Animals used in school agricultural programs and fairs deserve welfare consideration beyond their educational role.
Animals in agricultural education programs occupy a complex welfare space. The educational value of engaging young people with farm animals is real — it builds understanding of food production and animal care. However, welfare is often an afterthought in programs focused on production metrics and competition. Animals in fair conditions face transport, crowding with strangers, unfamiliar sounds and smells, and extended public handling. Incorporating animal welfare science into agricultural education curricula — alongside production skills — creates a generation of farmers who understand welfare as a fundamental part of good animal husbandry.