K-2 Kids can now Explore the Farmers Market Online
September 13, 2012 - The popular agricultural gaming site MyAmericanFarm.org now includes a revised version of the “Farmer's Market Challenge” game, updated to include K-2 learners. The game has been updated to give K-5 grade level students the opportunity to practice essential math skills while learning about food and healthy choices.
The Farmers Market Challenge game, which is aligned to Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, also now includes an "Easy Reader" e-Comic book that takes young readers on a virtual trip to a farmer's market with their friends. Both the game and e-Comic book can be found at: http://www.myamericanfarm.org/games/farmers_market_challenge/.
The My American Farm educational gaming resource is a special project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. Its mission is to build awareness, understanding and a positive public perception of agriculture through education. My American Farm currently has educator resources, fun family activities, videos, e-readers and 16 on-line games, including its first pre-kindergarten–kindergarten game, “In My Barn.”
The site and resources are made possible through the generous support of title sponsor, DuPont Pioneer. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
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DuPont Pioneer Donation Supports My American Farm 
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 18, 2012 – DuPont Pioneer, title sponsor of the popular online agricultural resource, MyAmericanFarm.org, has donated $100,000 to the program. This is the third donation from the business and completes a pledge made three years ago for $500,000 to support development of the website.
With this donation, Pioneer continues to support My American Farm and the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s mission to build awareness, understanding and a positive public perception of agriculture through education. My American Farm currently has educator resources, fun family activities, videos, e-readers and 16 on-line games, including its first pre-kindergarten – kindergarten game, “In My Barn.”
“Pioneer’s continued support of My American Farm shows great commitment to increasing agricultural awareness in our nation’s youth,” said Dan Durheim, executive director of the foundation. “We appreciate DuPont Pioneer’s efforts to help advance Farm Bureau’s ag education and literacy program.”
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the American Farm Bureau Federation. The foundation fulfills a mission of building awareness, understanding and a positive public perception about agriculture through education.
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‘In My Barn’ Game Helps Young Students Build Math Skills
June 4, 2012 - A new online game developed for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students is now available on MyAmericanFarm.org, the popular agricultural gaming site. “In My Barn” is the first game for a pre-K–K audience on My American Farm.
Students use math skills to help Farmer Faye, a character in the game, care for her animals. As they play the game, students earn points which help them fill a grain storage silo. Once students fill the silo they earn a new stamp to add to their Passport for Sustainability—the tool that helps youth keep track of their journey through the various My American Farm online games.
In My Barn is closely aligned with the PBS Kids Ready to Learn Math Framework, which supports STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning. The game also meets national standards for mathematics instruction.
“We’re excited to launch this new STEM-related game and activities on My American Farm,” said Dan Durheim, executive director of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. “A solid understanding of core subjects such as science and mathematics lays the groundwork for students to grow in their understanding of where food, fiber and renewable fuels come from.”
The My American Farm educational gaming resource is a special project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The site and resources are made possible through the generous support of title sponsor, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. To take advantage of free My American Farm resources, games and activities, visit www.myamericanfarm.org.
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MY AMERICAN FARM EXPLORES NEW CAREERS WITH ENHANCED RELEASE OF K-2 GAME “MY LITTLE AG ME”
February 6, 2011 - The popular agricultural gaming site MyAmericanFarm.org just released an enhanced version of an engaging game, My Little Ag Me.
My Little Ag Me is a fun, scenario-based game that introduces young learners to careers in agriculture. The enhanced version offers users the chance to choose from more avatars for game play, as well as new careers for exploration. Students select from ten diverse career areas, as they discover what it might be like to be in an agriculturally related field such as farming, cattle ranching, or being an agricultural marketing designer. After answering enough questions, learners get to “Meet an Expert” as they click to listen to a fictional interview with a career leader. Students are then rewarded with a new stamp to add to their Passport for Sustainability – the tool that helps youth keep track of their journey through the various My American Farm online games.
The My American Farm educational gaming resource is a special project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The site and resources are made possible through the generous support of our title sponsor, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. To take advantage of the free My American Farm resources, games, and activities, visit www.myamericanfarm.org.
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MY AMERICAN FARM TEACHES YOUTH TO DISTINGUISH FACT FROM FAIRYTALE WITH A NEW GAME
November 23, 2011 - The popular agricultural gaming site MyAmericanFarm.org just released a new game for students in Kindergarten through second grade.
The new game, titled “Fact or FairyTale,” is a trivia-like game that helps kids learn valuable science lessons. The game is fun and fast-paced, allowing kids to help Jacob Justthefacts discover the truth about where their food, fiber, and fuel are produced. As they play, kids are encouraged to continue helping Jacob uncover the truth by evaluating which statements are facts or fairytales. After answering enough questions, participants are rewarded with a new stamp to add to their Passport for Sustainability – the tool that helps youth keep track of their journey through the various My American Farm online games.
The My American Farm educational gaming resource is a special project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The site and resources are made possible through the generous support of our title sponsor, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. To take advantage of the free My American Farm resources, games, and activities, visit www.myamericanfarm.org.
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NEW MY AMERICAN FARM GAME FOR K-2 AUDIENCE
October 3, 2011 - My American Farm steps into the world of early-elementary students by introducing a "memorable" new game on MyAmericanFarm.org. The popular website is the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture's educational gaming platform. And now, students can play an agriculturally based game of "Memory" online that is aimed specifically at kids in Kindergarten through second grade.
The new "Memory Match" game helps kids learn vocabulary and reading skills as they match key agricultural terms to their corresponding image. Students play through four fast-paced rounds that cover topics on animals, crops, tools, and agricultural jobs. Should they need any assistance with reading, though, a helpful guide named Farmer Faye talks them through how to play the game. As they play, kids are awarded with agricultural Fun Facts to reinforce the website's learn-as-you-play strategy.
In addition to the new game, this marks the launch of new educator resources for the kindergarten through second grade audience. Up to this point, the site has focused on resources targeting students in grades three through five. Curtis Miller, Director of Education at American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, says, "With the addition of materials for Kindergarten through second grade, My American Farm is now able to share important messages about agriculture with all elementary students. We are proud to be able to expand this valuable resource by continuing to add new games and resources."
The My American Farm educational gaming resource is made possible through the generous support of our title sponsor, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. To take advantage of the My American Farm resources, games, and activities, visit www.myamericanfarm.org.
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MY AMERICAN FARM KIOSKS HIT THE ROAD
The free online educational games at “myamericanfarm.org” are about to make an appearance at locations all across Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Texas and New Mexico. Since launching the agricultural literacy resource in January 2011, the website has grown in popularity amongst educators, families, and, of course, students in the elementary school target audience. As such, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is actively seeking to extend the reach of this resource through this new My American Farm kiosk initiative.
Through funding from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is building five ready-to-use, mobile exhibits pre-loaded with the My American Farm games. The idea is to leverage My American Farm as an agricultural literacy exhibit at a variety of venues all across the country such as fairs, rodeos, conferences, and even places like the local zoo. “My American Farm is more than the games and resources, it’s a fun and engaging way to share positive messages about agriculture with the public,” says Dan Durheim, Director of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.
Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Texas and New Mexico Farm Bureau Associations were selected to receive a My American Farm Kiosk for use at venues throughout their state. Recipients of the five mobile kiosks were determined through a competitive grant application process. In total, 45 applications were received. Key evaluation criteria included estimated audience reach, frequency of use, need, and other relevant factors.
According to Durheim, “My American Farm” and the new kiosk program would not be possible without sponsorship from Pioneer, which pledged $535,000 over three years to support the project.
“Pioneer is proud to be the title sponsor of this innovative agriculture literacy effort,” said Steve Brody, director of government, community and industry relations for Pioneer.
Look for the kiosks to hit the road in mid-September. The free games, activities and educator resources will continue to be available to everyone at www.myamericanfarm.org.
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POPULAR ONLINE AG GAMING/LEARNING SITE EXPANDS WITH NEW GAME
August 15, 2011 – Farming and ranching are challenging real-life professional pursuits. A new interactive online game offered by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, “The Ultimate Challenge,” captures that spirit for a fun gaming experience that delivers key lessons about agriculture.
The Ultimate Challenge is the newest addition to the foundation’s “My American Farm” free online educational gaming platform. The educational gaming platform, sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, has been growing in popularity since its launch in January of this year.
To play the new Ultimate Challenge game, students select a “farmer” avatar and take on the challenge of building a virtual farm as they play each of the games on My American Farm. However, in true board-game fashion, players also will also experience several “curve ball” and “quick challenges” that further reinforce key messages about the impact America’s 2.2 million farms and ranches have on their daily lives.
“The Ultimate Challenge gives students an opportunity to see and experience the story of agriculture from gate to plate,” said Curtis Miller, director of education for the foundation. “Further, it does so while sharing accurate and up-to-date messages about agriculture.”
To find the Ultimate Challenge and take advantage of other My American Farm resources, games, and activities, visit www.myamericanfarm.org.
My American Farm is supported by a generous donation from title sponsor Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. Three years ago, Pioneer pledged $500,000 to support the development of the game. An additional $35,000 pledge was recently made to support the development of a mobile kiosk version of the game and grants to support the mobile kiosk’s use. This donation reflects the company’s recently announced commitment to focus on meeting four emerging global trends, one of which is increasing food production.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success™.
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is the 501(C) (3) affiliate of the American Farm Bureau Federation. The foundation fulfills a mission of building awareness, understanding and a positive public perception about agriculture through education.
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New Resources Added to Popular Ag Gaming/Learning Site
July 21, 2010 - The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture's educational gaming platform, MyAmericanFarm.org, is rolling out another exciting set of resources. My American Farm is a free online game platform that invites third- through fifth-grade students to engage in fun, interactive games as they learn about agriculture. The site is expanding in July 2011 to include the "Equipment Engineer" game.
"Equipment Engineer", sponsored by John Deere, invites students to learn about different types of equipment used in agriculture all around the world, while sharpening their vocabulary and problem solving skills. The game also shares important messages about safety and the people, places and practices that are part of agriculture.
In addition to the new game, the educator resources section of the website will have new lesson plans and supplements available to equip community volunteers with everything to extend the lessons from the game into a local classroom or community event.
The games at My American Farm are entertaining and educational. Kids have fun learning about agriculture. And since the games are themed to focus on math, science, social studies, language arts, and health subject matters, participants are able to reinforce many core concepts necessary for elementary school curriculum standards.
The My American Farm educational gaming resource is made possible through the generous support of our title sponsor, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. To take advantage of the My American Farm resources, games, and activities, visit www.myamericanfarm.org.
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