Marketing Your Ag Ed Program and Why it Matters

If the word marketing makes you cringe a little, you’re not alone. Most ag teachers didn’t go into education because they wanted to market something. We did it because we love teaching, mentoring, and seeing students grow.

But here’s the thing: when no one knows what’s happening in your classroom, it’s easy for your hard work (and your students’ accomplishments) to go unnoticed. Marketing isn’t about bragging. It’s about storytelling, and telling your story helps others see the impact agricultural education is making every single day.

This month, members of Rooted in the Classroom's Professional Development Membership been diving deep into how we can share that story in simple, practical ways, and I want to share a few of my favorite takeaways with you.

1. Clarify what makes your program unique

Every agriculture program has its own strengths, whether it’s an incredible greenhouse, a strong livestock team, or a deep connection with the local community. Start by asking:

• What are we most proud of?

• What makes our students’ experiences special?

• What’s something our community might not realize we do?

  
  

When you know your story, it becomes easier to communicate it in a way that feels natural—not forced.

2. Identify who needs to hear your story

It’s easy to focus all our energy on students, but there are so many other groups who play a part in our success...parents, administrators, alumni, local businesses, and even younger students who haven’t joined yet. Each audience connects with your story differently, so tailor your communication:

• Parents might love student spotlights and classroom updates.

• Administrators appreciate data and impact stories.

• The community responds to opportunities to get involved or attend events.

  
  

The goal isn’t to talk to everyone at once...it’s to reach the right people in the right way.

3. Share your story consistently

You don’t have to post every day. But you do need a rhythm. Pick 2–3 recurring types of posts or updates like “FFA Friday,” “Student Success Spotlight,” or “Behind the Scenes.” This creates familiarity, builds connection, and takes the guesswork out of what to post.

And remember: marketing doesn’t just happen online. Announcements, newsletters, local radio spots, or even a monthly update to your principal all count as marketing.

Empower your students to help

This one’s a game-changer. If you’re running everything yourself, social media, newsletters, photos, event recaps, you’ll burn out fast. Instead, train your FFA officers or a marketing committee to help tell your program’s story. Give them guidelines, assign clear roles, and watch them shine. It builds leadership skills and gives you a break.

PS: This is a great SAE for a student as well

5. Create a simple plan

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A yearly calendar or monthly planning sheet can help you stay ahead of key events like National FFA Week, county fairs, or major chapter milestones. Planning ahead makes your communication consistent and purposeful, rather than reactive and rushed.

Here’s the takeaway:

When your program’s story is clear, consistent, and shared by the people who love it most, you’ll start to see the difference: more community support, stronger relationships, and new opportunities for your students.

Want tools to make this easier?

This month inside the Roots Tier of Rooted in the Classroom's Membership, we’re focusing on Marketing & Storytelling for Ag Programs with templates, planning sheets, and reflection tools designed to help you put these ideas into action.

If you’ve been looking for a way to stay organized and supported (without reinventing the wheel every month), this is for you.

The membership is currently closed while I update and expand resources, but the doors will reopen in 2026. Join the free version here to be the first to know when it opens again!

Until then—keep sharing your story. The work you’re doing deserves to be seen.