OSC Launches Education Website to Grow our Next Generation


November 20, 2013

WORTHINGTON, Ohio – Ohio soybean farmers understand that today’s youth is the future of the soybean industry and all of agriculture.  For this reason, the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff have launched a new website to provide educators with a wide array of relevant classroom materials and direct access to industry partners.

The site was specifically developed to bring real-world situations into the classroom focused on chemistry, biology, biotechnology, environmental science and agriscience.

“For almost two decades, OSC has been investing in the development of curriculum and educational materials focused on the science of soybeans, as well as cultivating strong education networks of teachers throughout Ohio,” said John Motter, OSC chairman and soybean farmer from Hancock County.  “Through the development of this new, interactive website, Ohio soybean farmers have created a centralized location where all of these and future materials can be accessed.”

In addition to relevant curriculum materials related to soybean production and agriculture, the site also houses:

  • Career videos
  • Interactive e-learning courses
  • Background information
  • Networking and sharing abilities

“When we began this process, we spoke with teachers about what information and resources were out there to educate students about soybeans, agriculture and the many careers that are available in these fields. Unfortunately, many of those resources needed updating to reflect the realities of farming and food production today,” said David Black, OSC Domestic Marketing Committee Chair and soybean farmer from Franklin County.  “Ohio teachers may be the first people to talk with students about agriculture and how science is such a big part of what farming and food is all about.  We want to offer them the best resources we can.”

Log onto www.grownextgen.org to access the materials and resources that are helping to connect teachers and their students to Ohio soybeans and agriculture.

About the Ohio Soybean Council

Headquartered in Worthington, the Ohio Soybean Council is governed by a volunteer farmer board, which directs the Soybean Promotion and Research Program.  The program’s primary goal is to improve soybean profitability by targeting research, education and development projects through the investment of farmer-contributed funds (checkoff). To learn more, visit www.ohiosoybeanfarmers.org.

Media Contact

Jennifer ColemanOhio Soybean Council
614.476.3100
jcoleman@soyohio.org