Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth Involvement in Local Agrigriculture Programming
Youth Agriculture & Natural Resources
R. Ford
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth's natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production-these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it's important that we care for and respect these resources. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generations.
Kentucky is home to 85,500 farms, tied with Oklahoma as the 4th ranking state in the number of farms (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). The average farm size in Kentucky is 164 acres, compared to the national average of 421 (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). While Kentucky's population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore, the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact that it makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the commonwealth.
-Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.
-Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H.
-Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
-Youth will make decisions in their daily lives that positively impact natural resources and agriculture.
-Youth will use problem solving and logical reasoning skill and apply them to environmental issues.
-Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.
-Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
-Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.
-Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud Products.
-Youth will develop an interest in environmental sciences and sustainable practices and technologies.
-Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
-Youth will gain and understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
-Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record-keeping, leadership and service.
Initial Outcome: Number of youth who demonstrate a skill that was learned and improved by participating in a 4-H ANR or Natural Resource project, program, event or activity. Start a 4-H Livestock Club.
Indicator: % increase in youth participating in county 4-H ANR & Natural Resource programs
Method: enrollment cards/participation attendance in programs
Timeline: throughout the year
Intermediate Outcome: Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.
Indicator: Number of youth who set a goal and accomplish it through the 4-H Country Ham project.
Method: observation/survey/ham auction
Timeline: all 2018
Long-term Outcome: Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H
Indicator: Number of youth who understands the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.
Method: Pre/post test, survey & observation
Timeline: throughout the year
Audience: Youth/Adults
Project or Activity: project (Start a 4-H Livestock Club)
Content or Curriculum: KY Livestock Volunteer Certification
Inputs: KY Farm Bureau, 4-H Council, Rowan County Extension Office
Date: fall 2018
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: activity (4-H Country ham project)
Content or Curriculum: KY Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit
Inputs: KY Farm Bureau, 4-H Council, Rowan County Extension Office
Date: fall/winter
Audience: Youth/Adults
Project or Activity: project
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Shooting Sports
Inputs: Rowan County Sharp Shooters, local businesses and agencies, NRA grant
Date: March - October
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: project
Content or Curriculum: project butterfly wings
Inputs: Rowan County Cooperative Extension & Rowan County Schools
Date: Spring 2019
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: activity
Content or Curriculum: Introducing Yourself to Trees, Kentucky's Useful Forests, & Kentucky 4-H Forestry Project Planting Trees
Inputs: Rowan County Cooperative Extension & Rowan County Schools
Date: Fall/Spring
Author: Raven Ford
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Last program year, Rowan County 4-H Council made efforts to offer the youth of Rowan County more agriculture opportunities. One of the efforts was to expand the 4-H Country Ham project and that happened with the partnership of Kentucky Farm Bureau. KY Farm Bureau purchased a ham shed for Rowan County 4-H youth to continue to participate and grow the project. This year, Rowan County had nine youth to participate at the Kentucky State Fair and one 4-H’er placed third for her ham in the 12-ye
Author: Raven Ford
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
According to the USDA State Agriculture Overview in 2017, the number of farm operations in Kentucky is 75,800. Considering this large number, further research shows that in 2017 Rowan County farms include not only livestock operations but crops as well. With this in mind, the youth in the county needed an opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills in all aspects of agriculture. In the spring of 2018, an agriculture committee met, including 4-H and Agriculture Extension Agents, FFA advisor, M
