Presented By: Don Mulvaney, Auburn University
Co-Authors: Terry Brandebourg, Auburn University
Robert Britton, Auburn University
Gabriella Johnson, Auburn University

Despite positive evidences, animal agricultural production (AG) is challenged by a gap of understanding between non-AG and AG-segments of society widened by messaging about negative impacts on environment, animal wellness and health perspectives of meat. While coursework and lab experience strengthen workforce ready hard-skills plus factual and applicable knowledge, many students lack skills and abilities to effectively communicate their knowledge. An ‘AgSTEM Issue Topic World Café’ was designed to proactively encourage / facilitate knowledge acquisition along with engagement experience focusing on conversations about key topics of concern within contemporary animal-agriculture. Students were sent a QR code to a Qualtrics survey to register and be anonymously surveyed on knowledge of production practices and statistics in the animal industries. The event began 45-minute training by guest speaker from the Center for Beef Advocacy at NCBA. Key points included conversation skills and tips, and agricultural advocacy principles. Students then chose one of eight tables to start the first round of discussion. Each table had an ANSC grad student or a staff member facilitating table discussion. Topics included scenarios around horse slaughter, protein alternatives, animal welfare, and human diet/health nutrition. After about 15 min., students dispersed and rotated to a different table. Upon completion of a second round of discussion, a speaker from each table shared with the entire group their topic, the conversation that could stem from the scenarios listed, and useable talking points to share insightful and evidence-based information. Testimonials of students attending the event and a post-event survey provided a Likert scale and open-ended questions to enable sharing of opinions on their experience. Ninety-four per cent of respondents stated that ‘they learned something`, ‘improved perceptions’ and that they thought ‘the ideas and topics presented were interesting and applicable’. The model will be utilized in future experiential learning programming.