ELKHART, Ind. (AP) – Big plans are in the works for the newly developed agriscience department in the Elkhart Community Schools.

With Elkhart County standing as the second-largest agricultural county in Indiana, Elkhart schools staff members have embraced the need for agricultural education.

“It’s an aspect of our area that we have really overlooked,” said Ag Coordinator Cyndy Keeling.

The agriscience program was adopted last year and teachers were trained. Nineteen science teachers in the middle schools were trained in the new agriscience practices and there are currently eight classes between the three middle schools – Pierre Moran, North Side and West Side.

“The corporation itself is really committed to it,” said Mark Schroeder, West Side science department chair and agriscience teacher.