Salem Central School
Agriculture Department
Amy Maxwell – Instructor
Hello!!! And welcome to the Salem Agriculture Department web page. I am Amy Maxwell, the primary agricultural course instructor and the Salem FFA advisor. I grew up in Hartford, New York on my family’s dairy farm. The farm is still in operation today, milking approximately 120 holsteins and ayrshires.
I am a 1999 graduate of Morrisville State College were I majored in Agricultural Business and Dairy Science. While at Morrisville I had the opportunity to work with their dairy facility, be involved with the Dairy Cattle Club sale, travel to Florida to explore their dairy industry, play varsity basketball and club lacrosse. I transferred to Cornell University after graduation and majored in Agricultural Education. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in 2001 and my MAT in 2002. I was active with the Cornell Block and Bridle club and the Collegiate FFA Organization at Cornell. and worked for the Milk Quality Improvement Program. I student taught with Betsy Foote and Chris Kelly in Greenwich and began in Salem in September of 2002.
I enjoy teaching at Salem Central School and am looking forward to many years here educating our youth about the many benefits of the agriculture industry.
COURSES
Ag Science I
This course is designed to expose students to the many interesting, exciting and profitable fields of the agriculture industry. Students will work in the greenhouse, learn farm and machinery safety, explore food science and agriculture business and also be introduced to concepts in animal science and plant science. Students will have the opportunity to gain experience with the National FFA Organization and its many leadership opportunities and will take the New York State Introduction to Occupations exam before completing the course.
Animal Science
Prerequisite: Biology, Earth Science or Ag Science I
This is an applied biology course that explores the large and small animal industry through the use of animals in every day life. Topics to be covered include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, reproduction, biotechnology, food, draft and laboratory animal technology and careers in the animal industry. This course will apply the principles of biology to animal agriculture by having students participate in dissections, building models, researching current issues in the animal industry and listening to guest speakers currently working in an animal science field.
Plant Science
Prerequisite: Biology, Earth Science or Ag Science I
Plant science is an applied biology and earth science course that will explore the many aspects of plant growth, including soil structure, plant systems, plant reproduction, genetic engineering and biotechnology, plant diseases, pests and pesticides, crop and weed science and meeting human needs with plants. Students will apply their knowledge to growing plants in a greenhouse, designing and building their own hydroponics systems, landscaping on school grounds, as well as research projects and designing and carrying out numerous plant growth experiments.
Environmental Science
Prerequisite: Biology, Earth Science or Ag Science I
This is an applied science, college level course for which students may receive 3 credits from Morrisville State College. Students will explore different areas of their environment, such as ecosystems, water, air and land pollution, waste and energy conservation, population growth and wildlife management through discussions, research projects and guest speakers.
Agricultural Mechanics
Prerequisites: At least one of the following - Ag Science, Animal Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Construction Trades, Mechanical Drawing.
This course will introduce students to the vast areas of agricultural mechanics. Topics include safety and organization, welding, project planning, electricity, hydraulics and career opportunities. We will explore these topics by learning the theories that apply to them and then apply this knowledge to projects. This course requires a level of maturity capable of handling a shop situation.
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