A program building the skills and confidence of agricultural teachers in schools across South Australia is entering its fourth year in 2026.
The SA Lead Agriculture Teacher (LAT) program, delivered by AgCommunicators, has been funded again thanks to co-funding from the South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT) and South Australian Sheep Industry Fund (SIF).
In her role, lead ag teacher Sue Pratt has directly supported 192 teachers and visited 81 different schools in regional and metropolitan SA, with new teachers strongly encouraged to utilise the service in 2026.
Sue has visited Eyre Peninsula schools as part of her role – including Cummins, Tumby Bay, Kimba, Cleve, Karcultaby and Wudinna area schools – to discuss agricultural programs.
SAGIT chairperson Professor Andrew Barr said the organisation was pleased to again support the position due to demand and impact.
“Feedback suggests teachers are seeking ongoing support in revitalising their curriculum, accessing new industry insights and building their school programs,” he said.
“With the teaching workforce continually changing and new teachers moving into ag teaching, plus new schools integrating ag into their curriculum, demand for the program is as strong as ever.”
The program delivers professional development workshops specific to teachers’ needs, in-school one-on-one support, the development of new resources and programs helping schools integrate modern food and fibre content into their curriculum.
Livestock SA chairperson Gillian Fennell said the livestock industry was pleased to support the program through SIF, recognising that Sue’s efforts were pivotal in enhancing the delivery of food and fibre education in SA.
“When Sue commenced the program, there were only approximately 74 schools out of about 700 in SA teaching agricultural subjects. Through Sue’s leadership and support, 28 additional schools now include food and fibre at their site,” she said.
“This is a significant step forward for primary industries education in SA and no other agricultural education program has achieved this impact.
“In a recent survey, 100 per cent of respondents reported that utilising the LAT program increased their confidence in delivering food and fibre programs, and with many of these teachers being new to teaching agriculture, confidence is key to success.”
In addition to direct teacher support, Mrs Pratt has delivered 24 different professional development events reaching more than 700 teachers from all sectors, developed 44 new curriculum resources that enrich classroom learning, and issues regular updates to keep the teaching community up-to-date on industry news and activities, creating a strong network.
The program is also supported by the Agricultural Teachers Association of SA (ATASA).
Association president Larissa Tallent said Mrs Pratt’s approach improved confidence in educators, fostered important school and industry linkages and improved results across the student body.
“The partnership between Sue and ATASA has helped develop a strong sense of connection within the educators that has seen agricultural education expand and develop with clear awareness of what is required for success,” she said.
“ATASA is pleased the role will continue and fully endorse this position because of the impact it is having for teachers, students and the broader community.”
