Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Agriculture
The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic brought all Kentucky 4-H Youth Development programming to an abrupt halt in March 2020. Parents, educators, and local communities began learning how to function in a way that no one had experienced before. One of Extension’s strengths is its flexibility across counties and states to address local needs to achieve locally desired outcomes (Diem, 2016). This statement could not be an
Author: Raymond Cox
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H Garden in a Bag (Grab and Go Bags) was a huge success. Clients were seeing the results of the over 2,000 garden seed packets supplied by the Harlan County 4-H Program and Wal-Mart on facebook and social media. Seeing the success of these gardens and vegetables arouse a great interest in live plants for the public. We began getting calls asking about help with acquiring live plants later in the growing season. We were able to work with Tractor Supply of Harlan at t
Author: Samantha Saunders
Major Program: Agriculture
When COVID-19 hit, everyone was in a state of uncertainty. That especially included the youth and families who participate in livestock projects. Everyone did not know if they needed to go ahead and get animals or just skip this year completely. It was looking pretty discouraging at the start, but the light soon began to show through the tunnels as July approached. KDA was allowing their district shows to happen but with some rule changes and additional steps.We began brain storming about our li
Author: Brian Good
Major Program: Agriculture
Since the late 1990's, the Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project has been an annual tradition at the Kentucky State Fair. The project began with less than 40 participants. Today, there are nearly 800 entrants from approximately 70 counties. Typically, youth prepare their hams and give a speech to accompany their project. Due to the current pandemic, 4-Her's submitted their hams and wrote an essay in place of the speech. Bell County 4-H had three youth that participated in the project in 2020.
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Agriculture
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit there were major ramifications for Extension programming. 4-H events were postponed or canceled due the restrictions related to social distancing. The work and progress that the young people had put into many of their 4-H projects were left unfinished with no culminating event. Across the state, over 750 youth had put country hams into cure prior to the pandemic. The County Ham Committee made up of agents and the state extension specialist m
Author: Don Sorrell
Major Program: Agriculture
For the past several years the Campbell County Extension Service has supported the Newport Youth Leadership Development (YLD) program with a “Farm to Table” focus. We would take these inner city youth to four local farms and to our Extension Service Educational Gardens and show them how seeds, vegetable transplants and farm animals are grown to provide us with the food we eat. With the onset of COVID-19 we were no longer able to do farm and garden visits but turned to virtual program
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Agriculture
The 2020 Gallatin County Livestock Show and the 2020 Kentucky State Fair is over. Looking back at what our Gallatin County 4-H youth accomplished is amazing! They had their animals before COVID happened. Everything was shut down or postponed. But they did not give up. They continued go out to the barn to feed, train, and exercise their animals at least once a day. They did this not knowing if they would be able to show or not. Finally in July things started opening up and they starte
Author: Linda McClanahan
Major Program: Agriculture
Mercer County Extension Office, Mercer County Farm Bureau Federation and Mercer County FFA have successfully teamed up in the past with Mercer County Schools and Mercer County Family Resource Youth Services Center to incorporate agriculture in the classroom and raise students' agricultural awareness. Even with COVID-19 restrictions limited learning to the virtual environment there was a desire from all parties involved to continue these successful programs including FarmSCool Week (Preschool
Author: Linda Hieneman
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H Youth Livestock Program is the largest animal science project area enabling youth to develop their interest in beef cattle, sheep, swine and other 4-H projects. Youth learn about selection, care, and feeding of livestock, animal health, and importance of good record keeping. Emphasis for these projects continues to be focused on life skill development.In Greenup County 4-H Livestock is one of the biggest 4-H programs. Due to 4-H Agent vacancy and COVID-19, the County Fair was cance
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Agriculture
Youth Livestock Showing During a Pandemic For many youth that are involved in Kentucky 4-H and Owen County 4-H, the summer time and early fall is very busy, with family time spent outdoors in a show barn, or a sale ring. Due to COVID-19, many local, district and state level 4-H livestock shows were cancelled or postponed. These shows are more than just walking a heifer around a ring, they teach disciplin
Author: Rachel Cain
Major Program: Agriculture
Significant AccomplishmentElementary school aged children need fun, hands-on learning that helps them learn practical life skills and information.Importance of the ProgramChildren today are disconnected from where their food comes from. Though Rockcastle County is a very rural area, many children have also never seen farm animals in real life or been exposed to the source of their food. This program, which is new to the county, would allow children to learn about food sources and the life cycle
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Agriculture
Knox County 4-H received a $1000 grant from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our plans for the funds changed and 4-H council members brainstormed ideas that would best reach today's youth. According to the CDC, American's are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables needed to promote a healthier diet. They state that making these products more affordable, available and making them relevant is important and can dramatically increase fruit and
Author: Mike Meyer
Major Program: Agriculture
Covid-19 restrictions have altered educational delivery possibilities for county programming. Schools have been limited to virtual or hybrid attendance, therefore challenging agents to provide education resources in a variety of formats. District 4 4-H Youth Development Agents have utilized current conditions to produce educational videos that cover all 4-H core content areas. Specifically, the Agriculture committee has prioritized implementation of mixed methods to best reach
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Agriculture
On Saturday, September 26th ,2020, the annual Morgan County 4-H/FFA Livestock Show was held at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. This year’s show was quite different from years past, the most obvious being that normally that Saturday would have been spent on Main Street under the Sorghum Festival tent. However, the opportunity to showcase the hard work of the youth of Morgan County could not be passed. After deciding to postpone the show in July the Morgan County Fair board
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: Agriculture
In 2020 the Fleming County 4-H & FFA Livestock Show & Sale reached its record mark with its 79th 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. Due to the Corona
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: Agriculture
In 2020, our daily routines were altered as a pandemic swept across our nation. Traditional in-person Extension programming was halted: however, the needs of local citizens remained.The Adair County Extension staff worked together to develop a “grab and go” educational gardening program to provide families educational assistance in planting, growing, and harvesting fresh homegrown produce.Seeds and plants were donated and purchase from local businesses. Extension agents d
Author: Mary Jane Little
Major Program: Agriculture
In order to attain experiences that aid in positive development, it is important for youth to be engagedlearners. Researchers and practitioners have identified core competencies for quality programming(Eccles & Gootman, 2002; National 4-H Impact Assessment, 2001; Search Institute, 2004). Inaddition, Experiential Learning Theory has been applied to a variety of contexts. Although a number ofmodels exist, the common foundational theme is that the human experience aids significantly in thelearn
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: Agriculture
Moving Beyond Take Home Educational KitsWhen school returned to virtual and in person instruction Oldham County 4-H members were ready to get back to some form of traditional programming. 4-H members were ready to reconnect and striving for social interaction. 4-H Staff and Volunteers were not permitted to visit schools for in person instruction, all lessons were conducted virtually thru the school’s platform. The School Club Program involves in person and virtual learning class
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Agriculture
During normal times, there are certain activities that the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service helps out with, one of these being actively involved in our local county fairs. But, during COVID-19, the roles we played with the 2020 Spencer County Fair, took on a different look.With guidance from various local and state agencies, the Spencer Co. Fair Board decided to hold certain events during our normal fair dates in July, 13 events were held in 2020 at the Spencer County Fair. Ev
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Agriculture
According to a study initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Purdue University regarding employment opportunities for Animal Science graduates, results show that there were more than 57,900 annual job openings for new graduates between 2015 and 2020, and some 35,400 qualified graduates available each year for these positions resulting in a shortage. Youth livestock programs teach 4H members the value of hard work, commitment, responsibility, and valuable animal husbandry
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Agriculture
According to a study initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Purdue University regarding employment opportunities for Animal Science graduates, results show that there were more than 57,900 annual job openings for new graduates between 2015 and 2020, and some 35,400 qualified graduates available each year for these positions resulting in a shortage. Youth livestock programs teach 4H members the value of hard work, commitment, responsibility, and valuable animal husbandry
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Agriculture
On February 4, 2020, the Jackson County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent worked with the Jackson County High School Agriculture teacher to teach a Beef Artificial Insemination Class. The agent obtained six cattle reproductive tracts from a local slaughter facility. These tracts were taken to the Jackson County Highschool, along with several breeding kits and other items needed to artificially breed cattle. Ninety Students in three classes were taught the anatomy of the reproductive system
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: Agriculture
The Graves County 4-H Livestock Club partnered with the Purchase District Fair to revive 4-H Livestock Shows in 2020. It had been many years since livestock shows had been held in the county. There were 29 exhibit entries, 12 goat show entries, 8 cattle show entries, 12 swine show entries, 6 rabbit show entries, and 6 poultry show entries. A sheep show was also offered to the surrounding counties. 4-H Livestock Club teens worked together to announce winners, classes, and pass out ribbons.
Author: Kim Angel
Major Program: Agriculture
During the 2020 Global Pandemic, a need for the ability to grow food locally was realized. With a majority of today’s U.S. consumers three to four generations removed from agriculture, many do not have a good level of knowledge about agriculture and food production. Jackson County 4-H partnered with a local farmer and his wife who sell produce at local farmers markets to provide a greenhouse program to Jackson County Youth. Ten attendees gathered at the greenhouse for the first sessi
Author: Deana Reed
Major Program: Agriculture
In order to attain experiences that aid in positive development, it is important for youth to be engaged learners. Researchers and practitioners have identified core competencies for quality programming (Eccles & Gootman, 2002; National 4-H Impact Assessment, 2001; Search Institute, 2004). In addition, Experiential Learning Theory has been applied to a variety of contexts. Although a number of models exist, the common foundational theme is that the human experience aids significantly in the
Author: Rhonda Jewell
Major Program: Agriculture
When the Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project started in 1990 there were less than 40 youth participating. Today there are over 750 4-H’ers from 65 counties involved in the project. Youth gain valuable skills from participation in the Country Ham Project, including, learning the process of research, communication and organizational skills, and they also gain valuable technical merit. Traditionally, participants are responsible for curing two hams and are required to gi
Author: Christy Eastwood
Major Program: Agriculture
2020 has seen many activities/events canceled due to COVID19, including the Boone County Fair. The Boone County Extension Service, along with the Boone County Fair Board, felt it was important to give our 4-H youth a little bit of “normalcy” by holding all the 4-H livestock & horse shows along with 4-H cloverville.The 4-H livestock shows were held over 3 days with the 4-H horse show occurring on the 4th day. A total of 51 different 4-H’ers participated in the li
Author: Katie Wallace
Major Program: Agriculture
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic our 4-H livestock show and sale was cancelled. Our 4-H livestock club members, their families, and our community were saddened but understanding about the cancellation. Our annual 4-H livestock show and sale is a staple of the community in September as the kickoff to the Tobacco Festival. As a celebration of their hard work 4-H members are recognized at a banquet in October where they are also presented a check from the sale of their animal. Even though our show
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: Agriculture
COVID-19 has affected virtually all aspects of everyday life. Although the full effect of this global pandemic have yet to be realized, one thing we know for sure is that children and adolescents will be affected in ways that will mark the course of their life-long development (Bartlett & Virette, 2020). 4-H has a long tradition of providing programs and activities that promote the positive development of youth. However, this global pandemic has presented new challenges in
Author: Glenna Bentley
Major Program: Agriculture
Country Ham Project“The practice of curing country hams dates back centuries, long before modern storage methods were available. …people kept their food from spoiling by packing it in a mixture of salt and other spices, and stored it for an extended period… Modern technology allows for other ways of preserving food, the way country hams are cured now is very much the same as it was long ago” Kentucky Farm Bureau News March 2018.During the COVID-19 pandemic people gained
Author: Jan Gibson
Major Program: Agriculture
Taking the program materials that have been used in the classroom in a agriculture/natural resource core, 93 seventh graders are currently working remotely to integrate the concepts into a plan to provide resources to their "city" using clean energy for food production and delivery, employment, transportation, water. As part of the food production these youth created posters and submitted them to the KY Dept of Agriculture's Pollinators Contest to help educate the public
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: Agriculture
Beekeeping continues to increase in popularity as more youth and adults become interested in helping protect our pollinators Adair County Cooperative Extension Service has started a 4-H Youth Bee Program. The purpose of the program to teach youth about all aspects of the Bee industry. Topics covered are how to install beehives, care of beehives, honey extraction, and how to market the final product. Funding to help start the project was received from a Kentucky 4-
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Agriculture
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. However, like all other aspects of 2020, the country ham judging and speeches were altered. Youth sch
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Agriculture
The COVID-19 Pandemic has reshaped how extension affects our community tremendously. As extension professionals, we have had to become creative in brining programming to our counties. The virtual world including social media is becoming more and more important during this time. In January of 2019, before the pandemic struck Bracken County youth cured and hung the very first hams in the ham building in over 5 years. Throughout the summer months the hams hung and cured. When this project was
Author: Lena Mallory
Major Program: Agriculture
During the summer of 2020 and worldwide pandemic, University of Kentucky Extension Agents, Nikki Rhein and Lena Mallory looked for new ways to engage Marshall County families in healthy outdoor activities. With increasing demand for “growing your own” and victory gardens, a sunflower growing activity was an easy choice. The Agents add a competition aspect for the biggest sunflower. Extension Office staff bagged the free sunflower contest materials consisting of seeds, informational h
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Agriculture
Teaching youth entrepreneurial skills is not being taught in the traditional school classroom today. To equip our youth we offered youth the opportunity to sell their 4-H market livestock and country hams at Mercer County Investment in Youth Sale. The objectives of the program are youth learned how to engage in contract and understand that they had requirements in order to participate in the sale. The integral part of the program is youth are creating a networking system. This requires youth to
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Agriculture
In light of COVID-19, Mercer County Cooperative Extension Agents and staff teamed up with Mercer County Fair & Horse Show Board and Mercer County FFA to develop a plan that would allow Mercer County to continue with its long-standing, rich tradition of the county fair. Mercer County 4-H and ANR agents worked diligently with Mercer County FFA advisors to develop a set of guidelines that would allow the livestock shows to happen safely for exhibitors and staff alike. Mercer County
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Agriculture
The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project gives young people the opportunity to learn about the value-added project that focuses’ on the food preservation process and the history of country hams. In addition, youth also develop their public speaking skills by presenting a speech about hams. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit there were major ramifications for Extension 4-H programming with many events postponed or canceled due to the restrictions related to social distancing. Across the state
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Agriculture
Mercer County Extension Office, Mercer County Farm Bureau Federation, and Mercer County FFA have successfully teamed up in the past with Mercer County Schools and Mercer County Family Resource Youth Services Center to incorporate agriculture in the classroom and raise students' agricultural awareness. Even with COVID-19 restrictions limited learning to the virtual environment, there was a desire from all parties involved to continue these successful programs including FarmSCool Week (Prescho
Author: Staci Thrasher
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H County Ham project provides youth the opportunity to apply science principles, exercise leadership and communications skills, and invest in their future. 4-H members learn principles in microbiology and practice food safety as they prepare green hams for curing. Those entering competitions research and compose written and oral presentations addressing topics ranging from proper curing methods, insect control, proper storage and cooking, the history of country hams in the world and how to
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: Agriculture
As the pandemic hit, the plans for our bi-annual Pumpkin Days was well underway! Traditionally this day encompasses 1500 Headstart, Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st grader's attending a day of activities, recipe tasting and stories all centered around a pumpkins. They even take a trip to the pumpkin patch to pick their very own pumpkin. As fall approached the hopes of hosting the day in-person at the Robinson Station for Appalachian Resource Sustainability diminished. Agents were determined t
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Agriculture
“As the pandemic hit, the plans for our bi-annual Pumpkin Days was well underway! Traditionally this day encompasses 1500 Headstart, Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st grader's attending a day of activities, recipe tasting and stories all centered around pumpkins... they even take a trip to the pumpkin patch to pick their very own pumpkin. As fall approached the hopes of hosting the day in-person at the Robinson Station for Appalachian Resource Sustainability diminished. Agents were deter
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Agriculture
Crittenden County 4-H has been incorporating a chick incubation project with the 1st grade classes each year for the past 5 years. In 2020, classes went virtual, school buildings were closed to students, so this meant that the chick incubation program that students looked forward to was in jeopardy. However, thanks to modern technology and social media, the chick incubation project was still able to happen for Crittenden County 1st grade youth as well as having the opportunity for th
Author: Jennifer Cole
Major Program: Agriculture
In 2020, Pulaski County 4-H participated in the KY 4-H Country Ham Project for the very first time. Pulaski County was invited to participate in Adair County so that Pulaski’s ham may hang in their ham house. In that first year, there were 17 4-H age youth and one adult that participated from Pulaski County. Because of COVID, youth were required to write an essay instead of present a speech at the KY State Fair. Pulaski County received 16 blue ribbons and 1 red ribb
Author: Ola Donahue
Major Program: Agriculture
Volunteers have a positive impact where they live and work. They make communities stronger, connect communities to each other, improve community health and increase overall civic involvement. The value of 4-H volunteers extends far beyond the scope of youth development into every part of their community. (UMN Extension Volunteer Survey)Kenton County is always looking for ways to get our 4-H Volunteers Leaders more involved in our community, however with the Cov-19 Pandemic this has ch
Author: Sarah Redmon
Major Program: Agriculture
Throughout the pandemic livestock shows have been sparse. After the cancellation of the Scott County Fair, the Scott County Investment in Youth Livestock Showcase committee wanted to give youth the opportunity to not only showcase their project animals but show them. 31 youth from Scott County 4-H and FFA participated in an evening program where dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goat, pigs, rabbit, poultry, and country ham livestock exhibitors got to show their animals in showmanship, bree
Author: Sarah Redmon
Major Program: Agriculture
Due to the pandemic and the move to remote learning the University of Kentucky Scott County Extension 4-H Youth Development program offered multiple virtual clubs and have continued with Project Porch. What a better way to get youth involved than to celebrate National Pumpkin Day with Halloween right around the corner. Scott County 4-H Agent were able to get 100 pumpkins donated from local farms for the project. Youth signed up through Qualtrics form. Scott County 4-H Youth Development age
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Agriculture
Kenton County 4-H Livestock sets dates for livestock education hours a year in advance and follows a planned schedule of meeting times. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the opportunity to meet in person changed in mid-November 2020 and resulted in the adaptation of lesson preparation, lesson materials, and planned programs. Fortunately, the Kenton 4-H Certified Livestock volunteers had discussed this potential eventuality since early in the pandemic 2020 and at their yearly re-certific
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Agriculture
The country ham program provides an opportunity for youth to learn about a rich Kentucky tradition through hands on experience of curing and preserving country ham while also building their communication skills. Despite restrictions and cancellations of the public speaking portion of the program, 19 Madison County youth created independent videos of presentations for use in our annual country ham auction. Invitations to bidders were made by the youth themselves giving them additional experience
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Agriculture
During the summer, the Cooperative Extension Hopkins County partners with the Hopkins County Madisonville Fair. The summer of 2020 was slightly different though with no carnival rides, food booths, or guest in attendance. This did not stop 4-H, FFA, and Hopkins County Madisonville Fair from working together to still have an event for the youth to enter items and show their livestock animals. This year, youth were able to enter their items that would go into Cloverville into th
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H country ham project has involved one-hundred and forty-two youth participants in LaRue County over the past eight 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 house 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 them prep
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: Agriculture
During the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020, the ASPCA shared that animal welfare organizations across the country saw a spike in adoptions during the second half of March, with an estimated national adoption rate of 58% at the beginning of the month, jumping to 85% by the end of the month. Due to the stay-at-home orders, families were able to open their homes to new pets as they had more time to spend taking care of and training their new family member. Spots.com states that 67% of households in Am
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Agriculture
The Youth Agricultural Incentives Program (YAIP) is funded by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund. The program encourages youth to engage in and explore agricultural opportunities. Students must be enrolled in elementary, middle or high school including home schooled students. Applicants must have parental consent and participate in a mentorship program with an agricultural organization. Since 2018, the Webster County Agricultural Development Council has offe
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Agriculture
The Washington County Extension Office worked in partnership with the Washington County High School Gifted and Talented program to facilitated Teen Leadership Washington County Agriculture Industry day. Seventeen selected high school juniors were selected to participate in the program. In Agriculture Industry Day youth toured a state-of-the-art high-tunnel confinement cow-calf operation and a Kentucky Proud apiary. Speakers included a representatives from agriculture lending and the niche hemp m
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Agriculture
Henry County is a large livestock production county which over $14,000,000 worth of livestock sales (2017 Agricultural Census), and youth are becoming more involved with livestock stocking. The Henry County Extension Office along with the New Castle Lion's Club wanted a way to for youth livestock owners to be able to showcase their animals. The COVID-19 pandemic did cause issues with trying to hold a fair in such a way in previous years. The fair was canceled, but the New Castle Lion&#
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Agriculture
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 Trimble 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.Trimble County has not participated in this project before, but in
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Agriculture
Concept of Mastery taught through the 4-H Feeder Calf Project “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
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Agriculture
This year, fourteen Marion County 4-H’ers exhibited projects in the Marion County Fair 4-H Division. The fair gives 4-H’ers the opportunity to display the life skills they have learned and exhibits the hard work they have completed in 4-H all year long in the seven curriculum areas of 4-H programming. The seven areas include: Health, Family and Consumer Sciences, Leadership, Communication and Expressive Arts, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Science, Engineering and Te
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Agriculture
Country Hams are a throwback to the way food was preserved before mechanical refrigeration. The 4-Her’s began curing these hams in the cold months of January by applying a cure mixture of salt, brown sugar, and black and red pepper to the surface of the ham. The cure mixture penetrated the fresh hams during the cold months and by March the hams were fully cured. Country hams develop their characteristic flavor and aroma during the warm summer months, sometimes referred to as the “Sum
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Agriculture
For 30 years this ANR agent has been working the state fair youth beef show as the superintendent for the last 17. For many youths, showing at the state fair marks the end of their beef project. One intent of the youth beef project is to encourage youth to produce cattle in their adult lives. Therefore, to help foster this desire, the experiences the youth have during their project need to be real but also, hopefully, positive. As the superintendent of the show, this ANR agent can try to make su
Author: Samantha Gamblin
Major Program: Agriculture
Bullitt County 4-H has been introducing the chick incubation project to elementary schools for the past 11 years. In 2020-2021 school year, schools had to adapt to virtual learning. 4-H had to get creative with programming. Which meant that the chick incubation projects that students looked forward to was going to look different. Thankful for our modern technology and social media, the chick incubation project went on as planned. The project was available to all Bullitt County elementary s
Author: Heather Coleman
Major Program: Agriculture
Our Chick Incubation Program is still going strong for our Clover buds. For the past 12 years youth in grades Head start thru 3rd grade have had the opportunity to participate and learn about the chick incubation process. Mrs. Conn’s 3rd grade Clover bud club at Prestonsburg Elementary was our first class to do our 4-H Chick Incubation project. 25 youth took turns observing and collecting data on their eggs that first year. Since then, we have had 86 classes and 1720 youth par
Author: Stephen Conrad
Major Program: Agriculture
To assist teachers with their Lifecycle lessons, and to bring a little “normalcy” to the school students, the Boone County Extension Service placed incubators at 6 schools for chick incubation. We placed a total of 17 incubators and 17 dozen fertilized eggs at six of our schools. A total of 665 students, ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade, witnessed the miracle of life when the eggs began hatching. 100% of the teachers reported that the program had positive impact on thei
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Agriculture
Each year 4-H youth across Kentucky who wish to exhibit livestock must complete 6 hours of educational credit hours in order to qualify. Normally, this is done through in-person meetings, field trips, hands-on workshops, and more. However, COVID-19 has made completing these hours extremely difficult. I saw an opportunity to engage youth in something more than just your normal Zoom meeting. I approached several individuals I know that are involved in the livestock industry to speak to livestock e
Author: Dora Centers
Major Program: Agriculture
In the Fall of 2020, Knott County 4-H partnered with KCCHS FFA to reach 176 youth in seven high school classrooms. It is unusual for us to do the chick incubation in the fall semester versus the spring, but this program served more than just its typical educational purpose. Using chick embryology, poultry basics, parts of the egg and taking a look at the careers within Kentucky’s poultry industry, this year, our 4-H chick incubation project assisted the classroom teacher in maintaining vir
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: Agriculture
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 a hands on experience. First graders from Eden Elementary and Inez Elementary are participating in chick incubation projects. Warfield Elementary will also participate. We have mixed results so far hatching the chicks but students are having fun and learning a lot along the way. We are starting out with four 1st grade class
Author: Mary Jane Little
Major Program: Agriculture
"Sense of belonging is an essential element of a high-quality 4-H program. However, little research exists quantifying sense of belonging among 4-H club members...parental involvement, 4-H events, and interactions with friends were factors important to participants' continued enrollment. Interaction with a caring adult was the factor most strongly positively correlated with perceived sense of belonging, suggesting the importance to retention of providing a framework that allows a new 4-
Author: Charles Comer
Major Program: Agriculture
In 4-H, certified livestock volunteer leaders are the primary educators of youth enrolled in the 4-H livestock program. The annual state 4-H volunteer certification program empowers these volunteers, known as Certified Volunteers in Livestock (CVL), to provide educational experiences to 4-H livestock club members to teach them the life skills that are needed to succeed in their projects by focusing on topics of selection, nutrition/feeding, health/daily care, reproduction, and marketing. T
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Agriculture
When the new year came and Covid-19 restrictions continued to wreak havoc on traditional programs the Washington County 4-H program knew that some creative solutions would have to be implemented. The traditional classroom incubation program, for example, would be difficult to manage when entire grades could be quarantined overnight. Instead, the Washington County Extension office worked to create an incubation program that would allow for live interaction with the incubator from the comfort of h
Author: Hollyn Howard
Major Program: Agriculture
From the 2018 census, "Farming, Fishing & Forestry" jobs accounted for only 98 people out of a population of 45,388 for Nelson County. According to other data sites, approximately 254,000 or Nelson County's 271,360 acres is farmland. The Nelson County Community Assessment also lists "More youth life skills training" as a top 10 area of focus. This program was started as a response to these statistics and created to get youth involved within our local agriculture indus
Author: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: Agriculture
What Does 4-H Mean to Me? When I was 6 years old, I had the opportunity to compete at the Kentucky State Fair for the title of Little Miss Kentucky County Fair. As a 6-year-old, I didn’t really know what was going on other than I was there to get in a pretty dress and walk on stage. One day while my mom and I were there we had some down. My mom said she had cousins at the fair with cows and asked if I would like to go see them. Being a cu
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Agriculture
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: Katie Mills
Major Program: Agriculture
This year through the trying times with the pandemic, 4-H Livestock Project youth persevered and completed their educational hours. The youth proved that they were dedicated to the program, their animals, and their responsibilities. To be a youth showing livestock, it takes more than just completing paperwork. They have to be responsible by meeting deadlines for tagging, validation forms and their educational hours. On top of the deadlines, the youth are to take care of
Author: Raymond Cox
Major Program: Agriculture
This spring, over seven hundred Cloverbud, School Enrichment, Special Interest and 4-H Club members from Harlan Elementary and Middle Schools, Verda Headstart, Rosspoint, Cumberland, Green Hill, Evarts, Black Mountain, Cawood, James A Cawood, Sunshine Preschool, Wallins Schools and Cumberland Hope Center participated in the 4-H Chick Incubation Project during March and April. A college class at the Cumberland Hope Center also participated, This project fulfills the 4-H Project Curriculum
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Agriculture
Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use, and wear on a daily basis and many youth and families are not aware how agriculture effects their lives and how important it is to their future. National Ag Day is celebrated in March each year to recognize and celebrate the contribution of agriculture to our everyday lives. It encourages Americans to understand and appreciate the role agriculture plays in our lives. Because of this, Crittenden County Extension Service wanted to take part
Author: Paula McCuiston
Major Program: Agriculture
Hickman County 4-H went into the fourth-grade classrooms to provide classroom enrichment with the Chick Incubation/Embryology program this year. This attempt was tried last year but after only a week, schools were dismissed for remote learning because of Covid-19 and I had to take the incubator home and finish hatching the chics, (in my living room!). Teachers were very excited to add enrichment to their curriculum by enhancing their life cycle curriculum and bring agriculture into the cla
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Agriculture
The Nicholas County 4-H livestock club has a long history of putting on the Youth Livestock Sale each September after the Kentucky State fair is over and the livestock projects from the summer are completed. This sale is hosted at the livestock pavilion and averages over 250 parents, family members, business personnel and community stakeholders in attendance. With using precautions related to COVID-19 it was decided that an in-person sale would not be safe and a virtual sale was implemented for
Author: Krista Perry
Major Program: Agriculture
As technology continues to advance rapidly and become easily accessible, young people’s written and verbal communication skills continue to lack, which are important life skills they need to acquire; also, their knowledge about agriculture and where their food comes from has declined; therefore, the Franklin County 4-H program conducts the 4-H Country Ham Project where youth gain these life skills and knowledge. The 4-H Country Ham Project also teaches 4-H members about food preserva
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Agriculture
Gardening with youth offer a variety of lessons from species of plants, what they need to grow, design, and responsibility. These factors are what created the 1st annual Christian County 4-H Growing with The Bloomery: Container Flower Garden contest a collaboration with 4-H and a local nursery. Youth would create flower gardens in a 14’-16’ diameter container and show proof of caring for entry until the day of judging. Starting in April youth that registered designed their own flower
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Agriculture
Fifty-seven youth with diverse backgrounds were educated on agriculture through the 21st Century After School Program Summer Enrichment opportunity. This agent worked with the 21st Century Program Director on the schedule and recruited all the presenters. One hundred percent reported learning something new about the world of agriculture. Youth spent the first week learning about all aspects of agriculture including horticulture and transplanting plants; animals on the farm; where woo
Author: Ashley Osborne
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H Wildlife Gardener Virtual Camp was offered in July 2020 as a means to engage youth during COVID-19. The Wildlife Gardener curriculum used during the virtual camp is part of the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program, an international youth gardening program that provides opportunities for youth to learn about and develop an appreciation of gardening and the environment, and interact and connect with nature. Youth can earn certifications in various content in the JMG Program by complet
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Agriculture
In a world where technology consumes so much of our time, it is more important than ever to provide opportunities and tools for children to explore and connect with nature. The Woodford County Extension Agent for Horticulture along with the Woodford County Extension Master Gardeners coordinated with the Woodford County 4-H agent to provide a 4-H Plant Camp for youth. The camp was open to any youth interested in learning about gardening.The idea behind the camp was to give children a basic apprec
Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield
Major Program: Agriculture
The Boyle Co. High School annually grows a mixture of annuals, vegetables, houseplants and garden herbs as a part of their greenhouse classes. Students learn the science behind growing successful crops from seed as well as vegetative cuttings. The Boyle Co. Horticulture Agent worked closely with this group of students and their advisor to develop good integrated pest management skills, fertilizing schedules and other growing techniques so that the students 
Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield
Major Program: Agriculture
The Boyle Co. Horticulture Agent and 4H program joined forces to offer a succulent dish garden class to elementary aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kids had the option of an in-person, socially distanced class or a kit with a live zoom session for instruction. Dish-garden, is a class at the KY State Fair so, this free course gave students an opportunity to not only learn about desert plants and their care, but also enter their garden into
Author: Jennifer Cole
Major Program: Agriculture
It is no secret that gardening and other home horticulture activities can serve as a great outlet for individuals with disabilities, mental health difficulties and behavioral issues. The Sunrise Children’s Program Cumberland Adventure Program (CAP), is located in Bronston, KY. The Cumberland Adventure Program uses therapeutic outdoor adventures experiences and clinical intervention to assist boys who suffer from behavioral or emotional issues. Many of the boys come from backgro
Author: Michael Rose
Major Program: Agriculture
The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on how 4-H Youth Development programs were delivered this past year and a half. Our 4-H Project fair was no different. Usually, we would have offered in-person project days to get projects ready for our Project Fair. However, that was not possible this past year. Instead of in-person project days, we offered project grab-bag kits. There was 46 youth who received 74 project kits. The kits contained all the educational
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Agriculture
Horse packing involves interacting with a horse for a long amount of time, but also preparing for a lengthy trail ride with them. It can consist of packing two horses with gear to camp on the trail for one night or up to a week at a time. Horse packing can lead to potential job opportunities that aren’t widely publicized, especially in other states with large amounts of land with cattle. In 2019, there were 902,900 Agricultural Worker positions in America according to the U.S. Bureau of La
Author: Raymond Cox
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H The 4-H Windowsill Garden Project is designed around the five steps in gardening, with a focus on careers and providing food for the family. The five steps are: planting, growing, caring, harvesting and consuming. All students in every elementary school in Harlan County participate in this project, reaching approximately 3,500 students this spring alone. This project also promotes project entries of vegetables in the Harlan County Fair. One student did a 4-H Demonstrati
Author: Bethany Wilson
Major Program: Agriculture
It is no secret that gardening and other home horticulture activities can serve as a great outlet for individuals with disabilities, mental health difficulties and behavioral issues. The Sunrise Children’s Program Cumberland Adventure Program (CAP), is located in Bronston, KY. The Cumberland Adventure Program uses therapeutic outdoor adventures experiences and clinical intervention to assist boys who suffer from behavioral or emotional issues. Many of the boys come from backgro
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: Agriculture
With a majority of today’s U.S. consumers three to four generations removed from agriculture, many do not have a good level of knowledge about agriculture and food production. Based upon research conducted by Sullivan, Higdon & Sink consumers know more about movies (40%), politics (45 %), history (47 %) and music (51 %) than they do about food production (40 %). To increase this level of knowledge in the youth of Breathitt County the agent for 4-H Youth Development partnered with APPHa
Author: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: Agriculture
The Mammoth Cave area is the heart of the dairy industry in Kentucky. Over 50% of the state’s total dairies and over 75% of the state’s total dairy cattle are located in south central Kentucky. Agents from this area joined forces to bring an educational video that not only focuses on dairy production but adding value past the farm gate. Legacy Dairy owned by the Jones family, bottles the milk from their cows right on the farm. The non-homogenize
Author: Jeffrey Warner
Major Program: Agriculture
I assisted Chelsea Walling in the set up and work though for the AG Discovery Day 2021 on June 8th 2021. There were 22 students and 6 adults on the tour. they were given presentations on Fish genetics, shrimp production, fish production and also fish anatomy with a dissection. the day went well and from the survey given after ( see attached) you can see the students enjoyed the experience.Aquaculture AG Discovery Day 6.8.2021.pdf
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Agriculture
The impacts of community gardens extend far beyond that of providing fresh vegetables to those involved. A sense of belonging, teamwork skills, stress reduction, and increased physical activity are all benefits of community garden programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on new changes and challenges to communities and extension programming. The biggest question is how we engage our community during a pandemic? Community gardens seemed to be the obvious answer with all the benefits surroundin
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Agriculture
The COVID 19 pandemic has brought many new challenges to families. However, one of the positive outcomes has been a resurgence of home gardening and family togetherness. The Bracken County Extension Agents worked jointly together to provide information, garden kits and videos to help educate and promote home gardening amongst youth and their families. This past year many people have been interested in growing their own produce to provide for their families, enjoy a fun and educ
Author: Lee Ann McCuiston
Major Program: Agriculture
The Todd County 4-H program offered arena riding and horse club activities to youth during the pandemic. Twenty-two youth attended 4 open riding days providing more than 6 hours at the Wild Brez Arena this year to experience horse educational activities, fun riding classes and team work through horses. The pandemic was hard on kids mentally and physically, but the bond that develops between the horse and the child offers huge psychological benefits helping reduce anxiety and cope better em
Author: Sarah Redmon
Major Program: Agriculture
Educating youth at a young age about gardening, accessing fresh foods and sustainability is extremely important in the hopes of our community to live a healthy lifestyle. The Scott County 4-H Agent worked with youth from Southern Elementary School on a five week program learning about Agriculture and Natural Resources, through a gardening program. 51 youth learned about how plants are diversified in helping create different colors for dyes, smells, clothing, medicine, and shelter. Youth learned
Author: Sarah Redmon
Major Program: Agriculture
Agriculture Discovery Night at the Scott County Georgetown Kiwanis Fair has been a night for families to come together at the fair and learn about Agriculture Education for several years. This year was one of the most successful years that the Agriculture Committee has had. The 4-H Youth Development Agent sits on the Kiwanis Fair Board and created a Livestock Show Committee to oversea the 5 large animal livestock shows along with planning the Agriculture Discovery Night. Through planning over 20
Author: Zachariah Bartenslager
Major Program: Agriculture
No doubt COVID-19 continued to provide challenges for Youth Livestock programs beyond 2020. Youth interest in livestock educational programs were steadily declining with the lack of events due to a lingering pandemic. While there was plenty of guideline restrictions for an in person event, we successfully found a way to host the 2021 State 4-H Skillathon Contest. Not only did we host the contest, but it was conducted in a safe manner that followed all guidelines. In addition we saw 120 participa
Author: Zachariah Bartenslager
Major Program: Agriculture
The 2021 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest was a success. 100 total contestants were in participation at the Madison County Fairgrounds for the event. The contest provided a sense of normalcy for youth who have missed out on many in person events over the past year. Around 30 adult volunteers were in participation and helped make the contest a huge success. The contest is one of a kind that helps youth develop soft skills such as (but not limited to): communication, work ethic, responsibility,
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: Agriculture
Newport, Kentucky is located in the northern most part of Campbell County and is across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Therefore, the area is considered very urban and the youth have limited knowledge about agriculture and where their food comes from beyond the grocery store. Campbell County 4-H collaborated with Newport Middle and High Schools this summer during “Camp Wild Cat.” The program focus was on agriculture in the classroom. Topics co
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: Agriculture
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 six certified horse volunteers who present or organize educational programs for our youth and adults
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: Agriculture
When the continuation of the longest running county fair in Kentucky was threatened in 2019, the LaRue County 4-H Council stepped up to continue to offer 4-H and open floral hall exhibits, as well as all the traditional livestock shows. A fair committee was formed and the committee worked to recruit superintendents for each of the livestock shows. The 4-H Council took over the financial aspects of the exhibit and show premiums. Sponsors were also secured to help with the expens
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: Agriculture
Recently, the Hardin County 4-H program was approached by one of the local elementary schools about bringing 4-H back to the school after a brief break due to former 4-H agent retiring, COVID restrictions, etc. The school sits among one of the most rural areas in the county and the principal recognizes that her students need to have a greater understanding of agriculture and how it relates to their everyday life. Therefore, the plan was put into place to begin a school enrichment pro
Author: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: Agriculture
The new 4-H Horse Club in Graves County is providing opportunities for youth to learn more about horses while meeting new friends and caring adults. Over 40 members have enrolled in the club and over half received their six hours of education to be able to compete in state-level events. Youth had many educational experiences including guest speakers, farm visits, riding clinics, hippology practices, and more to prepare them for the opportunities available through the 4-H Horse Program. Graves Co
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: Agriculture
Ballardsville High Riders Horse Club of Oldham County provides the opportunity for 4-H members to develop leadership, initiative, self-reliance, sportsmanship and other desirable traits of character. 4-H members enhance their horsemanship knowledge, skills and develop an understanding of the equine business of breeding, raising and training.The changes brought on by 2020 did not stop the club from continuing their journey. The club hosted a monthly educational virtual meeting many taught b
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: Agriculture
The lack of understanding of the food we eat and where that food comes from creates a disconnect for the young people in our community. One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life. Oldham County 4-H and EFNEP program partnered with Highpoint Charitable Services to bring a gardening experience to 21 youth, 95% of which were of Hispanic ethnicity. Sixty Herb Garden Kits were assembled and
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Agriculture
With the beginning of the 2020 school year and the pandemic still in full force, Franklin County and Frankfort Independent Schools began virtual, then transitioned to a hybrid model. With the stress of returning to school, being virtual, limited access to wifi service and adult guidance, there was a need that opened a door for the Franklin County 4-H program. In August 2020, Franklin County 4-H began the virtual learning assistance program in collaboration with Kathy’s Place, w
Author: Anthony Pescatore
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4H Egg Preparation Demonstration Contest is a contest that has the 4H participant prepare an egg dish while presenting factual information on eggs, food safety and nutrition, Kentucky has a long and successful history with this contest at both the state and national level. Kentucky youth have participated at the national contest for 40 years with 10 national champions and 15 top three finishes, Kentucky has conducted a state contest every year since the contest inception in 1978. The onset o
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Agriculture
According to the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey, there are approximately 1400 horses and ponies in Daviess County. Over the past 10 years, Daviess County 4-H has had approximately 87 youth participate in equine programs, club events, shows and other competitions. Nearly 50% of all sports-related traumatic brain injuries are equestrian related. According to the CDC, the rate of serious injury per number of riding hours is estimated to be higher for horseback riders than for motorc
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Agriculture
In 2013 Webster County Cooperative Extension partnered with Webster County Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service and started the “Outdoor Environmental Lab” which consisted of six raised beds at each Webster County Elementary School. The lab was used to teach students about soils, plants, gardening and nutrition while reinforcing basic skills in math, reading and writing. During that time, students reported they learned what soils were made of
Author: Joe Maynard
Major Program: Agriculture
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: Wade Raymer
Major Program: Agriculture
In 2013 Webster County Cooperative Extension partnered with Webster County Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service and started the “Outdoor Environmental Lab” which consisted of six raised beds at each Webster County Elementary School. The lab was used to teach students about soils, plants, gardening and nutrition while reinforcing basic skills in math, reading and writing. During that time, students reported they learned what soils were ma
Author: David Gabbard
Major Program: Agriculture
County Fairs can be so much fun with all the lights, rides and countless booths filled with sugary based foods, but for some it is an opportunity to show the community their creative sides, by entering exhibits. Last week the Owen County Cooperative Extension Office helped the Owen County Fair Board put on the Annual Owen County 4-H Fair and Horse Show. The Owen County 4-H Youth Development Agent urged parents and students to bring projects that they either did in a 4-H club meeting, at school,
Author: Catherine Webster
Major Program: Agriculture
Simpson County 4-H received an Agriculture Mini Grant through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation to provide youth gardening opportunities this summer. The primary objective of the grant request was to teach youth how to grow their own food, including harvesting, preserving, and cooking what they grow. The Simpson County 4-H Agent, along with the Agriculture Agent, Franklin-Simpson Schools Community Education Director, and the Franklin-Simpson Farmer's Market Coordinators, are partnering to lead and
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Agriculture
4-H is an organization committed to building strong leaders with marketable skills to be successful in today’s global society. Kentucky 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnering with passionate adults. Without volunteers, 4-H would not be the organization that it is today. For the first time, Clay County 4-H established a 4-H Rabbit Club that is led by volunteers. Through this opportunity, 4-Hers can experience positive youth development in fo
Author: Alissa Ackerman
Major Program: Agriculture
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a common topic of discussion was the fear of food shortages. This became reality throughout the U.S. and other countries as well, which sparked an interest in farming for many families. Educating youth from an early age is imperative as retirement is on the horizon for many famers across the nation. According to Kentucky by the Numbers, there are 233 farms in Clay County and 14.8% of principal produces are under the age o
Author: Dawna Peters
Major Program: Agriculture
Success Story: 2021 Virtual Chick IncubationWritten By: Dawna Jace Peters, 4-H Youth Development Agent for Leslie County COVID-19 shut down our in-school programming which led to virtually programming. In 2021 we did our first ever Virtual Chick Incubation in Leslie County. All schools within Leslie County were made aware of the Virtual Chick Program via social media, newsletters, and email. A series of interactive lessons were taught via Nearpod. Nearpod is an online tool that uses slide-b
Author: Ralph Hance
Major Program: Agriculture
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 focus from Agricultur
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Agriculture
“…the research on cognitive processing supports the importance of a teacher initiating activities that require students to process and apply new information” Rosenshine, Barak (ASU).The Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service 4-H agent with agriculture responsibilities presented two teacher orientation programs for educators hosting egg incubators in local classrooms. 6 teachers participated, representing 3 school districts. Due to the current covid protocol and pote
Author: Jacqueline Jacob
Major Program: Agriculture
Despite much of the 2020 Kentucky state fair activities being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to hold the 4-H poultry showmanship contest. We had 15 junior participants and 1 senior participant. The 4-Hers were from Scott, Warren, Pendleton, and Jefferson County. We were able to social distance while giving the 4-Hers the opportunities to show off their talents.
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Agriculture
Just like everything and everywhere else during the pandemic, the 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon had to make some changes and adaptations in order for youth to compete in 2021. Once the date had been set for April of 2021, the Morgan County Livestock Leader and Agent scheduled weekly Zoom trainings with participants. Youth had the opportunity to attend 8 Zoom practices and meetings in order to prepare for the 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon. This event was huge for the Morgan County yo
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: Agriculture
With the pandemic having people at home more than ever, there was a greater interest in learning gardening skills by our families. The Cooperative Extension Service noticed an increase in questions related to different garden types, best management practices and preservation techniques of personally raised vegetables. Green County 4-H applied for a Kentucky 4-H Foundation grant to establish a garden club for our youth and families. The $620 grant would be used to purchase seeds
Author: Gregg Rentfrow
Major Program: Agriculture
The pandemic canceled or changed 4-H activities in 2020. The 4-H Country Ham Committee wanted to make sure the project was completed. Therefore, since we could not be at the state fair, we judged the hams at the Shelby and Warren County Extension offices and replace the speech requirement with an essay. The project was completed with a lot of hard work and strategic planning; we were able to create some normalcy during a chaotic year.
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Agriculture
Due to COVID safety restrictions, Bourbon County 4-H was unable to offer Face-to Face, hands on workshops from March 2020 through May 1, 2021. The Bourbon County Extension Office staff spent time considering how we could still reach youth and families during this time. We decided to offer project bags for pick up. Various project bags were distributed including activities on agriculture, horticulture, art, SET, nutrition, needlework, gardening, woodworking, holiday crafts, internati
Author: Larissa Tucker
Major Program: Agriculture
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place it was decided to help youth and volunteers to keep their learning of the dairy industry going by offering a state wide virtual 4-H Dairy Club. One of the challenges for several 4-H’ers in the dairy project is that they are spread across the state. Lots of Kentucky 4-H’ers attend state wide educational events to receive their livestock educational hours. Those all had to be cancelled for most of the program year. The M
Author: Rebecca Hayes
Major Program: Agriculture
The six session gardening program was geared toward youth to learn about gardening, how to read gardening labels and tools, as well learning to make flower arrangements, the benefits of indoor plants and use what they grew from their garden in recipes. All youth learned how to take a seed and grow it into a product. They successfully grew flowers and made floral arrangements from them as well as grow tomatoes, jalapenos, and peppers to make salsa. At every session, youth learned about a healthy
