particles, which then disperse evenly throughout the low-fat milk. Non-Homogenized milk will naturally separate into two layers of liquid milk and fatty cream. B. Milk Pasteurization a. Pasteurization is the process of heating milk up and then quickly cooling it down to eliminate certain bacteria. For effective pasteurization, milk can be heated up to 145 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or at least 161.6 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast Where does our first guest attend college? Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Milk is pasteurized because of __________ present in raw milk that can potentially make humans sick. Bacteria Which of these major vitamins is added to milk during processing? a. Vitamin B b. Vitamin C c. Vitamin D d. Vitamin E 4. Other than cows, the most common animal that humans drink milk from is __________ Goats 5. What is the name of the farm that our 2nd guests' own? Robin's Nest Farms 6. What is the name of the regulation program required for the sale of Raw Milk? Herd share, goat share, or cow-share

Teaching Guide – Pesticides and Bees Topic: Pesticides and Bees Host: Bailey Lugo Guests: Nathaniel Jennette / Brent Brewer Objectives Understand what type of chemical pesticides are less harmful to bee colonies Be familiar with the different practices involved in pest management Recognize the importance of bees to our world Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: What risks do you think pesticides pose to bees? Are there other forms of pest management that don't involve chemicals? Why are bees important to our livelihood? Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast: What were a few of the other methods of pest prevention What was the application method that reduced overall bee death Were granular or mist applications more harmful to bee populations? Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast - What effect do bt genetically modified crops have on specific insects? - What would be a few effects of losing a large portion of our bee population? - What is an example of biological control and how does it operate?

Teaching planning guide Topic: Precision agriculture Host: Alana Hester Guest: Colin Miller, Carter Woodruff Lesson overview: Students will be able to decide their standpoint on precision agriculture. Students will be able to explain the struggles some farmers are having adjusting to the change into precision agriculture. Students will also be able to list some possible downs sides from switching to precision. Discussion questions before listening to podcast: Has anyone heard of precision agriculture? Has anyone heard of self-driving tractors? Well, these navigational systems that allow for this are an innovation brought by precision agriculture. As you listen or after listen to this podcast, I want you to answer a few questions. 1) How do the guest on this podcast view the topic of precision agriculture? 2) What is the reason behind precision agriculture according to Mr. Woodruff? A) increase production B) increase expenses C) increase farms 3) How does precision help with waste of chemicals? A) it doesn't B) more precise application C) it doesn't use chemicals 4) What type of agriculturalist were the guest on this podcast? 5) What industry has precision agriculture hurt the most? A) poultry B) Beef cattle C) Meat Goat D) Dairy cattle 6) Is precision agriculture affordable to all agriculturalists? 7) What is a problem between the older generation of farmers and these innovations? 8) How could a farmer make an unwise investment regarding innovations? 9) What resources do farmers have to learn about precision agriculture?

Teaching Guide – Horse Slaughter Podcast Topic: Horse Slaughter Host: Loren Huling Guests: Savannah Scott & Abigail McConnell Objectives To gain more knowledge of Horse Slaughter Listen and analyze different opinions Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: Write down anything you already know about Horse Slaughter. Why do you think horse slaughter is an issue? Would you be for or against horse slaughter? Why or Why not? Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast: What was one interesting point you heard and How does that point relate to you and your opinion? After listening to the podcast, what other problems could arise when slaughtering horses for meat? One that wasn't mentioned in the podcast. In one short paragraph tell me what your opinion on Slaughtering horses for is?

Teaching Guide – Antibiotic Usage in Livestock Topic: Antibiotic Use in Livestock Host: Madison Looney Guests: Reauna Person, Galeon Collier Objectives I can explain the purposes of antibiotic use in livestock I can list the pros and cons of antibiotic use in livestock I can differentiate between livestock that has antibiotics and livestock that doesn't Question for teacher to ask students before podcast: Do you think antibiotics should be used in food animals? Why do you think people give antibiotics to food animals? How can antibiotics affect the animal? Questions for teacher to ask students after podcast: How does the government regulate antibiotics? - students: The government regulates antibiotics by having veterinarians come and regulate them. Does the use of antibitoics in food animals lead to resistant bacteria in meat that can make people sick? - Students: Antibitoics can only make people sick if they are not given correctly to animals. Why are antibitics used in livestock - students: Antibiotics are used in livestock to produce better quality meat. Podcast Prompts for Students To Follow Along During Podcast 1. Where did the podcast guest go to school? a. MTSU and UTK b. UTK and University of Arizona c. Vanderbilt and MTSU d. University of Arizona and Tennessee State University 2. Which Guest has experience using antibiotics in Livestock? Mr. Collier 3. 3. What can happen if you overuse antibiotics? Bacteria can spread to others, making them sick 4. What percent of antibiotics is used for treatment? a. 10% b. 40% c. 20% d. 35% 4. Superbugs are hard to control, but what is a beneficial way to make sure these antibiotics are given properly? Making sure they are properly administered by someone licensed. 5. Who tests the food and animals before being given humans? a. FDA b. . CDC c. AAFCO d. FFDCA 5. What promotes diseases in animals? Most likely their environment 6. Why are antibiotics given to sick animals? Because sick animals cannot produce good quality meat.