Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Ella Fourqurean
Major Program: Agriculture
In 2022, agents were looking towards a normal spring and summer for 4-H families. A successful program completed was the District 6 North Horse Clinc. This was a one-day clinic hosted by the District 6 North Horse Camp Planning Committee in Hartford, Kentucky. The counties represented were Union, Daviess, and Henderson with 15 4-H members. These members had the opportunity to learn from various individuals in Western Pleasure, Contest, Trail Riding and Sho
Author: Ella Fourqurean
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 give a sp
Author: Lisa Hagman
Major Program: Agriculture
Hancock County 4-H focuses its Positive Youth Development programming in alignment with KY 4-H in believing all youth should have opportunities for positive youth development in our four guiding concepts: mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity. The 4-H Rabbit program fosters mastery by learning about raising, breeding, and marketing rabbits, belonging by interacting and connecting with adults and youth with similar interests, independence by demonstrating responsible rabbit
Author: Susan Fox
Major Program: Agriculture
Four youth in Lyon County participated in the 4-H Country Ham Project Over three meetings the kids shaped the hams, salted them down, washed, and resulted, and then cleaned their hams for smoking and aging. In August, the hams are polished and cleaned for presentation and judging at the state fair. Participants are required to give a speech before judges at the Kentucky State Fair. One of the Lyon County youth, Maggie Duff, won 3rd place smoked country ham and 3rd place for smoked overall in the
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Agriculture
The Bourbon County Extension Service was fortunate to receive a 2021 Agriculture Mini Grant through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. This grant was a $1000 grant that required matching funds. The Extension Office decided to use these funds to promote gardening among youth and families. 4-H, FCS, Horticulture/Ag and SNAP/NEP partnered in this interdisciplinary program to teach gardening skills, the value of growing your own food, simple food preparation skills, nutrition, the econ
Author: Sarah Redmon
Major Program: Agriculture
AgVocating is extremely important to the community of Scott County that is increasingly becoming urban. Youth were able to AgVocate to community members; by explaining the breed and pedigree of their animal or discussing the importance of the health and nutrition, that one must think about on a daily basis for its livestock project. By presenting this information, it can open the eyes of those that do not have an agriculture background and allow them to see the hard work and the importance of ke
Author: Ola Donahue
Major Program: Agriculture
Promoting local farmers has many benefits. The money that is spent with local farmers and growers stays close to home and is reinvested with businesses and services in our community. Promoting Local food also benefits the environment. By purchasing locally grown foods we help maintain farmland and green and/or open space in your community. (MSU Extension) In Kenton County we believe that 4-H can have a part in helping our local farmers as well as raising money for our 4-H Programs. &
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: Kelsey Chadwick
Major Program: Agriculture
In July of 2021, the Purchase District Fair was held featuring multiple opportunities for Purchase District 4-H Youth to participate. Six livestock shows were held, including sheep, goat, cattle, rabbit, poultry, and swine. All shows had participation and over 59 livestock entries were exhibited in total, with youth showing from several different counties in west Kentucky. Additionally, the fair held the 1st Graves County 4-H Annual Fashion Revue, where sewing members could show off their creati
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Agriculture
With the continuation of COVID across the state, the Mason County Livestock Improvement Association (LIA) was dedicated to continue to host the area youth livestock show and auction. In 2020, COVID prevented the association from holding the show and auction in the traditional structure, however, the show was held on a cooperating farm without an auction. For 2021, the group was determined to try to operate the show with an auction as tradition with the event. Working with the
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H Livestock Program provides Kenton County youth the opportunity to enhance a variety of observable cognitive skills. Youth experience raising, caring for, training, and exhibiting a livestock species. The 4-H program facilitates the development of life skills through animal agriculture. Raising an animal has an impact on individuals and families participating. The 4-H Youth Development Agent (Kelley) responsible for livestock programs has conducted a survey of pare
Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Agriculture
The Kentucky Livestock Certification program is one component of the 4-H Core Curriculum areas of Kentucky 4-H. By having a certified leader in Morgan County it has provided an opportunity for youth to have hands-on experiences with Livestock. Morgan County 4-H Livestock program has had several ups and downs, but that all is changing. The Livestock club/program has truly grown over the course of the year. The group that joined last year to develop a foundation for our youth has stuck together an
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Agriculture
Livestock projects provide youth with a plethora of life skills. However, not all youth have access to requirements necessary for larger meat/market animal projects. I was approached in 2020 by the Germantown Fair Board regarding a rabbit and poultry show where youth could exhibit their projects. Knowing nothing about either projects I enlisted the assistance of surrounding county agents and program assistants. Due to the fact the idea of a rabbit and poultry show/club was born during the p
Author: Glenna Bentley
Major Program: Agriculture
The Lewis County Extension Office was asked what programs they could do to encourage people to come to the Lewis County Farmers Market. The idea of having a 4-H pumpkin contest was one of the programs developed. The Pumpkin Contest would be held during the Fall Harvest Festival at the Farmer’s Market and sponsored by the Vegetable Growers. This year the Best Painted Pumpkin Contest and the Best Decorated Pumpkin Contest were held. This program has been done for se
Author: Kim Angel
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: Amy Branstetter
Major Program: Agriculture
Go Garden SuccessThe interest in home gardening has grown in the past two years unlike any year since America's patriotic "Victory Gardens" were planted during World War I and World War II. That was the last time in history that food security was under attack until COVID-19 caused the entire world to shut down.The Metcalfe County Extension Service offered a “Go Garden” for the past two years. The “Go Garden” stretches across all three program areas we provid
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: Agriculture
In 2020 the Alexandria Fair & Horse Show was cancelled. Not since the Civil War had this happened. The COVID Pandemic caused shut downs and caused many changes in everyone’s life. However, in 2021 the fair returned for the 164th year! They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and when the fair was not held everyone missed it and realized how important this event is to our community. The Campbell County Agricultural Society is the driving force beh
Author: Jennifer Cole
Major Program: Agriculture
For many years now, Pulaski County Extension has help prepare and plan the County Fair Beef Show. Over the last two years, many parents and 4-Hers who show livestock in Pulaski have been asking to add small animal (hog, goat & sheep) shows to our county fair. We have several youth in our county that show sheep, hogs & goats. After collaborating with the Pulaski County Fair Board, Extension was able to get small animal shows added to the 2021 Pulaski County Fair.The firs
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Agriculture
For many years now, Pulaski County Extension has help prepare and plan the County Fair Beef Show. Over the last two years, many parents and 4-Hers who show livestock in Pulaski have been asking to add small animal (hog, goat & sheep) shows to our county fair. We have several youth in our county that show sheep, hogs & goats. After collaborating with the Pulaski County Fair Board, Extension was able to get small animal shows added to the 2021 Pulaski County Fair.The fir
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: Agriculture
Letcher County 4-H youth that are in horse club have an absolute blast. The youth that have been with the Letcher Loppers since starting back in 2019 are now mentoring the young youth that have joined this year in 2021. Letcher County has three that are certified leaders in horse club and three other volunteers that are very dedicated and help with horse club weekly and a partnership has been made with the farm at The Stables at Creekside Glen. This has created some great youth adul
Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Agriculture
In 2021, the Union County 4-H Country Ham project had 13 youth. The program was brought back to Union County with the help of Meacham Hams volunteering time and service to this valuable project. Due to Covid, only 5 participants were able to participate at the State Fair. Ryan Thomas from Union County had the overall winning ham for State. This was a great accomplishment for Union County. For 2022, we have 11 participants. Each participant enters their ham in the Co
Author: Leslea Barnes
Major Program: Agriculture
The family farm is slowly dwindling with less than 2% of the U.S. population contributing to our food systems. Providing Agriculture Literacy is important now more than ever. Children are sometimes not aware of where their food comes from. Statistics say that most people are three to four generations removed from the farm. The future of agriculture and food production depends on the next generation. Raising agriculturally literate youth is important to our future and children are eager to
Author: Kelly Smith
Major Program: Agriculture
The Jefferson County Extension office received a generous donation from Jefferson County Farm Bureau, to purchase all materials needed for raised bed gardens. The partnership with Farm Bureau also supports programs within the Extension office working together. UK Extension and KSU Extension agents, along with assistants and 4-H Teen Club members, came together to build 7 raised garden beds. Once the beds are filled with soil, the 4-H and Horticulture Departments will team up to offer
Author: Bonnie Sigmon
Major Program: Agriculture
4-H Shooting Sports Shooting Sports is the largest and fastest growing 4-H Club in Laurel County. For several years, the Laurel County Sharpshooters utilized the Laurel County Fish and Game Club shooting range as their instruction and practice area. As the Game Club membership diminished, its facility began to run down and was in an increasing state of disrepair until it eventually closed in 2018. Unless a new practice
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
Author: Calyn Colston
Major Program: Agriculture
In November of 2021, Calloway County 4-H held a Turkey Time Activity Night the Monday before Thanksgiving. A local turkey farmer, Regina Deering with CRD Farms Llc, brought live birds to our extension campus and taught 16 county youth about how her turkeys are produced, raised, and how her heritage breed is different from the turkeys you purchase at the grocery store. She discussed the breeding, healthcare, and management of her turkey flock, as well as the difference in size and taste of her bi
Author: Ella Fourqurean
Major Program: Agriculture
“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.When the Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project started in 199
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: Julia Reid
Major Program: Agriculture
The Madison County 4-H Country Ham Auction is a relatively new project in Madison County, but it has already become one of our staple programs in the county. The agriculture community in Madison County was really looking for a place to invest in young agriculturalists when the project began. In fact, several local businesses even approached me to let me know they had money in their budget to support their local 4-H with agriculture initiatives, but they did not have a place to spend those
Author: Hollyn Howard
Major Program: Agriculture
"Life-skill development through hands-on learning is a cornerstone of 4-H youth programs. 4-H projects embrace youth life-skill development by providing means to encourage young people to become responsible, productive citizens (Ward, 1996). Participation in the 4-H horse project and non-riding competitive horse-related contests are tools for youth to develop life skills such as leadership, sportsmanship, and handling pressure while simultaneously enhancing their horse knowledge. For youth
Author: Rebecca Konopka
Major Program: Agriculture
The Carter County ANR and 4-H Agents worked together with the Carter County SNAP-Ed Assistant Senior to offer a 4-H gardening program in the summer of 2021. The seven-session series focused on gardening basics, including direct seeding, transplanting, how to read seed labels, succulent and floral care and included in-person and virtual sessions. Each member received their own gardening tools, UK gardening publications, and a variety of seeds to plant in their own garden. &nbs
Author: Gina Ligon
Major Program: Agriculture
Kelly Elementary - Fresh Produce Basket Boone County 4-H Agent Christy Eastwood and Gina Ligon, partnered with the Boone County Horticulture Agent, David Koester along with Shelley Hoxmeier from Kelly Elementary on the Fresh Produce Basket program. Low-income families from Kelly Elementary received fresh fruits, vegetables, three Snap-Ed recipes weekly, summer activity sheets for the children, Chop Chop magazines and my plate information for 6 weeks during the summer. Most of t
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Agriculture
Animal science projects involved the development of a wide variety of skills that will enable youth to be successful throughout their lives. However, the typical animal science projects of beef, swine, sheep, or goats aren’t always feasible for some. Whether it be cost related to these projects or not having the room available. The Bracken County 4-H Cavy Club is a way for youth to become involved in animal science projects without the big commitment of large animal projects. This ye
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Agriculture
In 2005, Kara Gurley became a certified 4-H volunteer leader in the Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program dedicated to educating 4-H Youth and their parents on the fundamentals of livestock and livestock ownership. As a long-term member of the 4-H livestock program, Kara is sharing livestock projects with her nieces and the children of some of her former 4-H club members. She is most proud of the many 4-H members who seek education beyond high school using funds from the livestock sale. &nb
Author: Maelyn Dotson
Major Program: Agriculture
In Lawrence County there has been a growing interest in equine related programs for youth. Interaction between horses and children have been shown to have physical, emotional, as well as social benefits in children. Providing programs involving horses could have a positive impact in the general well-being of youth in the county.Lawrence County Agent for 4-H Youth Development organized a horse workshop in October for new 4-H Horse Club members as well as non-club members that were interested in h
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: Agriculture
Kentucky 4-H launched the 4-H Trail Riding Program in 2020 as a way to measure the number of hours a 4-H member and their horse spend riding on a trail. The importance and benefits of this program include the ability to enjoy a horse without the stress of competition, improved equitation and confidence, quality time with family members and/or socializing with other horse lovers. Trail riding can also benefit the horse by increased responsiveness, better balance, and practicing maneuvers such as
Author: Catherine Weaver
Major Program: Agriculture
The Jessamine County 4-H and FFA Investment in Youth Livestock Sale began in 2004 and continues to be the highlight for our livestock exhibitors each year. The 2021 Jessamine County 4-H and FFA Investment in Youth Livestock Sale was a huge success once again. This was the 17th year for this event. 39 youth offered steers, goats, hogs and country hams - for sale as completion of their 2021 project. Our first year, we had 10 consigners in the sale, so as you can see, we have grown a great deal. Th
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Agriculture
The Bracken County High School Agriculture program utilizes 10 acres of land on the county industrial park to raise crops to help fund the ag programs at the school. Through support from a regional agribusiness and a local farmer / volunteer, crops are fertilized, planted, sprayed and harvested to support the program. This year, the teacher and program advisor wanted to offer a more “hands on” learning approach with the crop. The Bracken County Extension Service pro
Author: Morgan Murphy
Major Program: Agriculture
Engaging youth in agricultural education was identified as a priority by our county stakeholders considering the strong agricultural history of the county. I responded to this need by doing 3 Farm-2-School lessons with 7 classes at Elliott County High school. The lessons focused on the benefits of local produce and where to find it in our county, a lesson on MyPlate talking about portion sizes of each food group (each student got 1 serving of fruit from the apples), and a scenario lesson that ha
Author: Kelly Woods
Major Program: Agriculture
Ballardsville High Riders Horse Club in 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 and training.The changes brought on by 2020 and 2021 did not stop the club from continuing their journey. The club hosted monthly educational virtual meetings taught by seni
Author: Misty Wilmoth
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H country ham project has involved one-hundred and fifty-four youth participants in LaRue County over the past nine 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: 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 2021. &n
Author: Shelley Crawford
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. Research shows that consumers know more about movies (40 percent), politics (45 percent), history (47 percent) and music (51 percent) than they do about food production (40 percent). The same research indicates that only 22 percent of Americans trust that the agriculture industry is transparent about its food product
Author: Hollyn Howard
Major Program: Agriculture
Embryology was a very sought after program within Nelson County. I had received many calls requesting this program before this grant was released. The program allows classrooms to check out an incubator, brooding box materials (if not provided by school), thermometers, candlers, a peeps calendar, and additional educational resources. The Chicken Embryology program was taught using the 4-H curriculum in collaboration with SNAP Ed curriculum to incorporate nutrition as well. Surveys indicated
Author: Meagan Klee
Major Program: Agriculture
Egg incubation is the practice in replicating the mother hen’s environment with a warm moist environment for the rest of the gestation period for the chick (through an incubation device).This year’s 4th grade 4-H School Clubs (eight classrooms totaling about 150 students) are learning about the anatomy of a chicken’s egg, the anatomy of a chicken, the various characteristics of breeds, the process of incubation, how to care for the eggs in incubation, and how to care for the ch
Author: William Crawford
Major Program: Agriculture
As an Area Agriculture Agent, I service stakeholders in four counties spanning from Central to Western Kentucky. Ongoing work with Russellville Urban Garden Project (RUGP) has led to multiple community engagement extensions. One of the most recent included working with RUGP Director Nancy Dawson to offer a fifteen week Summer Youth Program. From mid-April to August 2021, nearly 20 youth and numerous adult volunteers met weekly to learn about and become engaged in Agriculture. The youth program i
Author: Tyrone Gentry
Major Program: Agriculture
Window Sill Garden Exposes Youth to GardeningAdults have the opportunity to learn responsibility from many sources: family, work, hobbies, etc. Youth often have fewer options and those options may be dictated by adults giving the youth an opportunity to gain them. Not every youth has the means to raise a show animal and travel to county fairs. Green County 4-H wanted to offer a program allowing younger youth to gain responsibility and to learn the value of being appreciat
Author: Presley Grubb
Major Program: Agriculture
The livestock clubs were established due to the strong interest within the county. Our youth are gaining skills and knowledge from the 6 hours of educational training they are required to complete to show at the fair. The experience of raising and showing an animal allows 4-H youth to develop confidence in themselves and increase their self-esteem. The 4-H program in Greenup County has a long history with a successful youth livestock program. In past years, the number of youth participating
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Agriculture
Although our county may be a rural county with over 500 farms reported to the USDA Agriculture Census, not all youth are involved in agricultural ventures. The 1st grade teachers at Taylor Elementary wanted to do some farm related lessons and approached the Bracken County 4-H with their idea. With the help of local farmers, 1st grade classrooms learn about cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs. The lessons revolved around the importance of each farm animal, fun facts about each species, and to
Author: Raymond Cox
Major Program: Agriculture
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 Demonstration on Wi
Author: Alyssa Cox
Major Program: Agriculture
The purpose of the 4-H Cloverbuds is to help young children learn life skills to become competent, caring and contributing citizens. The primary goal of the Cloverbuds program is to promote children's healthy development - mentally, physically, socially and emotionally. That is why the Rockcastle County 4-H Cloverbud Club partnered with the Rockcastle County Animal Shelter to facilitate an educational lesson on pet care. Research has proven that being attached to a pet is related to positive
Author: Lisa Jones
Major Program: Agriculture
Whitley County 4-H has added another club to its agenda. The Cloverbud's met for the first time in February and they learned about the importance of vegetables and how to plant them. This club meets monthly and learns about different topics each month. Each year we gather as an extension office and offer our services and information to the county along with hands-on activities for Earth Day. This year we will be at the Green Space in downtown Williamsburg celebrating Earth Day. They earned t
Author: Mary Anne Garnett
Major Program: Agriculture
“My grandfather used to say that once in your life you need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.” -Brenda Schoepp. Since starting in 1985, Farm Day is long standing program in Christian County 4-H that is provided to all first-grade students in the Christian County Public School System, Private Schools, and Homeschool. Due to COVID-19, we were unable to have Farm Day for 2 years. Luckily this year we were able
Author: Casey Townsend
Major Program: Agriculture
A four-week program was done at Shawnee High School for creating an experimental design through aquaponics. Students were asked to rate their attitudes towards learning more about Aquaculture, STEM, and seeking an advanced degree in Aquaculture after high school with a 1-5- star rating. Students rated learning more about Aquaculture 3.89 stars, doing more STEM projects was 3.56 stars, and pursuing an advanced degree in Aquaculture after high school was 3.22 stars. Concluding th
Author: Erica Spurgeon
Major Program: Agriculture
Thanks to the 2022 Kentucky 4-H Foundation Agriculture Mini-Grant Program Pulaski County 4-H was able to “hatch” a new program for our school enrichment clubs. Agent Erica Spurgeon was awarded a mini grant to start an Embryology in the Classroom program. The grant allowed us to purchase incubators, brooder supplies, and curriculum for our local schools to use. Fertilized chicken eggs were donated by Mike Ford of the University of Kentucky’s poultry research facility.On Ma
Author: Kara Back-Campbell
Major Program: Agriculture
Last year county fair entries were low for 4-H due to the lack of a 4-H agent and the ability for students to participate in 4-H school clubs due to COVID-19. This year the Horticulture agent worked with the 4-H agent to plan a month long horticulture county fair project day each Tuesday to create entries. The projects consist of terrariums, annual containers, dish gardens, herb gardens, window boxes, leaf collections, and houseplants. Taylor County Master Gardeners have been a vital component t
Author: Jennifer Cole
Major Program: Agriculture
Wendell Berry (1990), Kentucky novelist, poet, environmentalist, and farmer, stated that “…eating is an agricultural act” (p.1). Unfortunately, for many, there is a disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. The Agricultural
Author: Erica Spurgeon
Major Program: Agriculture
Wendell Berry (1990), Kentucky novelist, poet, environmentalist, and farmer, stated that “…eating is an agricultural act” (p.1). Unfortunately, for many, there is a disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. The Agricultural
Author: Elijah Wilson
Major Program: Agriculture
New Country Ham House
Author: Ryan Spicer
Major Program: Agriculture
Livestock and livestock products account for about half of Kentucky’s farm income. Therefore, the role of livestock and livestock projects in the Kentucky 4-H curriculum is fundamentally important. Youth must understand the role of agriculture in their daily lives, and the importance of livestock and livestock products in the type, kind and quality of the foods that they eat. To ensure this is accomplished in Breathitt County the 4-H agent partnered with 10 classro
Author: Brian Walker
Major Program: Agriculture
The Kentucky State University 4-H Department collaborated with our Ag Agent in Louisville, Ky. during our spring 2022 semester. We were able to conduct a four-week program at Shawnee High School creating an experimental design through aquaponics. Students were asked to rate their attitudes towards learning more about Aquaculture, STEM and seeking an advanced degree in Aquaculture after high school with a 1–5-star rating. Throughout the weeks, students were able to observe
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: Owen Prim
Major Program: Agriculture
4-H youth development programming teaches valuable life skills such as communication, problem solving, decision making and understanding one's self. Experiential learning activities such as horse and livestock judging allow for the opportunity for the development of these skills. Campbell County youth participated at the KY Beef Expo, UK AG Field Day and the State 4-H Horse Judging Contest this year. Members met with their leaders to practice judging and oral reasons to pre
Author: Gary Druin
Major Program: Agriculture
Youth understanding the importance of American Agriculture to our everyday existence includes an appreciation of agriculture’s history and current economic, social and environmental significance to all Americans. This understanding includes knowledge of food and fiber production, processing, and marketing products. The goal for the youth field day was to expose our youth to the real world of agriculture and provide them with the opportunity to learn more about careers, agriculture producti
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, and Wallins Schools participated in the 4-H Chick Incubation Project during March and April. This project fulfills the 4-H Project Curriculum requirements for Animal Science and is also designed for correlation to the U.S. National
Author: Casey Townsend
Major Program: Agriculture
The train the trainer model was used to train youth services personnel from Lexington Library in Aquaponics. Participants were asked to rate their comfort level for discussing Aquaponics on a scale of 1-5 stars with 5 being high. Their comfort level for discussing aquaponics was rated 2.0 stars before the program verses 4.67 stars afterwards; hydroponics was 2.0 stars before verses 4.67 stars afterwards; facilitating agriculture lessons was 2.0 stars before verses 4.67 stars afterwar
Author: Diane Kelley
Major Program: Agriculture
2022 Embryology in the Classroom Hatching Classroom ProjectsIncubating and hatching chicken eggs in a classroom is a hands-on learning experience teachers used with students from kindergarten to 12th grade in Kenton County during the spring of 2022. Classroom lessons referencing chicken embryos taught complex systems such as nutrition and circulatory system, and basic skills such as data measurement, collection, and analysis. The project helped students learn biological concept
Author: Christy Eastwood
Major Program: Agriculture
If a child is given the opportunity to participate in their county 4-H program many doors can become open to them. The Boone County 4-H program assists youth in developing life skills that can make them become productive citizens as adults. This process takes many years and as time goes by, as an agent, we see these important skills develop. Occasionally, we see a 4-H member accomplish great things and attribute their success to their participation in 4-H. A young child started
Author: Christy Eastwood
Major Program: Agriculture
Throughout the history of 4-H youth programming, the development of valuable life skills such as communication, problem solving, and understanding one’s self have been taught through experiential learning activities (Boyd, Herring, & Briers, 1992). When youths learn the process of evaluation through livestock judging, these same skills can be integrated into other real life situations. McCann and McCann (1992) reported that the livestock judging activity provides youth with an opportun
Author: Zachariah Bartenslager
Major Program: Agriculture
For years Kentucky Youth Livestock Programs has sent the Reserve Champion Senior Skillathon Team from the KY State 4-H Skillathon Contest to the National 4-H Quiz Bowl contest in Louisville, KY. While this has been a great way to have a team compete and represent Kentucky 4-H in the National 4-H Quiz Bowl Contest, there has been a need to identify the most qualified team to represent in Louisville. In the fall of 2021 the plans to develop and execute a State 4-H Quiz Bowl contest began. In Janua
Author: Laura Rogers
Major Program: Agriculture
Kentucky State University's Small Farm Program and Beginning Farmer Project, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky 4H agent Christy Martin of Russell County, worked together to form a photography club for 4H and clover buds students.4H clients met once a month to learn the proper techniques for photography. A few subjects covered were the rule of thirds, foreground, background techniques, and focus. After class discussion, the participants photographed agriculture subjects,
Author: Kelly Jackson
Major Program: Agriculture
“My grandfather used to say that once in your life you need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.” -Brenda Schoepp. Since starting in 1985, Farm Day is long-standing program in Christian County 4-H that is provided to all first-grade students in the Christian County Public School System, Private Schools, and Homeschool. Due to COVID-19, we were unable to have Farm Day for 2 years. Luckily this year we were able
Author: Kindra Jones
Major Program: Agriculture
In July 2021, the Grayson County Extension Office planned a Fresh Market Day in support and promotion of the Farmers’ Market program. In addition to the regular Farmers’ Market vendors, Extension groups such as the Bee Keepers Association and Homemakers set up booths, as well as Extension programming with fresh samples from the NEP assistant and youth activities with 4-H. 4-H set up a story walk along the sidewalk featuring “The Tiny Seed” and ended at the station se
Author: Morgan Murphy
Major Program: Agriculture
On April 16th, 2022 6 classrooms received an incubator, fertilized eggs, and all other materials needed to hatch out chicks in the classroom. Along with the chick hatching materials, I was able to provide worksheets for teachers to go along with the project that I received from going to a 4-H poultry training. Each teacher was provided with all materials and detailed instructions on how to successfully hatch chicks. I made sure to let them know I was available to stop by and help troubleshoot du
Author: Janet Turley
Major Program: Agriculture
For the past 34 years, this reporting agent has been actively involved in the 4-H Horse Program conducting horse camps, managing horse club leaders, leading horse management teams, conducting educational events such as horse judging and hippology contests and organizing and conducting district horse shows. All of these events take enormous amounts of time to plan and organize. Two years ago, the 4-H Horse Program changed its requirements to qualify for the state 4-H horse show. Instead of qualif
Author: Trever Cole
Major Program: Agriculture
On March 9th and May 7th I held county wide tag-ins for livestock projects for both 4-H and FFA. This provided an area for all exhibitors to have their animals tagged and DNA collected.
Author: Morgan Murphy
Major Program: Agriculture
Last year, I had 1 youth and 10 adults learn about how to cure country hams and complete the process in our ham house. This year, I have 8 youth participating in the country ham project and 17 adults. I worked to advertise the country ham program to both youth and adults throughout the county. This included printing flyers and delivering to schools and the library, putting country ham project information in the paper along with a written article by myself, and putting a radio add on the air. I h
Author: Victoria Riehemann
Major Program: Agriculture
Bullitt County has become increasingly more suburban which has led to a decrease in knowledge about agriculture at all levels; this data has led local leadership to identify a need for more agriculture and natural resources programs. From this data, the Bullitt County Cooperative Extension office determined various short- and long-term goals dealing with increasing agricultural knowledge. For youth, these goals included gaining gardening skills to improve their knowledge over food and nutrition.
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Agriculture
Ballard County had their first ever Chicken and Turkey Barbeque event this summer. Dr. Jackie Jacob, from UK, worked with my co-worker Tom Miller and myself to put on a fun, educational and tasty event at our Extension Office. We had 12 participants who learned about chicken and turkey barbeque, nutrition and food safety while having a fun time and enjoying the chicken breasts and turkey burgers that they cooked. Our local responsibility was to get the meat to cook and the sides to e
Author: Chuck Flowers
Major Program: Agriculture
The future of Agriculture begins with our youth. In Carlisle County 81 percent of the land is in crop production, Agriculture is a driving force in Carlisle County. With this in mind, the Carlisle County Extension Service hosted Clover Bud Day Camp –“Fun With Agriculture.” Each day had a different theme. June 13 was Barns; build a barn activity, hogs- a virtual trip to a hog farm, piglet activity, chickens and eggs, egg activity and egg on spoon race. Ju
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Agriculture
The 2021 McLean County Fair took place in July of 2021. This agent coordinated a successful event which took place over a 3-day period with 250 livestock entries. In addition to the premiums offered through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, a local farm supply dealer (former 4-H/FFA member) gave each champion and reserve champion of each species a $100 gift card, when youth have a positive experience in the Youth Livestock Program, many times they are eager to give back as adults to the yo
Author: Stacey Potts
Major Program: Agriculture
“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 breadth and
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Agriculture
Kentucky is mirroring a national trend of decreasing numbers of dairy herds. Therefore, many of our community members haven't been exposed to a dairy or even a dairy cow. This is why I decided to host an event at the extension office that focused on dairy production and gave the community the opportunity to watch a cow be milked up close. The Southland Mobile Dairy unit came out and gave a demonstration on milking a cow and also discussed reproduction, nutrition, and the process the milk goe
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Agriculture
For the 21-22 school year, the Jackson county agriculture agent has worked with the Jackson County Highschool Agriculture teacher and the Jackson County 4-H agent to do a educating ag students series. This series included artificial insemination, fruit tree grafting, BQCA, and a cattle management workshop and demonstration. Twenty-six high school ag students were taught artificial insemination and learned to pass a breeding rod through a bovine reproductive tract, 32 students were taught to graf
Author: Bethany Wilson
Major Program: Agriculture
Wendell Berry (1990), Kentucky novelist, poet, environmentalist, and farmer, stated that “…eating is an agricultural act” (p.1). Unfortunately, for many, there is a disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. The Agricul
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Agriculture
“My grandfather used to say that once in your life you need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.” -Brenda Schoepp. Since starting in 1985, Farm Day is long-standing program in Christian County 4-H that is provided to all first-grade students in the Christian County Public School System, Private Schools, and Homeschool. Due to COVID-19, we were unable to have Farm Day for 2 years. Luckily this year we were able
Author: Kimberly Thomas
Major Program: Agriculture
Homeschooling is growing in popularity with students and families in Kentucky and in Taylor County. According to the 2018 report Homeschooling In Kentucky, from the Office of Education Accountability, 4.5 percent of Taylor County’s youth are in a home school program. This percent exceeds the state percentage of 3.6%, as well as the national percentage of 3.3%. And due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Pandemic, homeschool numbers are continuing to rise. Taylor County homeschool stude
Author: Ella Fourqurean
Major Program: Agriculture
In special education, animal-assisted intervention (AAI) is used to assist individuals with autism spectrum disorder in their learning development bringing improvement in social interaction and affection to other people. This was a goal when the program, "Challenge Me 4-H", was in its first planning stages. Challenge Me 4-H was originally thought of and planned out by a 4-H member in Trigg County. This program included special education students from Trigg County High School, Agricultu
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Agriculture
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: Samantha Anderson
Major Program: Agriculture
“The process of gardening gives empowering experiences. Students engaged in designing and maintaining gardens show an increase in self-efficacy (Lekies, et al., 2006; Poston, Shoemaker, & Dzewaltowsk., 2005), proenvironmental attitudes (Mayer-Smith, Bartosh, & Peterat, 2007; Skelly & Zajicek, 1998; Skelly & Bradley, 2007) and environmental stewardship (Alexander, North, & Hendren, 1995; MayerSmith, Bartosh, & Peterat, 2007; Pothukuchi, 2004; Waliczek, Bradley, &
Author: Lorilee Kunze
Major Program: Agriculture
There are only 486 farms in Bullitt County according to the 2017 USDA Ag Census, a number that shrinks each year. As such, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for children in the county to gain perspective on the source of their food. To address the farm-to-food disconnect in April 2022, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Bullitt County welcomed 125 students from Mount Washington Elementary for a day of hands-on learning at the 2022 Youth Farm Field Day. Students vi
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Agriculture
The 2021 Hopkins County Madisonville Fair was able to have its fair rides, livestock shows and projects again for the community to enjoy even though Covid-19 was still in full force. Hopkins County Extension partners with the fair for the Home and Garden Show and the Livestock exhibits to give helping hands. The year was a success with the Hopkins County community crowding the ground to enjoy all aspects. Hopkins County 4-H was no different for people participating.The youth brought around 200 i
Author: Larissa Tucker
Major Program: Agriculture
The number of youth that actively live on a dairy farm grows smaller each year as the number of dairy farms decreases. To address this issue many years ago the 4-H Dairy Non-ownership project was developed to allow the youth who do not live on a dairy farm to lease a dairy calf. Instead of the youth having to make a large financial investment in an animal they have the opportunity to lease the animal from a local dairy farm. This year 12 different youth have leased animals that
Author: Dawna Peters
Major Program: Agriculture
Chick Incubation is a 21-day process and requires fertilized chicken eggs, an egg incubator to help control temperature, humidity and egg turning. The incubator replicates the mother hen’s environment with a warm moist environment for the rest of the gestation period for the chick. Chick Incubation is a excellent way to teach youth about nature, responsibility, science, caring from animals and life cyclesDue to COVID-19 we were unable to do a classroom setting Chick Incubation for the 2020
Author: Catherine Webster
Major Program: Agriculture
Julie Brown, Warren Co. Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, and Catherine Webster, Simpson Co. Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, served as the co-contact agents for the 2022 South Central KY 4-H Horse Camp. There were four planning meetings with the committee which included twelve adult and teen volunteers from Mammoth Cave Extension counties, three of which served as tri-chairs for the camp. Sixty-two youth and 120 adults attended the three-day, two-night camp that included seve
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Agriculture
We have had a successful year with the youth livestock program. We were able to work with the 4-H and FFA students a few activities to bring them together for some team building activities. We watched SILO together and fixed tacos and brought items in for the tornado victims. The students were also together to tour the University of Kentucky Meats Lab, Bluegrass Stockyards, and the UK Sheep unit. These activities brought the kids together to learn more about their project
Author: Kimberly Thomas
Major Program: Agriculture
The new Taylor County 4-H Goat Club is less then a year old but is making a big impact. Youth and their families are working hard to learn about the care, management, and showing of their animals, all while creating a community of knowledge. One event that has helped to get the word out about the new Taylor County 4-H Goat Club was by participating in the community’s annual 4th of July Parade. The club decided to create and present a float in this year’s parade. The youth was ab
Author: Julie Brown
Major Program: Agriculture
Julie Brown, Warren Co. Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, and Catherine Webster, Simpson Co. Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, served as the co-contact agents for the 2022 South Central KY 4-H Horse Camp. There were four planning meetings with the committee which included twelve adult and teen volunteers from Mammoth Cave Extension counties, three of which served as tri-chairs for the camp. Sixty-two youth and 120 adults attended the three-day, two-night camp that i
Author: Lisa Jones
Major Program: Agriculture
Whitley County 4-H Cloverbud's met in February and learned about the importance of vegetables and how to plant them. We gathered all program areas and offered our services and information to the county along with hands-on activities for Earth Day. This year it was held at the Green Space in downtown Williamsburg for the Earth Day Celebration 2022. The Cloverbud's successfully planted all the vegetables that we gave away during the Earth Day Celebration. The Cloverbud's planted all th
