Agricultural Education: Integrating Science Curriculum in the Classroom

As generations become further removed from the farm, the gap between agriculture and consumers widens. That’s why agricultural education is so critical – it bridges that gap and shows our next generation everything agriculture has to offer. Join the Ag Foundation as we discuss why we need more agriculture in formal science classrooms, like biology, as well as what you can do today to help with the efforts.

Speakers:

Julia Recko, AFBFA

Rick Henningfeld, Education Specialist, Vivayic

Kathryn Louderback, Environmental STEM Program Facilitator

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Speaker Details

Rick Henningfeld

Rick brings a strong background in science and agriculture and over 20 years of facilitation, training, and speaking experience to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture as the Education Director. Rick spent 10 years as a high school Agricultural and Science educator and his teaching department developed a mission for their students: Production Agriculture Practices + Scientific Principles & Methodology = Students Prepared for Future Careers in Agricultural Industries. Rick brought the mission to life for students as he and his department redesigned all 16 of their class offerings to be more rigorous, inquiry-based, and rooted in science. During Rick’s 10 years of teaching and serving as an FFA advisor in Wisconsin, he built an impressive program with deep roots in the community focusing on activities that were purposeful and relevant.

Kathryn Louderback

Kathryn Louderback is the Environmental STEM Program Facilitator for Auburn-Washburn USD 437, where she leads districtwide initiatives in environmental education, outdoor learning, and STEM innovation. A lifelong Kansan, Kathryn has dedicated her career to inspiring students to connect with the natural world, pursue scientific inquiry, and explore real-world career pathways. Prior to her current role, she spent over a decade as an 8th-grade science teacher and department head at Washburn Rural Middle School, where she also coached cross country and sponsored the Green Club, leading the school to earn the prestigious Kansas Green Schools Silver Globe Award.

Her dedication to excellence earned her recognition as the 2023 Secondary Teacher of the Year for Auburn-Washburn USD 437 and a state-level nominee for the Kansas Teacher of the Year Program. In 2025, she was further honored with the KACEE Award for Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education (PreK–16).

Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Emporia State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Baker University. As both an educator and instructional leader, she has been instrumental in designing NGSS-aligned curriculum, leading professional development for her district. The environmental education program involves the district’s 50-acre Environmental Learning Lab, expanding access to nature-based learning that enhance educational innovation and sustainability.

Deeply rooted in Kansas’ heartland, Kathryn lives with her husband and two children on four acres of land, where she gardens, explores nature, and lives the stewardship values she instills in her students.

Julia Recko

Julia Recko is the Managing Director of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, where she oversees the strategic direction of the Foundation as it works toward building awareness and understanding of agriculture through education.