Optional graduate credit available
ALEC 890 (3 – 6 hours). Instructions on registering. Course contact: Stacie Turnbull. Graduate course expectations found HERE. All assignments are due Friday, August 1, 2025.
Graduate course credit for:
Ag Mechanics (ALEC 890, Sec 294, Class 8283) OR Plant Systems (ALEC 890, Sec 293, Class 8282) in the first two days
Animal Systems (ALEC 890, Sec 292, Class 8270) OR Student Leadership and Support (ALEC 890, Sec 307, Class TBA) for the final two days.
For three credits, students must fully participate in two full days of programming PLUS 2 full evenings of “couch sessions”, offered Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening.
Power Structural and Technical Systems
GMAW and SMAW welding, steel and aluminum
Some flexibility depending on needs or desires of the class. We will use multi-process GMAW welders and Lincoln arc welders. We have both Lincoln and Miller GMAW machines available to use according to your classroom or nearest dealership. We will also run a few beads on both Aluminum and Steel on the Miller Continuum welders. Some instruction ideas will be presented from my Kansas Ideas Exchange winning division entries 15 years ago. Bring your own PPE if you have it, please.
Electrical Circuits and Wiring with CDE tips and Multi-meters
A couple of simple AC electric circuits will be assembled with basic continuity checks using multimeters. Electric Code guidelines will be shared applied to these circuits. Some suggestions that might be helpful toward the state CDE wiring activity will be provided. Part of the time will be spent describing DC components and their purposes. A demonstration of our Best of Show (Aurora) Ag Mech Club Farm Toy Display Board will be provided as a fun application of the use of mechanical skills.
Oxy-Acetylene and TIG welding
Oxy-Acetylene and TIG Welding are very similar skills with one using gas heat and the other using electrical heat. Both require patience. We will be TIG welding steel using DC TIG with the multi-purpose machines. Bring your own PPE if you have it, or some may be provided.
Hydraulics and Ag Mechanics Display Boards
We included hydraulics with the 2025 state Ag Mechanics CDE. Hydraulics and Pneumatics are found in many industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications (even wind towers to adjust the pitch of the blades) this is a very relevant subject to continuously include in mechanics instruction. We will disassemble/reassemble cylinders and pumps. Many of the principles also can be applied to sprayers and plumbing or irrigation.
Instructor: Dan Stehlik
Plant Systems
Precision Agriculture – Dr. Brad Ramsdale, Instructor
This workshop will provide instructors with the fundamentals of precision or digital agriculture. Topics will include moisture sensors, GPS technology and data analysis.
Agronomy CDE Tips and Tricks – Dr. Brad Ramsdale, Instructor
Interested in taking your agronomy team to the next level? Learn the tips and tricks of preparing a winning agronomy team from a national champion coach.
Range Management – Monty Larsen, instructor
Ignite your curriculum and equip your students with essential knowledge and skills in the dynamic field of Range Science! Even if you didn’t have “dynamic” and “Range Science” on your Bingo card, plan to attend Where the Grass is Greener: A Range Science Curriculum Workshop designed specifically for inexperienced agricultural educators seeking to integrate engaging and relevant range management principles into their existing plant science curriculum. Through a blend of interactive lectures, hands-on plant identification, and collaborative activities, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of rangeland ecosystems, their importance, and sustainable management practices as well as taking home classroom-ready activities and resources to facilitate range management in your classroom.
Biotechnology in Agriculture – Dr. Stacie Turnbull, instructor
Join us for an interactive workshop on Biotechnology in Agriculture, where science meets sustainability to shape the future of farming. This workshop will introduce agricultural biotechnology and its applications, discuss the facts, myths, and benefits of Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the role of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture, and introduce case studies of successful biotech adoption in farming. Participants will walk away with hands on labs to introduce students to biotechnology. Come explore the science that's feeding the future!
Animal Systems
Equine Management, Nutrition and Reproduction – Joanna Hergenreder, instructor
This session will incorporate topics such as coat color genetics, conformation evaluation, nutritional needs, health management, and reproduction. Teaching tools, resources, and innovative strategies will be covered and provided.
Ruminant Nutrition – Alan Taylor, instructor
This session will cover the principles of feeding, digestive processes, nutrient requirements and how to formulate balanced diets.
Emergency Recognition and Response for our Animals – Dr. Crystal Rhine, DVM, instructor
In this course, we will discuss how to recognize emergency situations in our livestock and companion animals, and how we can respond when those situations happen. We will also discuss CPR for companion animals, what to stock in an emergency kit for when you are out working cattle/horses, and common emergency situations of note, including basic first aid response.
Equine Health Practices – Judy Bowmaster-Cole, LVT, instructor
This short course will be an overview of equine health-related topics. Topics covered will include unique equine anatomy and physiology; body condition scoring and importance for management; feeding considerations, including ID of forages, grains and other concentrates; equine vaccination protocol and related diseases; simple nursing skills, TPRs and bandaging; and equine emergencies
Leadership/Student Success
Creating an Environment for Student Success – Jessica Rodman, instructor
Creating an environment conducive to student success involves establishing a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning atmosphere where students feel safe, engaged, and valued. This can be achieved through various strategies, including building strong relationships, promoting collaboration, and fostering a growth mindset. Learn how to implement these strategies into your classroom.
Coaching an Effective Team; Fundraising Tips and Tricks – Joanna Hergenreder, instructor
This session will incorporate overall considerations for coaches, activities to develop a coaching philosophy, teaching, communication, motivation, and building a team that students will commit to! We will introduce innovative approaches to fundraising with a special inclusion of such for clubs and teams, while addressing fundraising pitfalls and budgeting.
Starting a Shotgun Sports Team – Alan Taylor, instructor
One of the faster growing sports being added in high schools is a shooting sports team. This workshop starts out on the shooting range practicing your skills with a shotgun (provided). We then discuss how to start and manage a shooting sports team in your program
Assisting Students with Academic Challenges – Jessica Rodman, instructor
This workshop will focus on assisting students with academic challenges by providing practical strategies and resources to overcome obstacles and improve academic performance. We will cover topics like study skills, time management, organization, and addressing test anxiety. The goal is to empower you as an instructor to help your students develop effective learning habits and build confidence in their abilities.
