BCAITC is pleased to announce the introduction of new beef resources for K-12 classroom and homeschool teachers! New beef unit plans explore topics like production, lifecycles, sustainability, land management, careers, and more. The beef unit plans are available at 3 education levels that can be downloaded from the links below:

• Primary Level - ‘All About Beef!’ with curricular connections to Science, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Careers.
• Intermediate Level - ‘Beef It Up!’ with curricular connections to Science, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Careers.
• Secondary Level -  ‘Sustainability in the Beef Industry in British Columbia’ with curricular connections to Science, Social Studies, Food Studies, Culinary Arts, and Career Ed.

The beef unit plans were created by BCAITC’s Educational Specialists in conjunction with ranchers in the BC beef cattle industry and the knowledgeable team at the British Columbia Cattlemen's Association (BCCA). The unit plans were also tested in a selection of classrooms prior to the launch and teachers were delighted to have an opportunity to use this new learning tool.

Bree Patterson, Beef Production Specialist/Staff Support for the BCCA Public Affairs and Education Committee said, “The BC Cattlemen's Association works hard to connect with the consumer and find effective ways to share beef education. We can't wait for students to get a taste of what an amazing and diverse industry the BC beef industry is!”

Pat Tonn, BCAITC Executive Director, said, “These new beef unit plans are an excellent way to teach students about cattle ranching in BC – where beef comes from, how it is responsibly produced, and who produces it. The resources will help students connect to environmental stewardship, food security, and food safety concepts as they form appreciation for our land, animals, and people.”

Holly Johnson, BCAITC Education Specialist said, “We are delighted to be able to offer this cross-curricular resource which addresses many current issues such as sustainable land use and caring for the environment. These lessons are hands-on and engaging, and students will learn more about where and how beef is produced through them. Have a look and incorporate the games, cooking, designing, matching, and debating in your class today!”

The unit plans were funded in partnership with BCCA, the official voice of cattle ranchers throughout British Columbia since 1929. For more than 80 years, the Association - whose membership is close to 1,200 ranchers - has represented the interests of beef cattle producers in the province of BC. BCCA is proud to work on behalf of approximately 72% of the provincial cattle herd.