Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
4-H Camp has been a growing program in Russell County over the past several years. Several of the adult leaders of the program now were once campers when they were younger either in Russell County or their home county. They have a strong desire to help young people have an enjoyable camping experiences like they had when they were younger. For the last two years, Russell County 4-H had exceeded our expected camp numbers as a direct consequence of having enthusiastic teen and ad
Author: Jan Gibson
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
September is Perry County 4-H Forestry and Soil Field Days!Even though it is a very dry fall and many of the leaves are already browning and on the ground, still in September, 4th and 5th graders are annually invited to participate in the Forestry and Soil field days to learn about concepts of trees – one of Kentucky’s most valuable natural resources! The youth use tools of the trade such as Biltmore sticks, compasses, and Soil Textural Triangle to measure, estimate, and see ho
Author: Jan Gibson
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
How would you rate as a bird? …..…..Was just one of the activities included in the recent 4-H Natural Resources programs offered the 7th graders at Hazard Middle School. The entire grade level visited the EKY Raptor Rehabilitation Center of the Letcher County Cooperative Extension Service in Whitesburg. Youth were introduced to several of the “forever friends” that aren’t able to care for themselves in the wild any longer as well as hear of the many species
Author: Kaitlyne Metsker
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The salty, smoky taste of country ham is one that compares to no other. Since the 1990s, 4-H youth across the state of Kentucky have learned the skills to this staple of Kentucky culture. While Christian County 4-H members have participated on the local for several years, in 2019 three youth participated in the Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Contest at the Kentucky State Fair. For the country ham project, youth cure two hams starting In January. They receive their hams and are responsible for was
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Since joining the Letcher County Extension Service as the 4-H Youth Development Agent, youth expressed a desire to have a horse club. When folks would ask why we do not have a horse club. I would have to say because, we do not have a certified leader that wants to take the lead and be the club leader for the horse program in our county. Leaders have stepped up and know seven are certified and a partnership has been made with the farm at The Stables at Creekside Glen. We have so many youth that w
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In the United States, the leading cause of death in teens ages 15 to 18 is unintentional/accidental according to a 2017 CDC report. In an effort to educate teens on practicing safety, the Bracken County 4-H, Bracken County FFA, the Bracken County Soil Conservation, Bracken County Fire and EMS, and Kentucky Department of Agriculture teamed up to bring the Pep Rally for Life to BCHS. In an effort to stress to teens that accidents do occur and they are not invincible, a mock 4-wheeler accident scen
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Henry County has a rich agriculture history; it is the largest single source of income and provides the greatest number of employees in the county. Currently our county receives over $30,000,000.00 a year in agriculture revenues. The average size of a Henry County farm is 160 acres. The average age of our farmers is currently at 59 years. The county produces approximately 2,000 to 2,500 acres of tobacco and approximately 14,500 cows alone that populate the county.
Author: Amanda Wilson
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
There’s been a deficit amongst the Paducah City Schools due to a limited amount of exposure to the field of Agriculture, outside of Cooperative Extension. The thought came to mind that we, McCracken County Cooperative Extension (MCCE), should fill this gap, and hold an Ag Day for Paducah City Schools. This idea took several years to materialize, but I’m proud to say our dream came true. All program areas of MCCE collaborated to deliver a high quality, hands on agricultural experience
Author: Mary Jane Little
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The National 4-H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics. (National 4-H Shooting
Author: Raven Ford
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Rowan County 4-H Council had identified environmental education as a need for local students once again. Rowan County Extension 4-H Youth Development agent partnered with Friends of Rodburn Hollow to conduct Youth Environmental Day.Rodburn Hollow Park was closed for five days in September to accommodate over 500 students in the fourth and fifth grades from Clearfield, McBrayer, Tilden Hogge and Rodburn Elementary Schools. The students were able to “Journey into the Woods” to experien
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Purchasing locally produced items continues to gain momentum and the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service hosted our seventh annual Farm to Table Meal in September 2019 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 4 course Italian dinner. All of the food prepare
Author: Dora Centers
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
According to the Knott County Report of the Kentucky Community Assessment, Knott Countians felt that “less littering and illegal dumping” was in the top 10 of their priorities for the betterment of our county. To help address this issue Knott County 4H presented at the 2019 Environmental Fair along with 10 other community partners on various environmental topics. Knott Co 4H with the use of an enviroscape aka “bird&rsq
Author: Rebecca Konopka
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it’s important that we care for and respect these resources. The first step in conserving natural resources and protecting our environment is to educate on natural resource processes. 4-H school enrichment programs allow 4-H to expand its i
Author: Christopher Boyd
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In Greenup County and across the nation people are experiencing financial troubles. With the rising cost of goods and gasoline people need to be as self-sufficient and sustainable as possible with in their own household. Raising your own produce and livestock is an excellent way to ensure that you will never go hungry and will help to remain financially sound. This is why the Greenup county 4-H program focuses on enhancing farm income across the area by teaching our youth to raise a good market
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
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. Cooperative Extension surveys conducted in 2011, 2015, and 2018, re-affirmed the importance of youth learning about livestock and animal health by raising market and production animals. Although the number of farms and average size of farms in Kenton County continues to steadily decline according t
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Kentucky’s natural resources plan an important role in our state’s social, economic, and environmental well-being. Every single 4th grader in Fleming County took advantage of the opportunity to visit North Central 4-H Camp for a one day Environmental Camp in the fall of 2019. Students attending in the 4-H Environmental Day Camp attended sessions revolving around natural resources and included classes such as bird adaptations, pond study, nature hike, pollinators, cow eyeball dissecti
Author: Alexandria Bryant
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The need for nutrition education is great in Kentucky, as it is a relatively poor state with a heavy burden of chronic disease related to poor nutrition practices. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey provides data on overweight Kentucky youth and reveals that our youth rank 15.6% compared to the nationwide 12.7%. From a dietary standpoint less than 20% of high school students meet the dietary recommendation for fruit and vegetable consumption. In 2019, the 4-H Mini Master Gardener
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project gives young people the opportunity to learn about food preservation and the time honored tradition and history of country hams. This project continues to grow in popularity in Campbell County and across Kentucky.The project begins in the cold weather month of January when each participant receives two raw hams. Project members must trim the hams, apply cure mix. wrap them and put them in socks to hang until spring. Next, the hams are cleaned
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
As a 7th grade student Grant Rogers was selected as a delegate from Wolfe County to participate in the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy. The NRSci Academy is a three year commitment where the student spends a year studying all three core component areas of the program which are water, forestry and wildlife. At the end students who have shown leadership and interest in representing the Academy can apply to be a NRSci Academy Ambassador. Grant enjoyed his time so much in the pr
Author: Brittany Osborne
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Creating the next generation of ag-aware citizens has been stressed as a priority for McCracken County 4-H. According to the Statistical Atlas, approximately 0.7% of those employed in McCracken County are employed in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industries. In response, McCracken County 4-H conducts the 4-H Country Ham Project annually. This project offers an opportunity for youth to engage in livestock education through the course of a program year as they dry cure two co
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
“In order to develop self-confidence, youth need to feel and believe they are capable, and they must experience success at solving problems and meeting challenges. By exploring 4-H projects and activities, youth master skills to make positive career and life choices. Additionally, youth need to have a safe environment for making mistakes and getting feedback, not just through competition, but also as an ongoing element of participation. Finally, youth need the bread
Author: Austin Smith
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
One in five kids do not know where their food comes from. I got to experience this firsthand this summer at west Kentucky 4H Camp. We took more boys than we had spots in the cabins so I volunteered to sleep in the tents with our remaining 12 boys. They were between the ages of 10 to 12 years old. Throughout the night the dairy cow that was at camp was mooing all night long. The next morning when we woke up and started getting ready the boys were talking about how crazy of noise this that the hor
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
According to worldarchery.org, there are eight benefits for youth participating in archery. The benefits are exercise, strength, control, coordination, patience, relax, self-confidence, and socialism. These are just some of the reasons Hopkins County 4-H has an archery program. The numbers of interest in the 4-H Shooting Sports archery program have increased more with schools having the NASP program. We have youth that want to continue to challenge themselves, meet new pe
Author: Raymond Cox
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In 1998 the Harlan County Extension 4-H Program hosted a one day 4-H Environmental Camp held at Camp O’ Cumberland Scout Camp near Wallins. Two schools attended bringing all their fourth grade classes. There were four environment classes presented. What began as a one day affair grew to a two day 4-H Environmental Camp in 2000 held at Camp Blanton. In 2001 the camp was held at Kingdom Come State Park, where it became a three day camp featuring seven presenters from differ
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The 4-H Country Ham Project continues the tradition of the curing county hams, which has been a food tradition in Kentucky for hundreds of years. This 4-H project is one of the fastest growing at the state level and is a win-win program for youth involved. The project started in the 1990’s with less than 40 4-H’ers, to currently over 750 from approximately 65 counties in Kentucky. Youth gain valuable skills from participation in the country ham project, including, learnin
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
4-H Camp is a time for youth to develop life skills while having fun! There’s a lot of learning that happens at camp as well! Marshall County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development worked with the Ballard, Fulton, Carlisle, Calloway and Graves County Extension Agents with the goal to provide the perfect setting for campers to “learn by doing.” The program offered the campers a variety of classes (e.g., cooking, arts & crafts, shooting sports, nature, e
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
4-H Camp has been an integral part of Cooperative Extension Service program for over 100 years. Club members look forward to the fun and adventure of 4-H Camp. Yet, behind all the fun that 4-H Camp offers, children are learning valuable life skills. 4-H Camp can be a very good learning experience for youth as well as for adults. Back in 2008, Trimble County had Thirty eight campers, Thirteen teens, six adults, and one agents attended camp. In July 2018, we hit our record number of 83 campers, 12
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
While agricultural classes are offered in many high schools across Kentucky, there has been a void of educating and preparing young individuals on in-depth step by step farming endeavors. Furthermore, farming has often been considered a career where only minimal education is needed to take care of animals and/or the land, it has contrarily evolved into a very prestigious occupation that requires countless hours, enormous expenses, and great risks. When managed efficiently, signi
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
While agricultural classes are offered in many high schools across Kentucky, there has been a void of educating and preparing young individuals on in-depth step by step farming endeavors. Furthermore, farming has often been considered a career where only minimal education is needed to take care of animals and/or the land, it has contrarily evolved into a very prestigious occupation that requires countless hours, enormous expenses, and great risks. When managed efficiently, significan
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
With extremely wet winter weather in recent years, stress on livestock is becoming more and more problematic. Losses from illness, low productivity, poor reproduction, and even death loss have taken a toll on many herds across the state. Understanding the methods and values of forage testing are critical to livestock health and performance and combating stress.A workshop was held on farm to show area 4-H youth from Mason, Robertson and Bracken Counties, how to correctly sample hay. &
Author: Christopher Boyd
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In an effort to promote local farms and increase the awareness of agriculture, local businesses and organizations within Greenup County a partnership was formed between some wonderful organizations. 4-H, FFA, The Historic McConnell House, Farm Bureau, Sweet Bee Gardens, Greenup Old Tractors Engines and Machinery Club, and Imel’s Greenhouse partnered together to plan and implement a Farm-to-Table Dinner that would not only increase agriculture awareness in the community but generate m
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment facilitated by the Kenton County Cooperative Extension staff in 2018 identified multiple issues related to youth and the environment around them. Referencing discussions held with local 4-H volunteer leaders and members of the SCS Board, and local school system personnel, a new pollinator lesson was created to educate 4-H members about pollinators in their environment. NGSS Appendix J – Science, Technology, Society and the Environment
Author: Katie Wallace
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In 2018 Elliott County 4-H created a country ham club, the first one in the history of the program. Elliott County is a rural county, with a population of less than 7,000. Older generations in the community wish for youth to be able to participate in programs that teach youth about the heritage of their community and traditional ways that people lived. The country ham program provides an opportunity for youth to learn about the century old process of curing and preserving meat while also allowin
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Because our wood science project was so successful last year, the leader led an advanced wood working project.Last year Carroll County added a wood science project and it was very successful. The students learned:• to Identify wood by bark, wood color, and aroma to Classify wood as soft or hard in order to make decisions about end use. to Select
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Morgan County 4-H Council has partnered with the Family Resource Center Directors, and four Elementary school staff for the past ten years to provide an educational environmental overnight camping program for all 4th graders in Morgan County. This partnership was developed to provide hands on applicable learning experiences for all 4th graders. This has been done by providing an overnight experience at a local youth camping facility. The overnight event in September was for all the 4th graders.
Author: Cathy Toole
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The 4-H Country Ham Project has become a multi-generational, countywide educational activity sponsored by the Henry County Cooperative Extension Service. While youth participated in the ham project for over 15 years, it has only become a multi-generational event within the past 6 years. This occurred with the construction of a county ham house. The ages ranging of those who participated were between the ages of 5 to 80. The 4-H aged youth take part in the educational comp
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Childhood obesity still stands to be a concern with our young people. Video games are taking over, and preventing youth from learning basic skills needed to take care of them selves. More youth are staying at home after graduation, and youth are lacking the competence to "fend for themselves". It is important for youth to participate in activities that get them off the couch and out of the house. It is just as important that they be given opportunities to think for themselves, work tho
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Scott County 4-H continues to provide a number of environmental education opportunities for the youth in Scott County. The biggest program Scott County 4-H conduct in the fall and the spring is environmental education overnight camp. This camping experience is offered to all 4th grade students in Scott County. We have participation from all public schools in Scott County, equating to approximately 800 students attending this overnight experience. Youth attend a variety of classes geared to
Author: Kelly Smith
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In the 2019-2020 school year, over 30 classrooms, representing both private and public Jefferson County schools, will experience the Embryology project from the Jefferson County 4-H program. Teachers within classrooms receive hands on experience with learning life skills and knowledge of the process of embryology. Youth will learn to care and maintain for the eggs and incubator before, during and after the incubation period. They also see the proper care of newly hatched chicks. Kelly Smit
Author: Catherine Webster
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The country ham has been a food tradition in Kentucky for hundreds of years. The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project began over twenty years ago with just forty youth. Today some 800 youth across Kentucky cure country hams each year, ending at the Kentucky State Fair in August. The 4-H hams are judged by KY Country Ham Producers while the 4-H members present a speech on some aspect of curing hams. 4-H participants learn about food production and how the country ham fits into
Author: Laura Huffman
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In an effort to promote agriculture and an opportunity for youth to learn more about the livestock industry, volunteers and club leaders work hard year round to provide a 4-H Market Premium Show in Hart County. Twenty-two students tagged market animals this past year. Four 4-H Livestock Certified Volunteers in Hart County offered trainings for students to receive their six hours of education. Volunteers taught lessons on nutrition, breeds, cuts of meat, livestock selection, and showma
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Somewhere between 75% and 95% of all flowering plants on the earth need pollinators. Pollinators provide pollination services to over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1,200 crops. That means one out of every three bites of your food is there because of pollinators. Pollinators include: bees, butterflies, bats, beetles, flies, and some birds.Staff at the Wolfe County Extension Office along with the Family Resource & Youth Service Center Coordinators at Red River Valley Elementary
Author: Mike Meyer
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Nine years after first attending practice in Harrison County, Will Banks could experienced the highest success. For the first time in program history, the Kentucky 4-H Livestock Judging Team earned the overall top honor at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Will has been a member of the Harrison County Livestock Judging Team for nine years. Each year, members practice 6 hours per month from January until June, completing their time at
Author: Mike Meyer
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In 2019, efforts to focus on improving the water quality awareness and community education of our natural resource expanded to include all 8th grade students in Harrison County. The program works to combine natural resource and environmental education with communications and leadership. After applying for and receiving a 3M Corporate Grant in 2018, the council purchased water testing and marketing technologies that could be utilized for students in 8th grade to gain hands-on experien
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
I love how so many of our 4-H programs are learned and then expanded to other projects. For instance, our goat club includes market, breeding and dairy goats. At our dairy goat meeting, a volunteer came and demonstrated how to make soap out of goat milk. The members got to milk a goat (which 75% had never done) and then witnessed how that milk was turned into goat milk soap.Our wood science program has been so successful. Two of my wood science members used their wood wo
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Russell County 4-H presented a program on tree care as part of an ongoing series focused on plants. Over 200 youth participated in the program which was identified as a priority by members of the County Extension Council. The youth learned to identify the major parts of the tree and the function on each part. They also learned to count tree rings and how that weather and seasonal changes impact tree growth. The youth then hypothesized about tree scarring (i.e. fire, insec
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The 4-H country ham project has involved one-hundred and twenty-nine youth participants in LaRue County over the past seven years. With interest in the country ham project, grant money was secured in the amount of $1,000 from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation and $2,500 from Agriculture Development Funds to build a ham mouse in LaRue County for project participants to use. All participants are required to present their ham speech at the county level for competition. This has helped t
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Environmental Education programs bring school children to camp to learn about the natural world out in nature. This past year Casey County held its first Overnight 4-H Environmental Education (EE) Camp at the Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp; the first ever in the camp’s history. With the success of last year’s EE Camp, Walnut Hill Elementary (WHE) was excited to jump on the chance to provide this opportunity for their students again. The teaching staff at WHE worked diligently in arra
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Pendleton County 4-H has worked over the past 8 years to build a program in the natural resources and environmental education for its youth. Opportunities provided and expanded include overnight and day 4-H Environmental Camps for fourth and fifth grade students, participation with the NRESci Academy State 4-H program, Junior Master Gardener, and the 4-H Wildlife & Wood Expo. Efforts to provide these opportunities have involved collaboration with teachers and school administrator
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
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: Louis Milligan
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Kentucky State University 4-H Youth Development program is committed to meeting the needs of diverse youth. In this climate of uncertainty, we are assessing creative delivery methods to reach youth with hands-on programs. Just as we need to differentiate instruction to accommodate varying student needs, we need to differentiate our 4-H outreach efforts to address varying student needs. As a result of our of our outreach I was able to offer a Gardening Program at Seneca High Schoo
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Less and less of today’s children spend it out in the great outdoors. The ANR/4-H agent decided to bring a part of the forest into the classroom. With the help of the fifth-grade teachers at MES their students learned about mushrooms during their 4-H Club time once a month. Students were able to identify the parts of the mushroom and also created a taxonomy guide to help with identification of mushrooms.Students in February planted mushroom spawn into toilet paper rolls a
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Through this cross-cultural “garden to table” experience, youth members had the opportunity to observe international gardening techniques, learn about fruits and vegetables from across the globe, and compare and contrast food preparation methods. Through this program, Cooperative Extension Agents reached an audience of multi-cultural urban individuals from multiple countries, a connection identified through the Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable Conference. This was a new audience fo
Author: Terence Clemons
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
5 Years ago, Bath County Schools Administration, Parents, and youth echoed statements similar to such, "Not all students play basketball, football or other sports, we need an after school club for students who don't play them sports." "These students can be part of something to build confidence, belong, and stay out of trouble after school". Through collaboration with Bath County Middle School, B. C. M. S. Family Resource Center, and Bath County 4-H a club was forme
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Outdoor Education Center After moving into our new educational facility in 2013, the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Council decided in 2017 to start the process of developing the 10 acres around our office. In the spring of 2018, a University of Kentucky Landscape Architecture student used our facility as his senior project and he presented his ideas for the development at a council meeting later that spring.
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Report for Kenton County was conducted in 2018 and data published in 2019. The Kenton County summary highlighted five top priority issues identified by community respondents and there were 3 top priorities in each issue category quantified by the respondents and data analysts. Referencing the minutes and reports among 4-H volunteers, the County 4-H Council, County Extension Council, and the Expansion and Review committee; the 4-H livestock
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Over the last few years, the Fleming County 4-H Shooting Sports program has continued to thrive through the leadership of our Coaches and several youth becoming certified Jr. Coaches. In June 2019, two Fleming County 4-H Shooting Sports Club members were selected to represent District #1 as Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassadors. Throughout their tenure as Ambassadors, Ashley Hunt and Crecie Kelly have led numerous workshops, and given 4-H Shooting Sports presentations in eig
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Morgan County 4-H Livestock club has went through several changes in the past 10 years with a high turnover rate in certified livestock leaders. However, in the past three years there has been consistency within the club and the leader. the Livestock leader grew up in the livestock program so she is very passionate and determined to "Make the Best Better." The group that joined four years ago to develop a foundation for our youth has stuck together and have
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Flocks Feud was the game show that Anna Sweets, Warren County 4-H Member, created when she entered in the National 4-H Turkey Barbeque Contest at the National 4-H Poultry Contest in Louisville in November 2019. Anna competed in the Turkey Barbeque contest where she tested her barbeque skills in a national run-off of award winning 4-H barbeque talent from around the nation. In addition to testing her barbeque skills she also had to demonstrate her knowledge of the poultry industry. &n
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Farriers, veterinarians, trainers….these are the familiar trades of the equine industry. But, how many 4-H members know about other careers in the equine industry such as community and public relations director, consulting firms, directors of therapeutic centers or careers in the racing industry? Nearly 120 4-H members, club leaders and parents from across the state had the unique opportunity to learn about equine careers at the 4-H Hippology Event hosted by the District 6 4-H Hors
Author: Lawrence Caudle
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Jefferson County 4-H Youth Development partners with a number of community organizations across the county. One of the main partnerships the 4-H program upholds is the partnership with the community centers. There 15 community centers in Louisville, and many of them provides access to youth participants who may not have the means to attend 4-H programming; this allows 4-H to bring programming to the community centers’ participants to assist them in developing life skills. During the summer
Author: Chanda Hall
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Jefferson County 4-H Ag Field Day was held on September 26, 2019, at Sunny Acres Farm, a Southeast Jefferson County working farm. 150 elementary school students at the 4th-grade level along with their teachers experienced a working farm first-hand. 80% of these students had no awareness of where foods are created. As urban youth, their concept of the origination of their food is simply from the grocery store.Partnering with outside agencies, youth were taught within areas of agriculture, nut
Author: Stephen Conrad
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
To assist teachers with their Life-cycle lessons, the Boone County Extension Service offers the 4-H Chick Incubation Project. This year The Boone County 4-H Program provided a total of 7 incubators and 7 dozen fertilized eggs to four of our schools. A total of 125 students, ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade, witnessed the miracle of life when the eggs began hatching. 100% of the teachers reported that the program had positive impact on their ability to teach the life cycle. They als
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Environmental education is becoming a rare interest because many youth are just not going outside anymore. Due to this trend, obesity rates continue to rise, driving further in activity and lack of interest in the outdoors. Statistics show the number of hours spent in front of screens, which directly relates to youth becoming dissociated with nature (Cohen, 2020). To help combat this trend and also get youth outdoors, the CES Agents introduced a fishing program at a local middle school. Th
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
For about 10 years the CES has collabortated with Waco Elementary and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to host a live stream study. The CES and the teacher have collected data from those years and have started logging them as we visit the same stream each year. The students get a chance to learn in the classroom and then show their skills off while in the stream. The CES goes over how to chemically test the stream and also how to biologically test the stream by looking for macro invertabra
Author: Patrick Allen
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
I wanted a way to bring something I am passionate about to my 4-H program. I introduced day camps that focused on woodworking a couple of years ago. These were short term, single project focused day camps. They were well attended each time and asked about more and more. I decided that I wanted to make this a regular program that students could attend more regularly. A program that would be a building block for youth and give them more options. This program will be set so that youth can tak
Author: Ashley Osborne
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Kentucky’s natural resources play an important role in our state’s social, economic, and environmental well-being. Kentucky has over 90,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 45 major lakes (KGS, 2014).Kentucky, famous for karst topography, has the longest known cave system in the world (NPS, 2020). Roughly 38% of the state has some karst features and 25% of the state has well-developed karst features (KGS, 2014). Kentucky is 48% forested and is known as having one of the mos
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
By supporting and engaging young leaders, adults, organizations and communities experience direct benefits, through stronger connections to other young people in the community (Zeldin, McDaniel, Topitzes, & Lorens, 2001). Additionally, young people help to re-energize adults and counteract negative stereotypes of youth when they are successfully engaged in leadership within their communities (Zeldin, & Camino, 1999; Fiscus, 2003). On July 27, 2019 the 1st annual Shooting with Our Stars c
Author: Cecelia Hostilo
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Agriculture and Farming are vital to the economy of Trigg County. Latest statistics show that there are 397 farms in the county, and 90% of these farms are operated by families and individuals. It is important that children become aware of how to be safe on the farm early on. The Trigg County ANR agent, FCS agent, and SNAP paraprofessional teamed together the conduct the annual Progressive Farm Safety Day for all 4th graders in Trigg County. The event took place at a farm locat
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
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: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Since 1985, the Christian County 4-H has hosted Farm Day for the 1st grade students of Christian County. This field trip has taught students where their food comes by visiting a local farm, interacting with farm animals, and participating in other fun agriculture activities. Sadly, due to COVID-19 this year’s event was unable to take place. In order to still teach students about agriculture, the Virtual 4-H Farm Day video series were created. Every day during the week of May 4-8, 202
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The pandemic of 2020 led to massive event cancellations including many 4-H events. The District 6 4-H Hippology and Horse Judging Contests were events that had to get cancelled due to COVID-19. Instead of cancelling the contests, this reporting agent came up with a way to conduct the contests virtually. By doing so, 4-H members were able to continue their 4-H horse project with some sort of “normalcy” in an environment that was anything but “normal”. The 4-H m
Author: Wade Raymer
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The 4-H Country Ham Project gives youth the opportunity to learn the time honored tradition of curing a country ham. By participating in this value added project, youth also learn the process, history and science of food preservation. They also develop and practice communication skills by writing and presenting a speech at the county level and at the Kentucky State Fair.For eight months, 4-H members throughout the state prepare their hams for the state fair competition. At the fair, hams are jud
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
According to the Journal of Extension, "Agricultural literacy is important to the future of our nation and the discipline of agriculture" (Frick & Spotanski, 1990, p. 6). Because the majority of the public is now almost completely removed from agriculture in their daily lives, it is of utmost importance that best practices in agricultural education are identified to ensure agricultural literacy is maintained in future generations of Americans.”Madison County Cooperative Exten
Author: Jennifer Cole
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
During the month of June, strict restrictions on meeting with our clientele were still in place. One innovative way that I found to connect youth in Pulaski County was to host a Cane Pole Fishing Project from June 18th-21st (June 18th is National Go Fishing Day). At first, kits were going to cost $10.00 per child. After searching, I was able to acquire the supplies at almost no cost thanks to the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife and my very own parents. The cane poles w
Author: Mike Meyer
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Every April, nearly 300 youth in Harrison County attend North Central 4-H Environmental Education Camp. With the Covid-19 outbreak changing educational methods and programming, volunteers and community partners worked to provide an experience that would adapt to current social distancing and sta-at-home regulations. Harrison County Soil Conservation and 4-H prepared 225 Environmental Education Kits, distributing them through the Harrison County Exntension Office, local schools with t
Author: Madison McAlmond
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
This year was a continuation of the revitalization to the 4-H summer camping program in Nicholas County. Today the program is a strong and vibrant example of what a summer camping program in a rural county can be and what positive effects it can have on the youth and adults who choose to participate in it. The Camping program is well supported by the community, partnering organizations, parents, and the school system. The county had taken just 26 youth and adults to camp nine years ago in 2010.
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
On November 1st, 2019, the Nicholas County Cooperative Extension Office opened their brand new country ham curing house. The purchase of the Country Ham House was made possible by Nicholas County Farm Bureau, Nicholas County Ag Development Council, KADF, Nicholas County Cooperative Extension and the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. This 10ft x 12ft curing barn will allow 4-H youth to learn the lost art of curing meats that has been a strong tradition in Kentucky history for hundreds of years. 7 particip
Author: Susan Campbell
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Environmental Camp has been a growing program in our county for a few years. The program began with one school then grew to two schools now all three elementary schools participate. In 2019 we had over 240 youth attend the overnight experience. 4-H Agent and teachers work closely together to align the camp program/classes with their Core Content. The overnight experience provided additional hands on opportunities and leadership skills.Collaboration with Anderson County Extension Agen
Author: Susan Campbell
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Anderson County 4-Hers has been curing country hams in Woodford county due to not having a country ham barn facility of their own. Anderson county 4-H council and Anderson County 4-H Livestock club saw that not having a barn close we had a decline of youth that were interested in participating in the program. We began developing a plan to have a ham barn built for our youth. In collaboration with Lawrenceburg Rotary and Anderson County 4-H council the Rotary club was able fund the barn with a gr
Author: James Cecil
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Clinton County 4-H Adventure club is a club that is designed for High School Students at the Clinton County High School. 4-H gets left behind at the High School level unless you are a 4-H camp teen leader. Since the inception of our 4-H Adventure club we have seen a rise of high school students that want to be involved in 4-H activities. We feel it to be a valuable part of positive youth development for 4-Hers to be well rounded in several activities. There a total of
Author: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Creating the next generation of agriculture aware citizens has been stressed as a priority for Metcalfe County 4-H. A large percentage of Metcalfe County citizens are employed in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industries. In response, Metcalfe County 4-H conducts the 4-H Country Ham Project annually. Metcalfe County 4-H Council receives a grant for the GOAP to off-set the cost of the hams for our families. This makes it more affordable for our youth. This project offers an opport
Author: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Metcalfe Blasting Barrels 4-H Shooting Sports Club provides youth an opportunity to develop physically and mentally. Youth have personal goals for proper use of equipment and improving accuracy. They practice safety, and promote safety in our community. One Metcalfe County 4-H Certified Volunteer shared, he is amazed of how the youth have grown and become better shooters in a short time! He added “Safety is our top priority but its icing on the cake when our youth can win trophies!&rdq
Author: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Covid-19 Pandemic brought challenges, the Metcalfe 4-H Council and Extension Staff wanted a way to continue the high quality educational programs to be able to continue through the world wide pandemic. Child poverty is prevalent in this rural county, with 37% of children considered to be living in poverty according to www.kidscounty.org Metcalfe County Extension did not want to lose connection with families here so they took this as an opportunity to create a new avenue of p
Author: Marlee Kelley
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the social distancing guidelines from our state and national public health entities, many in-person extension programs were not able to continue in the spring and summer months of 2020. To adapt to these changes, the Bullitt County Extension office agents and staff collaborated to create and provide several “Grab and Go Bags” which were placed in front of the office for families to pick up and take home to complete. Some of the kits that the ANR
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
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. In Menifee County agricultural enterprises (based on sales) are centered around hay, cattle and calves, and soybeans and corn. According to the 2017 Ag Statistics from USDA, Menifee County agriculture contributes roughly $2.3 million dollar to our economy. The Menifee County 4-H Agricult
Author: William Adkins
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
From 2007 to 2012 the number 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 decade.
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
This year for the first time in recent memory, Graves County has started a 4-H Livestock Club under the volunteer leadership of Certified Livestock Volunteer Matthew Dowdy. Graves County is a very agricultural county and tops all other counties in total agricultural sales--with over 346 million dollars in agricultural receipts. The next county in second place brought in 215 million. Because of the county's makeup, a 4-H Livestock program was considered a high-priority need by the Extension D
Author: Brandon Darst
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In the article, Benefits of Nature for Children and Families, it states that “As children grow to teenagers, media usage jumps exponentially, with computers and social media playing ever-important roles. Most studies on the digital health and emotional well-being of children agree there are pitfalls and benefits of technology.” The article talked about the lack of nature and the consequences it can have on a youth’s overall well being. Furthermore, the article concluded that, &
Author: William Adkins
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Statement findings from the 2011 PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment) campaign indicated that many students in Laurel County were unaware of the effects of pollution on the environment, environmental resources, and the stewardship of those resources. When surveyed, local teachers, school officials, the Laurel County 4-H council and the Laurel County Extension Council, also identified environmental education as a valuable "need" for local youth. As a result of this
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Targeted Life Skills model (Hendricks, 1998) has been an important guide to planning, implementing, and evaluating 4-H youth development programs. This model provides a holistic youth development approach, referred to by multiple researchers (Barkman & Machtmes, 2002; Garton, Miltenberger, & Pruett, 2007; Pittman & Yohalem, 2002; Scales, 1996; Wright & Bersamin, 2004.) 4-H based studies using Targeted Life Skills identified a positive relationship between particip
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Washington County receives funds through The Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy from the Tobacco Settlement Funds allocated to the state each year. In 2019-2020 those funds where used for several programs in the county. The local Agriculture Development Board voted to give $27,000 to help a local dairy set up an on farm bottling facility, allocated $265,000 to the County Agriculture Investment program (106 farmers 50/50 cost share each receiving $2500 each), $47,000 to the N
Author: Christy Eastwood
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Kentucky 4-H mission statement reads "4-H Youth Development Education creates opportunities and supportive environments for culturally diverse youth and adults to be capable, competent, and caring citizens". The Boone County 4-H program feels that one of the best ways to achieve this mission is with a strong residential camping program. This past July we had 420 campers, JC's, AC's, and staff attend 4-H camp. Twenty instructional classes were offered, covering a wide range
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In May of 2019, I was contacted by a teacher at The Learning Center, a school for 8th-12th grades in Fayette County that works with at-risk students. He was interested in a partnership with 4-H and over several emails, we discussed ideas. I went into the classroom and met with him as well as several students to gauge interest and make a plan for the next school year. In October we met again and made a more solid plan for the group. We knew they wanted to learn about and focus on Natural Resource
Author: Ella Fourqurean
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Agriculture and livestock are growing industries not only in the United States but also here in our home of Kentucky. The Henderson County Herdsmen Club provides many opportunities for our youth to continue to grow and become well versed in both industries. One of our events within our program is hosting an educational livestock clinic. During the clinic, various industry leaders from the Cattle, Goat/Sheep and Swine industries are invited to share their knowledge and experience with 4-Hers
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Kenton County Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent – Kelley; surveyed teachers in 3 Kenton County school districts at the end of each school year beginning in 2009 (12 years continuous reaching approximately 3600 youth and presenting 1152 programs) requesting the evaluation of 4-H Natural Resource school program lessons. The 2019 Ky CES Community Assessment for Kenton County specifically identified the Kenton 4-H Natural Resources school program lessons as an important c
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
In 2019 the Fleming County 4-H & FFA Livestock Show & Sale reached its record mark with its 78th 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 Wallace
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
4-H livestock member, Megan Pennington, was featured in the July/August 2020 issue of Mountain Telephone's Connection magazine. Megan is a 7 year member of the Elliott County 4-H Livestock Club and has participated in local, district, and state level livestock shows. Megan has developed a passion for the cattle industry after being introduced through 4-H livestock. Megan has grown the scope of her livestock project from one market steer project to having two breeding heifer projects and a ma
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Volunteers play integral roles in 4-H programs, performing a variety of duties, functions, and tasks and possessing varied and rich knowledge, skills, and backgrounds (Radhakrishna & Ewing, 2011). The success of Extension programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher, & Klingborg, 2005). Although highly valued, volunteer involvement does not guarantee achievement of Extension's goals and fulfillment of learners' needs (Bolton, 1992).
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Kentucky 4-H has rich roots in preserving time-honored traditions and educating our young people on such traditions. One such tradition supported through the 4-H program is the Country Ham Project. In Bracken County, this project has not been active for around seven plus years. After surveying 4-H participants in October, the 4-H Country Ham project was brought back by popular demand. By participating in this value added project, youth also learn the process, history and science of food pre
Author: Raven Ford
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The 4-H Butterfly Project was a way for 4-H to instruct younger youth about life cycles. This was a very important curriculum for K-5 since it is one of the core areas for the state standards testing. The 4-H Butterfly project has been conducted for the last several years. This year the program was conducted virtually with 5 different 4th grade classrooms. The Rowan County Cooperative Extension Service provided project books and a teacher's guide for the participating classes. Each clas
Author: Hollyn Howard
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Through the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Nelson County 4-H Youth Development made efforts to deliver agriculture-related, educational opportunities for members through new channels. During the pandemic, in-person meetings were suspended to ensure the health and safety of all. However, members were still required to meet a set number of educational hours. This requirement is in 
Author: Raven Ford
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Kentucky has much to offer in the way of Agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), over 50% (12.9 million acres) is farmland (NASS, 2019). Rowan County is the home to 356 farms operating on 23.6% of land in Rowan County. Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The Rowan County Data Profile identified crop and livestock production as major components of the county agriculture production. To increase profits it is important for farms to be efficient an
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government’ programs and services.Nearly 20% of all children and adolescents have a chronic condition or disability (National Center on Physical Activity and Disability), and the levels of participation in recreational or school sport, and physical activity program
Author: Leann Martin
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Created in 2000, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board serves to distribute funds from the Master Settlement Agreement for the general purpose of agricultural development across the Commonwealth (www.agpolicy.ky.gov). Each county in Kentucky, has a County Agricultural Development Board that makes decisions on how best to invest their allotted funds within their communities by abiding by the philosophy of the Board to, “invest funds in innovative proposals that increase net farm incom
Author: Rebecca Stahler
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Since the first case of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was diagnosed in December 2019, it has swept across the world and galvanized global action. This has brought unprecedented efforts to institute the practice of physical distancing (called in most cases “social distancing”) in countries all over the world, resulting in changes in national behavioral patterns and shutdowns of usual day-to-day functioning.Boyd County Schools, businesses, churches and Cooperative Extension
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment identified the sustainability of family farms as a top priority issue to the community members of Washington County. Additionally, in 2017, the USDA reported that the average age of the American farmer has now risen to 57.5 years old. In an effort to combat these two issues in Washington County the Washington County 4-H Council wished to explore the possibility of an auction. The goal of the auction would be 3 fold, (1) the auction would provide f
Author: Larissa Tucker
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The number of dairy farms has declined to half the number it was ten years ago. Despite this fact we still have 4-H members with a passion for the dairy industry. One way we have helped them to cultivate that passion is by attending conferences like the National 4-H Dairy Conference held annually in Madison, Wisconsin. Kentucky with the help of local sponsors sends delegates to this event most years. The delegates are high school 4-H members who have been very active in t
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Oldham County schools closed on Monday, March 16, 2020 due to the COVID 19 Pandemic and moved directly into the world of NTI (Non-Traditional Instruction). Non-traditional instruction looked very different from school to school. Teachers were now trying to figure out how to make learning possible online where students do not have access to the internet or to computers at home. For several schools this meant developing packets of school work with some being delivered directly to student hom
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
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: Kelly Woods
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
After the tremendous success of the Oldham County 4-H Porch Project outreach, Oldham County Extension and the Oldham County Library partnered to provide 500 Porch Projects each week June 3 thru July 22 to all Oldham County residents as a part of the Summer Reading Program. Each week projects were distributed at the Extension office and two other library branch locations. In addition projects were delivered to summer feeding sites and food banks. A total of 3000 Porch Projects w
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Youth Learn Their Connection to Our EcosystemGreen County geographically is located in the third most diverse system in the United States. The Green River which flows through the county has three endangered mussel species with an additional three species on the threatened list. The Green County 4-H Council through evaluations observed a need to increase the environmental awareness and conservation of our youth and communities. The Green County 4-H clubs in fourth and fifth grades participated in
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Two years ago, our County Ag Development Council set aside $15,000 to invest into a youth cost share program through KADF that is called Youth Ag Incentives Program (YAIP). During our first year of administration we had 14 kids complete the project. Those kids were awarded a total of $7847.51 of cost share funds. Each youth was eligable for $750.00 of reimbursement for their project with an average of $560.54 being dispersed. Those 14 individuals invested a total of $16,557.89 into their project
Author: Patrick Hardesty
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
At the request of the Taylor County Cattlemen’s Association to have an educational livestock project for youth, a Youth Heifer Chain Program was developed and implemented. The goals of the program are to encourage involvement in the dairy and beef industries, learn proper animal husbandry, and personal responsibility and pride. The program has appealed to youth and families beyond traditional livestock producers. Since the 2007 inception of the program, 80 youth have participated. The Tayl
Author: Mary Jane Little
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
"Today, there are more than 12,000 resident camps that exist within the United States that serve more than 11 million youth and adults annually (American Camp Association, 2008). Among these camps, are a large number of 4-H conducted residential camps. According to National 4-H Enrollment Statistics (USDA, 2003), 299,297 youth participated in overnight 4-H camps in 2003. Fifty-eight percent of these youth were female, and 42% were male...According to the American Camping Association (1997),
Author: Paula Tarry
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The District 6 4-H Hippology and Horse Judging Contests were events that were cancelled due to COVID-19. This Agent worked with the District 6 4-H Horse Contact Agent to conduct the contests virtually. By doing so, 4-H members were able to continue their 4-H horse project while practicing new skill application.The virtual event included four horse judging clinics held on Zoom. Two horse judging experts were recruited to teach participants how to score conformation, equitation a
Author: Jessica Hopkins
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
With schools transitioning to NTI days to finish out the 2019-2020 school year, many extension offices decided to create and offer educational kits for youth to complete at home. The Harrison County 4-H and Horticulture Agents teamed up to offer a dish garden kit available to any 4-H aged individual in Harrison County.The project kit included everything the child would need to complete a dish garden which would be eligible to enter into the county fair as an exhibit. The kit include
Author: Brittany Osborne
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
With family lifestyles getting busier and COVID19 closing many places and parks, it has put a strain on many families. According to Harvard Graduate School of Education, "studies show gardens support and encourage healthful eating as a key component of children's physical wellbeing, which can aid their academic and social success, too." Through the efforts of the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service, families in McCracken County started their own vegetable gard
Author: Dianna Reed
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The Johnson County Extension Council, 4-H Program Council and State 4-H Office identified Agriculture and Natural Resource Education as a program priority for 4-H Youth Development Education. This long-term project begun in February 2020 was part of our Seeds, Sprouts and Seedlings Workshop Series with 155 Paintsville Elementary 4th-6th graders at the Extension Office and the Eagle and 4-H Enrichment partnership with Johnson Central High School and Middle School's Afterschool School 21st Cen
Author: Courtney Brock
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Although agriculture is big business in Lincoln County, only 30% of 4-H members live on a farm. This number is even lower for non-members. Even though nearly one-third of the economy is agriculture-based, many youth do not realize the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives. The Annual 4-H Adventures in Agriculture Field Day helps provide agriculture education to more than 300 third graders in the county with over $2,500 in funding from various agriculture-related community businesses an
Author: Larissa Tucker
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Successful teams are based on lots of hard work and dedication. The 2019 Kentucky 4-H Dairy Judging team exemplified that with their hard work and dedication. They put in countless hours traveling to farms, looking at cows, and giving oral reasons. All of these things will give them the skills that they will need to succeed in college and beyond. They are disciplined and know what it takes to succeed. The team placed second overall at the Pennsylvania All American D
Author: Krista Perry
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
As technology continues to advance, young people’s written and verbal communication skills continue to lack, which are important life skills they need to acquire; therefore, the Franklin County 4-H program promotes the 4-H Country Ham Project where youth gain these life skills. The 4-H Country Ham Project also teaches 4-H members about food preservation and the time honored tradition and history of curing country hams.The 4-H Country Ham project began in January when each participant
Author: Krista Perry
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Based on conversations with teachers in Franklin County, students are so consumed with their technology gadgets, majority of them are oblivious to what is around them outside. Therefore, the Franklin County 4-H Program offered an overnight environmental program to the schools in Franklin County who wanted to supplement the 4th grade science curriculum outdoors, while providing the opportunity for students to experience hands on activities in an outdoor environment. The program reached
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
The ever-changing landscape of the current pandemic world has forced multiple populations to avoid outdoor spaces. According to research conducted by CivicScience, "There is a predicted 15% rise in the face of the COVID-19 Pandemic." This rise to renew an interest in the outdoors and participating in outdoor activities has met some resistance due to public mandates, the continued fluctuation of illnesses reported, and the importance of public health. Garrard County 4-H, in response to
Author: Brittany Osborne
Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
There’s been a deficit amongst the Paducah City Schools due to a limited amount of exposure to the field of Agriculture, outside of the Cooperative Extension Service. The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service (MCCE), came together and planned to fill this gap by holding an Ag Day for Paducah City Schools. This idea took several years to materialize, but I’m proud to say our dream came true. All program areas of MCCE collaborated to deliver a high quality, hands on agricultur
