Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety reported in 2016 that every day about 33 children are injured in agriculture-related accidents and every three days, a child dies in an agriculture-related incident. Among household youth on farms, injury rates increased in 2014 for youth 10-19 years. From 2003 to 2010, among workers younger than 16 years, the number of worker fatalities in agriculture were consistently higher than in all non-agricultural indu
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety reported in 2016 that every day about 33 children are injured in agriculture-related accidents and every three days, a child dies in an agriculture-related incident. Among household youth on farms, injury rates increased in 2014 for youth 10-19 years. From 2003 to 2010, among workers younger than 16 years, the number of worker fatalities in agriculture were consistently higher than in all non-agricultural indu
Author: Jan Gibson
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
One day during the biennial Mountain Fest Week at RCARS (Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainablity located in Quicksand, KY) is dedicated to the offering middle school youth hands-on/interactive sessions centered around a theme. The theme this year was Agricultural Production and the the targeted audience was 5th & 6th graders, 177 youth were registered. Sessions were offered by agents, program assistants, specialist assistants, and NEP assistants who volunteered to teach
Author: Rebecca Konopka
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
According to the 2012 Agriculture Census, over 40% of the land in Carter County is classified as farm land. To help educate our youth on this important economic and cultural aspect of our county, the Livestock Program engages 4-H members in a variety of hands-on activities and experiences that cultivate an increased understanding and appreciation for agriculture. Projects and activities are offered in the areas of beef cattle, sheep, swine, goats, rabbits, and poultry. Over the past several year
Author: William Adkins
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
From 2007 to 2012 the numbers of farmers in the U.S. decreased by 4.3%. The average age of a farm principal operator has increased by 8 years over the last thirty years and there was also a 23.3% decline in operators that had been on the farm for less than five years. This shows a decrease in the number of new farmers and especially young farmers.(USDA Census of Agriculture) Kentucky has also had the challenge of finding alternatives to the mass exodus of tobacco production over the last d
Author: Christy Eastwood
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Pet overpopulation is a serious problem. Animal shelters become overcrowded and are unable to care for the millions of homeless pets in the United States. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 3.4 million cats enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Each year 1.4 million cats are euthanized. Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. According to USA Today $2 billion is imposed on U.S. taxpayers each year
Author: Leslie Bullock
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Though the family farms and agriculture field dwindles annually. Franklin County is devoted to strengthening knowledge and awareness of Agriculture. In response, Franklin County 4-H partners with Woodford county to house our Country Hams and complete 4-H Country Ham Projects. This program allows youth to engage in Livestock Education programs as well as curing two country hams. The hams are picked up from Finchville Farms Country Hams and put into cure in January. Then they are placed into socks
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Kentucky Livestock Certification program is one component of the 4-H Core Curriculum areas of Kentucky 4-H. By having a certified leader in Morgan County it has provided an opportunity for youth to have hands-on experiences with Livestock. Morgan County 4-H Livestock program has had several ups and downs, but that all is changing. The Livestock club/program has truly grown over the course of the year. The group that joined last year to develop a foundation for our youth has stuck together an
Author: Chelsea Young
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Many still ask what is 4-H and what is its purpose? According to the University of Kentucky’s 4-H Youth Development website, 4-H is a community of young people across Kentucky who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. There are many words within this brief statement to explain what 4-H does, but what stands out the most is young people learning. Learning takes on many forms, especially differing from individual to individual. According to Jeanne Ellis Ormrod, learning is d
Author: Raven Ford
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Last program year, Rowan County 4-H Council made efforts to offer the youth of Rowan County more agriculture opportunities. One of the efforts was to expand the 4-H Country Ham project and that happened with the partnership of Kentucky Farm Bureau. KY Farm Bureau purchased a ham shed for Rowan County 4-H youth to continue to participate and grow the project. This year, Rowan County had nine youth to participate at the Kentucky State Fair and one 4-H’er placed third for her ham in the 12-ye
Author: Katie Wallace
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
In 2018 Elliott County 4-H began the country ham program. Since Elliott County 4-H did not have a ham house a collaboration with Morgan County 4-H allowed 5 youth from Elliott County to participate. These youth learned the art and science of salt curing a ham and how to build confidence in public speaking. Each participant wrote and practiced their speeches for the 2018 Country Ham Day at the Kentucky State Fair. After over 6 months of patiently waiting for their hams to be ready, participants w
Author: Christopher Boyd
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
In Greenup County at least one or more generations is removed from the family farm. Today’s children go to the grocery store with their parents to purchase food. The connection of how the food is grown or produced is lost. This need is why Greenup County Extension Service and The Greenup County Farm Bureau believes it is necessary for individuals, both young and old, to understand the importance of agriculture. Education is the key to bridging the gap between farmer and consumer. The
Author: Dianna Reed
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
In 2018, the Johnson County Extension Council identified Gardening/Ag Production/Food Security as a priority for the Plan of Work. To address this issue, County Agent, Dianna Reed and Program Assistant, Valerie LeMaster worked with local schools to provide a three part workshop titled Seeds, Sprouts and Seedlings. In this workshop, session one covered the development of a seed from planting to seedling. As the accompanying hands-on activity, 278 students (which increased from last year's 100
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
In 2018 the Fleming County 4-H & FFA Livestock Show & Sale reached its record mark with its 77th anniversary event. This long running event provides a quality opportunity for youth to exhibit their projects, speak with community members and engage in the markets of livestock. Members are required to complete a detailed record book emphasizing the financial records of their livestock project and listing necessary materials they utilized throughout the project year. This event in 201
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Agriculture and livestock is a growing industry in the United States. Kentucky Cattleman’s Association shows that in 2009 there were around 38,000 in Kentucky. Hopkins County 4-H Livestock Club is able to provide an opportunity for youth to learn more about livestock in Kentucky. Currently, Hopkins County has five outstanding Certified Volunteers that provide leadership and the opportunity for youth to learn about the livestock industry. The leaders also offer lessons to on livestock
Author: Lorilee Kunze
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Bullitt County has a rich agricultural tradition and is currently trending towards suburban growth. With many kids having family living and working on the farm but also living primarily in suburban areas of the county, Bullitt County Extension and their partners (Roby and Lebanon Junction Family Resource Centers (FRC), Farm Bureau and Soil Conservation) collaborated and formed a Home and Farm Safety Day to address safety concerns and provide accident prevention education for students in our coun
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Under the direction of the Hancock County Cooperative Extension Service, the 4-H Livestock Club had a tremendous 3rd year. A new volunteer completed the Livestock Certification process and obtained her required educational hours. Sixteen club members participated in a series of educational meetings throughout the year, participated in community service, presented a speech, and completed a project record book just to be eligible to show their animal at the County Fair.The development of lif
Author: Kara Back-Campbell
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The second annual Horticulture Day Camp was held this past summer for 4-Hers. This camp not only gives kids an opportunity to participate in fun summer activities, but it also is a fun educational opportunity as well. The 4-H kids learned about various horticulture topics such as plant propagation, pollinators, and how the care of different types of plants can be unique, for example succulents in relation to a willow tree. The 4-Hers also prepared the
Author: Alexandria Bryant
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Kentucky 4-H believes that all youth should have opportunities for positive youth development in our four guiding concepts: mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity. The 4-H Rabbit program fosters mastery by learning about raising, breeding, and marketing rabbits, belonging by interacting and connecting with adults and youth with similar interests, independence by demonstrating responsible rabbit ownership, and generosity by participating in community service and citizenship
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Chick embryology inspires a child’s natural curiosity about living things. The embryology project also conforms to the Kentucky Department of Education and National Science Standards competencies. The Trimble County Cooperative Agents for Agriculture and 4-H responded to a request from a Bedford Elementary School kindergarten teacher for assistance with this project in 2013. Agents conducted the program and provided leader materials and supplies for the project in which more than sixty kin
Author: Kevin Lindsay
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
6 Fayette County 4-H youth participated in the Country Ham Project in the 2017-18 4-H Program Year. Based on evaluations from participants the project helped youth develop better communication skills as well as learning about the country ham curing process. As part of the county ham project, each youth has to present a speech at the Kentucky State fair about the ham curing process. All 6 participants indicated that starting with the first meeting in January, from the end of the project during sp
Author: James Cecil
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
I partnered with our local County Agriculture Agent and FFA Teacher to help put on a farm safety day. We had our 4-H Adventure Club Kids and FFA Students to help us set up, tear down and teach stations for all of the 5th and 6th grade students. We had live stock safety, grain bin safety, tractor roll over safety, 4-Wheeler safety and chainsaw safety. The students taught all the stations. They came two hours before the safety day begun and were trained on their station so
Author: Chelsea Young
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
According to the USDA State Agriculture Overview in 2017, the number of farm operations in Kentucky is 75,800. With considering this large number, further research shows that in 2017 Owen County farms include not only livestock operations, but crops such as corn, hay and tobacco as well. With this in mind, the youth in the county needed an opportunity to grow in their knowledge and skills in all aspects of agriculture. In the spring of 2018, an agriculture committee met togethe
Author: Mike Meyer
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Volunteer and community leaders in Harrison County have identified career-readiness and life-skills as two primary needs for youth as they prepare for higher education or career decisions upon completion of high school. Partnering with Pendleton County 4-H, the Ag Reality Series was created to help educate and provide an in-depth decision making activity that helps youth understand the needs and commitment of a career decision with agriculture. Our two 4-H programs work with Harrison and
Author: Novella Froman
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
4-H is Like Touching Your Toe in the Water 4-H is “Like touching your toe in the water, you never know what you are going to learn.”-Alyssa. The Pike County Extension Council identified work force preparation as one of the issues they have identified as a need for our county. Unemployment rate for Pike County is 5.7%. The rate of pay for many employees are just minimum or a little above. With 4-H, we give experiences that help
Author: Raven Ford
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
According to the USDA State Agriculture Overview in 2017, the number of farm operations in Kentucky is 75,800. Considering this large number, further research shows that in 2017 Rowan County farms include not only livestock operations but crops as well. With this in mind, the youth in the county needed an opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills in all aspects of agriculture. In the spring of 2018, an agriculture committee met, including 4-H and Agriculture Extension Agents, FFA advisor, M
Author: Mary Jane Little
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Mason County 4-H Horse Club welcomed a new certified leader in 2018. Since her arrival, the number of participants has shown growth and sustained participation throughout the program year. The certified volunteer has recruited more volunteer parents/guardians to assist her with club tasks such as providing snacks, crafts, etc. Due to her diligence and commitment to the club, the group has been able to attend multiple field trips including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred ret
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Country Ham Project had been offered to the youth of Robertson County for several years, but they always had to travel to a surrounding county to essentially complete the project. Because of this, many kids were discouraged to participate due to the extra travel time that went into the project. Seeing this situation from a new agent's perspective, I made it a goal to come up with the funds to build a ham house in order to bring the project back to the county. It was a 5-year goal but wit
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The 4-H Country Ham Project has grown in LaRue County since it was started in 2014. Twenty-six 4-Hers participated in 2018. Participation more than doubled in just four years. With interest in the country ham project, grant money was secured in the amount of $1000 from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation and $2500 from Agriculture Development Funds to build a ham house in LaRue County for the project participants to use. New in 2017, all participants were required to present thei
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
In a 2017 Article by the Washington Post, the author argued that fewer and fewer American youth know where their food comes from. In the article, it presented a 2010 study from California that showed on 50% of youth knew where tomatoes came from, for onions, that number was 39%, buns, 28% and pickles, a whopping 22%. Similar studies conducted by agricultural education professionals in more recent years, seem to show about the same percentages. This past fall, the Henderson Count
Author: Nicole Rhein
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Problem Livestock is a major part of Marshall County Agriculture. Animal related sales makeup 68% of the total agriculture products sold in the county. Unfortunately, livestock related 4-H programming has been absent from the county for some time but after receiving many verbal requests from farm families, Nicole Bell, Marshall County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, acted. Even though Nicole has no appointment in 4-H, she volunteered to reestablish the Marshall County Kentucky 4-H
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Nelson County 4-H is excited to have an expanded interest in 4-H Animal projects. Interest in small animal projects has increased with the changing demographics of our county. According to the Census of Agriculture, almost 500 of the 1,326 farms in Nelson County in 2012 were between 10 and 49 acres. With the increasing numbers of small or hobby farms, the youth and families are more interested in educational opportunities for small animals such as rabbits, goats, and poultry. Nelson C
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Henry County 4-H Livestock Club started only three year ago, but has made great programming strides in a short time. The young club began with 9 members and one project animal per member. The first year in existence the club worked on the basics of caring for their animal, grooming, and showing. The second year because of the County Agriculture Investment Program (CAIP) over half of the club members were able to use matching funds to purchase more show animals and equipment
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Training the next generation of agriculture leaders is an imperative step in continuing many strong traditions in Woodford County. As a community that prides itself on its agriculture heritage, making sure that future generations can carry on that legacy has been highlighted as an important role for 4-H to play. One way that Woodford County 4-H works to invest in these youth is the 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon program. Offering a chance for youth to learn about all aspects of the livestock industr
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Purchasing locally produced items continues to gain momentum and the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service hosted our sixth annual Farm to Table Meal in September 2018 to highlight that healthy meals can be produced solely by products grown in Spencer County. A committee made of members of all of the Extension Program councils worked with a well-known local chef and members of the Taylorsville Farmers Market to plan and host a 5 course Italian dinner. All of the food prepared
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The U.K., Cooperative Extension Service and Kenton County 4-H certified livestock volunteers plan and execute the educational meetings required for livestock participants in Kenton County. The Kenton County Extension and 4-H Councils, and 2019 local Expansion and Review committee surveys identified selecting project animals, performing basic animal management skills, and raising and exhibiting animals as important life skills and the 4-H program should continue to provide educational oppor
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Life cycles are a part of the core Science Standard in Kentucky. To help youth better understand life cycles 4-H has stepped in to give students hands on experience. We started small in the spring of 2018 with an after school club. We had mixed results hatching the chicks but students had fun and learned a lot along the way. This year we have taken the project to Eden Elementary. We are starting out with 3 kindergarten classes of totaling 70 kids. 4-H supplied
Author: Amanda Wilson
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Eight 5th graders girls at McNabb Elementary agreed to join the McNabb Self Esteem club. The club met bi-weekly at the school for 7 months, and focused on the following topic: Self Worth, Body Image, and Friendships. The area of concentration for this report will be Friendships. In February, all 8 girls traveled to Paducah Tilghman High School, where there teamed up with a group of mentors called BABES. They all made floral arrangements, and the younger girls kept the arrangements to serve as a
Author: Laura Huffman
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Hart County and Caverna School Systems asked the Hart County 4-H Program to work with students in the classrooms on science related topics. The 4-H Youth Development Agent developed a variety of science related lessons for youth of all ages. One of those lessons included studying life cycles. A series of six lessons were developed for youth in kindergarten through 4th grade. The 4-H program also provided a visual hands on learning opportunity for youth to incubate fertile e
Author: Kelly Smith
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
In the 2018-2019 school year, over 30 classrooms, representing both private and public Jefferson County schools, requested the Embryology project from the Jefferson County 4-H program. Teachers within classrooms wanted hands on experience with learning life skills and knowledge of the process of embryology. Youth learned to care and maintain for the eggs and incubator before, during and after the incubation period. They also learned the proper care of newly hatched chicks. Kelly Smith, Jefferson
Author: Lauren Neltner
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Safety comes first in Union County! The Union County 4-H Program along with the Conservation District, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, the FSA Office host Farm Safety Day every fall in Sturgis, KY at the John A. Arnold Arena. Farm Safety Day is an outdoor safety program where safety, environment, and agriculture are all tied together. This unique Safety Day provides excellent training for all 5th graders in Union County. From 1993-2019, approximately 4,635 students
Author: Raymond Cox
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
This spring, over six hundred Cloverbud, School Enrichment, Special Interest and 4-H Club members from Harlan Elementary and Middle Schools, Rosspoint, Cumberland, Green Hill, Evarts, Black Mountain, Cawood, James A Cawood, Harlan County Christian, Sunshine Preschool, Wallins School and a Science Class at Harlan County High School participated in the 4-H Chick Incubation Project during March and April. A college class at the Cumberland Hope Center also participated, This project ful
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Ohio County Youth Cost ShareOhio County youth have benefited from the Phase I Cost Share Program – Youth Ag Incentive Program program over the last 2 years and youth producers have invested in various projects. Ohio County YAIP program received $10,000 each year for investment in youth agriculture projects. This allowed funding for 16 applicants over a two-year period. The maximum funding level is $1,000 per youth producer and the cost share was distributed at a 50% cost
Author: Jacqueline Jacob
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The 4-H poultry program includes five state contests - Egg Preparation Demonstration, Chicken Barbecue, Turkey Barbecue, Avian bowl and Poultry judging. While we have had challenges getting 4-Hers to participate in the Egg Preparation Demonstration Contest, we had particular success with one 4-Her in particular - Emily Falica from Allen County. She won the state contest in the senior division in 2013 and represented Kentucky at the national contest held in Louisville at the National 4-H Poultry
Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Each year, Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD) has a two week “Ag Camp” where deaf and hard of hearing students from not only KY but also Ohio, come together and spend two weeks learning all different manners of Agriculture related topics. From field trips to local farms, to hands on planting and building at the KY School for the Deaf farm, students are exposed to knew and diverse topics that help them understand the way agriculture enterprises function. This year, the
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Nicholas County Youth Livestock Shows were held June 15th - 22nd at the county livestock pavilion. Our 4-H livestock club educated and encouraged 22 youth to engage in an animal project to be exhibited at our county fair. They succeeded by having all 22 participate. In total there were 75 hogs, 53 goats, 35 lambs and 35 head of cattle with last year only having 13 hogs, 18 goats, 7 lambs, and 1 steer. Volunteerism was also a large factor in the success of this program. By empowering local co
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Horses are an important industry and pastime in Campbell County. According to the latest Kentucky Equine Survey, there are about 2,000 horses in Campbell County with a yearly income of services of 1.5 million dollars. The 4-H Horse Program has a strong tradition in Campbell County. Members and leaders are active on the county, district and state levels. Currently we have four certified horse volunteers who present or organize educational programs for our youth and adults to lea
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Early on in 2017 the talk of a horse club was brought to me by some of the members of the County Extension Council. A few members from the public had ask if we offered l horse programs to the youth of Letcher County. I explained that we did not have anyone in Letcher County that was a certified Horse Leader Volunteer but, I would be very pleased to have someone that was willing to become certified in horse to go to the training in November. The members of the County Extension Council
Author: Ashley Osborne
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
In Kentucky, at least one out of every three adults (34.2%) and children (37.1%) are overweight or obese, more than one out of every five Kentuckians (16.8%) and Kentucky children (21.9%) experience food insecurities, and one out of every three Kentuckians (29.8%) are physically inactive (SNAP-Ed, 2017). Youth gardening programs have shown increases in youth vegetable preferences, vegetable consumption, knowledge in nutrition and plant science, and engagement in physical activity (Spears-Lanoix,
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Careers in agriculture are often considered careers where minimal education is required to take care of animals, crops and/or the land. However, in rural communities, the importance of educating youth in agriculture is great. Farming and careers in agriculture have evolved into very prestigious and technological occupations that require countless hours, enormous expenses, and great risks.. In an effort to address the 4-H core curriculum area of agriculture and business: 4-H partnered with Todd C
Author: Ashley Osborne
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Kentucky has much to offer in the way of agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), 12.8 million acres (50%) is farmland. Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top agricultural enterprises (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include poultry, horses, cattle, and soybeans and corn. Each year in Kentucky, agriculture contributes roughly $45.6 billion to our economy. The Kentucky 4-H Agricultural Science Program engages 4-H members in a variet
Author: Jan Gibson
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The KY 4-H Poultry-related activities include more than the raising of poultry for meat, eggs or exhibition. Several judging and demonstration contest opportunities are available including poultry judging, egg preparation demonstration, avian bowl, and chicken/turkey barbecue. The skills developed and knowledge acquired in the these programs make for well-rounded, responsible young people. They learn to evaluate based on a criterion and to defend their decisions in oral reasons. &nbs
Author: Steven Austin
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
On Saturday, February 16, 2019, 220 contestants and 120 adults traveled to Bowling Green for the State Livestock Skillathon Contest. The contest ran fairly smooth thanks to the great Volunteers and County Agents. This activity looks bright as there was almost 100 clover contestants and the other two divisions held steady. We look forward to seeing everyone next year.
Author: Steven Austin
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Over the past five years of working for the University of Kentucky it has been a privilege to work with an elite group of young people. Individuals that pursue their dreams of being involved in 4-H and especially 4-H Livestock programs, work hard to become members of the traveling 8 better known as Silver and Gold teams. I have now been here long enough to see the individuals who have been apart of these teams giving back to their communities. We are helping to build future leaders.
Author: Luke Fries
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
According to the 2012 Kentucky Agriculture Statistics Service, Nelson County ranks in the top 15 Kentucky counties for swine, horse, dairy and cattle production as well as having a growing meat goat population. Despite the large number and wide variety of livestock producers in Nelson County, youth participating in 4-H Livestock Programs have steadily declined over the last 10 years. Certified Livestock Volunteers provided a 4-H livestock program that incorporates learning hands on livestock pro
Author: Tammy Brewster-Barnes
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Most water bodies in KY are considered impaired in one form or another and that land use, urban or agriculture, can have negative or positive impacts upon water quality. Demonstrations, field trips and group activities were used to show the additive effect of runoff on streams and rivers and how best management practices can help improve our State's water quality. Many youth groups were targeted, these included 4-H clubs, elementary schools,4-H Teen Council members, college students at UK, a
Author: David Davis
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Between 2007 and 2012, the Kentucky has had a 6.7% decrease in the number of acres of farmland, which was the greatest percentage decrease of any state in the U.S. during this time period (Census of Agriculture, 2012). While Kentucky’s population continues to increase, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore, the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact that agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to
Author: Don Sorrell
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Agriculture Awareness, especially for urban youth, has become a focus of the Campbell County Extension Service and agriculture leadership groups such as the Campbell County Agriculture Council and the Campbell County Farmland Workgroup. The following are agriculture awareness programs that have been conducted/introduced into Campbell County Schools.Newport High School 4-H Horse Club - After a very successful 2017 Farm to Table program at this inner city school, a decision was made to offer a hor
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Trimble County is a very rural county along the Ohio River about half way in-between Louisville and Cincinnati OH. With 95% of the residents residing in Trimble County considered rural and only 5% making up urban residents. The Trimble County 4-H program, being in a more rural county, has had programs focused mainly on Agriculture topics. However there has been less and less kids each year growing up on or around farms, Trimble County 4-H is attempting to shift some of that foc
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Pendleton County is a rural county comprised primarily of countryside and farmland. Subsequently, nearly 60 4-Hers show livestock animals raised or bought for their family farms. A huge component of being successful with livestock animals on the farm and in the show ring is establishing a base knowledge of desirable livestock characteristics. This expertise creates productivity within livestock herds based on performance, rate of gain, longevity, etc.; all crucial constituents to max
Author: Vicki Boggs
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
2019 Chick Incubation We traveled to 8 classrooms in Leslie County Elementary Schools during March and April. We taught a series of interactive lessons to 146 Third Graders and 8 FMD students at our High School this year! Only about 8-10% of the students reported that they currently raise chickens. According to the 2012 CENSUS of Agriculture, Leslie County has declined 35% since 2007 in number of farms. This data raises concern for agricultural production in L
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Kentucky 4-H Horse Program supported by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service reaches hundreds of youth horse enthusiasts each year through the 4-H program. The program offers opportunities to increase knowledge and apply the knowledge via district and state level competitions. This year a Warren County 4-H member competed in the District 6 4-H Horse Judging Contest. The member was very disappointed to find out she incorrectly placed nearly all of her classes and placed la
Author: Paul Adkins
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Farming is known as one of the most dangerous occupations worldwide. In Boone County, this has also proved to be true. There have been multiple accidents to date in the county involving farm and garden related equipment, chainsaws, chemicals and livestock that have caused serious, and sometimes fatal, injuries as reported from community leaders. The majority of the agricultural community in Boone County are part-time farmers trying to do “full-time” farm work after working a full-tim
Author: Brandy Calvert
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Between 2007 and 2012, the Kentucky has had a 6.7% decrease in the number of acres of farmland, which was the greatest percentage decrease of any state in the U.S. during this time period (Census of Agriculture, 2012). While Kentucky’s population continues to increase, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore, the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact that agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Kentucky 4-H Program Agriculture Initiative is to “create awareness of the impact of agriculture on daily life and develop marketable skills for the future”. Fleming County, KY has deep agriculture roots ingrained in the community from businesses to classroom education. The Fleming County 4-H Livestock Program has set the course for an all-encompassing program, by providing youth various opportunities to learn about everything from hay, feed, and animal identification
Author: Dominique Wood
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Youth are often criticized that they do not know where there food comes from. Many youth do not realize that their ham actually has to come from a pig. That is not the issue with Livingston County Country Ham Project youth. Since early January 2019, the youth involved in the Country Ham project has to devote multiple weekends to select and prepare two country hams in anticipation of the results that would develop in the summer. Youth wrestled 15 pound hams onto the salting tabl
Author: Laura Huffman
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Forbes Magazine states “Millennials and younger youth are struggling to pass life skills 101 in todays society”. However, opportunities in the Hart County 4-H Program are more than just project related, 4-H teaches youth skills that will help them stand out as young adults. For the past several years the Horses @ Hart 4-H Club lead by Hart County 4-H volunteers have taught a variety of lessons on equine science, showmanship, horse judging, communications, equine nutrition
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
In 2018 Coventry Oak Elementary participated in a 4-H lesson focused on agriculture, specifically livestock. During this program leaders from the Fayette County 4-H Livestock Club brought sheep and goat to the school to educate the students and also to help encourage participation in the 4-H Club. This is a program that is offered to several schools throughout Fayette County and all those that participate thoroughly enjoy. Students in the classrooms are able to have the opportunity to be hands-o
Author: Lauren Neltner
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
4-H is all about creating opportunities for youth, especially in the 4-H Country Ham Project! The Country Ham Project has been a long time tradition for youth in Union County lasting 17 years thus far. The Union County 4-H program had 18 4-H members submit ham contracts, cure country hams, and engage in the 2019 Country Ham Project at the local Union County Fair and Country Ham Breakfast. The Union County Country Ham Project membership increased by nine youth between the years of 20
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
4-H professionals and volunteers must work to make sure that youth, regardless of their physical or mental conditions, have the opportunity to be fully involved in the 4-H program. All youth--whether rich or poor, gifted or disabled--deserve the chance to reach their fullest potential.About 19% of youths have disabilities or special health care needs, and 6% of youths experience developmental, emotional, or behavioral needs (National Survey of Children's Health, 2016). Despite the bene
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
“My grandfather used to say that once in your life you need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.” -Brenda Schoepp. Since starting in 1985, Farm Day is long standing program in Christian County 4-H that is provided to all first-grade students in the Christian County Public School System, Private Schools, and Homeschool. For the 2019 Farm Day a total of 644 students and 93 teachers and volunteers attended during one o
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Kenton Cooperative Extension implemented a program survey for county residents in the fall of 2018 and the Kenton 4-H program also implemented an evaluation program relevant to 4-H youth members, parents/guardians and 4-H volunteers assisting with projects annually since 2011. Both program surveys specifically encouraged the continued development of youth agricultural education opportunities. In response to the survey analysis, a direct observation based evaluation form was developed
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Livestock and Animal Science projects continue to be the largest, most viable projects offered in Bourbon County 4-H. Even though it may be one of the oldest, most traditional aspects of 4-H, one cannot discount its importance, due to the fact that livestock and livestock products statistically amount to about half of the farm income in Kentucky. Due to that fact, it remains extremely important that youth understand the role of agriculture in their lives along with the importance of livestock, l
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Each year the Woodford County Extension Service offers a 4-H Lawn Tractor Safety program and driving competition. Taught and led by the ANR Agent, 14 youth participated in 2018. Those 14 youth all learned proper safety precautions when operating and working around machinery and equipment, then was able to directly apply it in the driving competition course. Eleven months later two youth stated that they still apply the lessons they learned through that course into their daily l
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Mitch Daniels, Contributing columnist of Washington Post, June 11, 2019 wrote in his article “In farm children, I see virtues that one sees too rarely these days” “Along with the rise of women and the expansion of civil rights, the most important social transformation of America’s first quarter-millennium has been the triumph of modern agriculture over famine and the ceaseless, backbreaking effort simply to feed one’s self that had been the dominant fact
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Tractor Short CourseIn conjunction with our county FFA program, we had the second annual tractor short course. Youth from ages 8-17 participated in 6 sessions over a three-month period. If they attended four of the six sessions and assisted with the antique tractor show, they earned the reward of attending the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville. In total we had 8 4-Her participate fully in the program and attend the award trip.
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Julie Brown, Warren Co. Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, and Catherine Webster, Simpson Co. Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, served as the co-contact agents for the 2019 South Central KY 4-H Horse Camp. This was the 40th year for horse camp. There were four planning meetings with the committee which included twelve volunteers from Mammoth Cave Extension counties, three of which served as tri-chairs for the camp. Ninety-eight youth and 120 adults attended the
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
For many years, Henderson County has had a strong livestock program. Due to its size, it sometimes was difficult to make sure all youth were being served and given the same opportunities. Since 2014 Henderson County has been in the process of developing a livestock club to help organize our local livestock program. Currently there are 31 youth that completed club work in 2015-2016 year. The 4-H members completed record books this year to help them determine their profits and losses, as well as k
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Junior Master Gardener program is an international youth gardening program of the university cooperative Extension network. JMG engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. In spring 2019, JMG hosted a pilot test for their Early Childhood Learn, Grow, Eat & GO! Curriculum; the curriculum was developed around the six main plant parts
Author: Madison McAlmond
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
4-H Chili Supper and Live AuctionThe Nicholas County 4-H Council hosted a chili supper and live auction on Saturday March 23rd to support the Nicholas County 4-H Camping program. Over the years our camping program has reached on average 90 people per year, this year we are able to take even more to camp at 130. Being able to take more people this year we knew we needed to have a way to provide camp at the base price and be able to provide scholarships. The Nicholas County 4-H Council worked hard
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Plants are essential to the balance of nature and in people's lives. Green plants, i.e., those possessing chlorophyll, manufacture their own food and give off oxygen during photosynthesis. Plants are the ultimate source of food and metabolic energy for nearly all animals, which cannot manufacture their own food. Besides foods (e.g., grains, fruits, and vegetables), plant products vital to humans include wood and wood products, fibers, drugs, oils, latex, pigments, and resins. Coal and petrol
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
According to YOUTH AND AGRICULTURE: KEY CHALLENGES AND CONCRETE SOLUTIONS, a coordinated response to increase youth’s access to the agricultural sector is more important than ever. Rising global population and decreasing agricultural productivity gains imply that young people must play a pivotal role in ensuring a food-secure future for themselves and for future generations.The CES recognizes that urban youth in the community do not receive much agricultural interaction or education.  
Author: Larissa Tucker
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The current population in well removed from the daily agriculture production system. This leads to a lot of misinformation about how food is produced and the safety of the food being produced. One way to help combat this misinformation is by allowing the public to tour farms and maybe even bringing a small part of the farm to them. During this program year over 700 youth have been exposed to the dairy industry in a positive manner through dairy farm tours, agriculture field tri
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
The Kentucky 4-H Horse Program has multiple objectives including developing leadership, self-reliance, promoting a greater love for animals and humane treatment of them, experiencing the pride of working with a horse, pony, or mule and being responsible for its management and welfare, enhancing horsemanship skills and increasing knowledge of basic safety precautions. District 6 North 4-H Horse Camp is an overnight experience which includes educational workshops, riding time under the super
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
One of the goals of the LABO International exchange program states “KY 4-H Families and youth have the opportunity to make a lasting connection with a child from a different culture”. That goal was achieved in the Spring, as one of the LABO students who had stayed eight years ago with a Barren County 4-H family returned for a two week visit. He commented to the newspaper reporter that he “wanted to see the difference in us after so many years. Big difference.”
Author: Catherine Weaver
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Jessamine County Livestock ChallengeThe Jessamine County 4-H Program has partnered with the Jessamine County FFA to put on the Livestock Fitting show for many years. This show dates back to the 1970’s, and used to be solely run by our FFA department as a way for Beef exhibitors to share their knowledge with non ag youth. The fitting show was just a showmanship show to give youth a chance to practice and start out the show season. As youth livestock numbers have continued to inc
Author: Christopher Boyd
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
There are necessary skills that all individuals need in order to be successful productive members of society. These skills include responsibility, punctuality, determination, and a good work ethic. With an unemployment rate of 8.1% (homefacts.com) in Greenup County it is important to teach our youth the basic life skills they need in order to be competitive in the work force. That is why the Greenup County Extension Council has identified enhancing life skills of our youth as a
Author: Jacob Brandenburg
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Lee County 4-H partnered with Lee County FFA to write a $1000 dollar KVEC grant. The purpose of this grant was to conduct educational workshops around the importance of Honey Bees and other pollinators. Orval Bennet and CEA Jacob Brandenburg received this grant to purchase two bee hives and the equipment needed to maintain them. These two organization will partner in the fall and spring of the coming year to promote pollinator habitat and provide education on the importance of pollinators such a
