Youth Programs
Connecting students, teachers, and our community with agriculture through hands-on learning.
Ag in the Classroom
Chick Checkout
The Chick Checkout program is a free educational experience that brings the life cycle of a chicken into the classroom. Each kit includes an incubator, feeder and waterer, chick starter food, disposable absorbent mats, fertile eggs, a chick warmer, and a brood box.
A volunteer delivers the kit and leads a short lesson. Students observe the eggs during the 21-day incubation period and can candle them to monitor the growing embryos. After hatching, students learn about caring for the chicks. Pickup of the kit and chicks is arranged with each teacher before they return to the farm.
Chick Checkout information and classroom resources
Download the Chicken Life Cycle Lesson (Grade 3 PDF)
Watch: Chicken Embryo Development
Download Chick Checkout Information (PDF)
Download the Chick Checkout Teacher Guide (PDF)
Classroom Hydroponics
Our Ag in the Classroom program brings hydroponic growing systems into classrooms so students can explore how plants grow without soil. Caring for the plants connects science lessons with agriculture and food production.
Teachers interested in classroom hydroponics can email jcfarmfed48@bellsouth.net to ask about participation and scheduling.
Supporting Teachers
We support agricultural learning through teacher mini grants for classroom incubators and equipment, fertilized eggs and Chick Checkout support, and participation in the Alabama Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute. Contact us for current opportunities and application information.
Farm Days and Classroom Presentations
The Jefferson County Farmers Federation educates students, teachers, and the community about agriculture through farm days, classroom presentations, and other hands-on experiences.
Programs include interactive demonstrations, farm animal exhibits, discussions with local farmers, field trips to working farms, agricultural career presentations, and lessons on food production. These educational opportunities are available by request. Contact our office to schedule a presentation or learn more about bringing an agricultural experience to your school or event.
Farm-City Student Contests
The Farm-City Program strengthens the connection between rural farmers and urban communities. Poster, essay, and video contests encourage students to explore farming, agribusiness, and the relationship between rural and urban communities through an annual theme.
Poster Contest: Grades K–6
Essay Contest: Grades 7–12
Video Contest: Grades 9–12
Jefferson County winners are recognized at the annual Farm-City celebration, with top entries advancing to state competition.
Farm-City program and contest information
Get in Touch
Connie Fuller coordinates Ag in the Classroom. To request Chick Checkout or classroom hydroponics, email jcfarmfed48@bellsouth.net. Include your school, grade level, program of interest, and preferred time of year so we can discuss availability.
For school presentations and other program questions, contact jcfarmfed48@bellsouth.net or call 205-477-7857.
