Many people have never visited a farm and do not know that 95 percent of the farms in the U.S. are family-owned. The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance® and Discovery Education have partnered on an exciting new initiative to engage urban youth with a first-hand glimpse into modern agriculture. Discovering FARMLAND allows teachers and students to experience the industry through the eyes of six young farmers and ranchers, all while learning about food production’s connection to science, economics, technology, and sustainability.

FARMLAND was created by Academy Award® -winning director James Moll to connect viewers with people who grow and raise our food. With the use of this film and accompanying resources, teachers and students will have a better understanding of where their food comes from, as well as the various career paths available in this essential industry.

Discovering FARMLAND provides high school students, educators, and families with standards-aligned lesson plans and interactive activities that explore concepts critical to modern agriculture, such as sustainability, technology, and science. These resources are intended to promote further discussions of critical issues impacting agriculture including: innovative use of technology on farms and how it has transformed the industry, challenges farmers face such as weather and growing conditions, common stereotypes around farmers and ranchers, and market supply and demand.

“Discovery Education is proud to partner with the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance to provide students across the country, especially urban youth, this unique learning opportunity,” says Lori McFarling, Senior Vice President of Discovery Education. “The engaging resources available in Discovering FARMLAND will transport students to farms across America, and connect science, technology and entrepreneurship skills to real-world careers and practices in today’s modern agriculture industry.”