Animal Welfare in Agricultural Education

Agricultural education shapes the values and practices of the next generation of farmers, and integrating welfare science into curricula could transform farming culture from within.

Key Facts

Agricultural colleges train thousands of future farmers and veterinarians each year
Welfare science courses are present in some agricultural curricula but rarely required
Farm Animal Welfare education changes attitudes and practices measurably in studies
Young farmers entering the profession are more open to welfare improvements than established operators
The gap between welfare science evidence and farm practice could be closed through better education

Welfare Considerations

Agricultural education represents a high-leverage intervention for long-term welfare improvement. The values, knowledge, and practices instilled in agricultural students become the baseline for an entire career. Integrating evidence-based welfare science into required curricula — not as an add-on but as a core component — could shift the professional culture of farming over one or two generations. Supporting welfare-focused agricultural educators and curriculum developers is an investment in long-term change.

What You Can Do

Support agricultural colleges that include welfare science in their required curricula
Advocate for welfare course requirements in agricultural education accreditation standards
Donate to organizations developing welfare education resources for agricultural students
Engage with future farmers through agricultural youth programs about welfare science
Recognize and celebrate farmers and agricultural educators who prioritize welfare in their work