Extension
It Starts With Us
Agriculture and Natural Resources Education for Youth
Youth in Agriculture
NB, LDM
4-H Youth Development Programming
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 for food production is vital to our existence. While Kentucky's population and food consumption is increasing, the number of farm acres as well as the number of people living on farms is decreasing. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, between 2007 and 2012, Kentucky had a 6.7% decrease in the number of farm acres, that is a greater percentage than any other state. Therefore, the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact agriculture and natural resources has on our daily lives, as well as its importance to Marshall County to protect our environment for present and future generations.
Youth will be advocates of agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems. They will protect their environment, engage in community projects relating to preserving natural resources, and gain life skills needed for successful futures
Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the areas of agriculture and natural resources. Youth will explain the role of agriculture and our natural resources to others, influencing others actions and opinions. Youth will use problem solving and logical reasoning skills and apply them to agriculture and natural resource related issues.
Youth will gain knowledge, skills and interest in areas relating to agriculture and natural resources, including topics such as production of food and fiber, sustainable food systems, soil science, plant science, animal science, and horticulture. Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems. They will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
Initial Outcome: Participation in a 4-H ANR or Natural Resources Project/Program
Indicator: Number of youth who demonstrate a skill learned and improved upon such skill. / Youth can identify the natural resources in their community. / Youth gain an undertanding of the ecosystems in nature. / Participation in 4-H Horse Club increases and members follow through on educational hour commitment.
Method: Surveys, number of participants, observation, and 4-H Horse Show and education requirement commitment results.
Timeline: Initial
Intermediate Outcome: Adopt and Utilize.
Indicator: Youth apply what they have learned from participating in a 4-H ANR and/or Natural Resources program/project/event. / Youth use skills learned to conserve natural resources.
Method: Survey, observations and communication with 4-Hers/students, teachers and family.
Timeline: Within first 6 months of program/project/event completion.
Long-term Outcome: Improve and Educate Others.
Indicator: Youth become advocates for agriculture and participate in protecting natural resources. / Youth engage in a community project related to natural resource conservations. / Number of youth/4-H agriculture/horticulture exhibits at the county/state fair increases.
Method: Observation, surveys, and the number of youth agriculture/horticulture entries at the county/state fair.
Timeline: By end of program/4-H club year.
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Soil Science Education
Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Curriculum (The Dirt on Soils)
Inputs: Ag Agent/Volunteer time, training materials, facilities, etc.
Date: Spring 2018
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Tree Team
Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Ag Agent/Volunteer time, training materials, facilities, etc.
Date: TBD
Audience: Marshall County 4th Grade Students
Project or Activity: Youth Ag Field Day
Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H/Snap Curriculum.
Inputs: County Agents/4-H Program Assistant/4-H & Ag Volunteer time, training materials, facilities, etc.
Date: Spring 2019
Audience: Marshall County Youth (Grades 4-12)
Project or Activity: 4-H Trailblazers Club / Horse Project
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Horse Project Curriculum & Ohio Horse Lab Kit / Equine Related Speakers & Workshops
Inputs: 4-H Agent/Certified Horse Volunteers, District 7 4-H & ANR Agents, UK Equine Specialists
Date: 2018-19 Club Year
Audience: Marshall County Youth (Grades 4-12)
Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock Project Curriculum & Lab Kit / Livestock Related Speakers & Workshops
Inputs: 4-H Agent/Certified Livestock Volunteers, District 7 4-H & ANR Agents, UK Equine Specialists
Date: 2018-19 Club Year
Audience: Marshall County After-School & CFS Club Members/Students
Project or Activity: School Enrichment Programs, 4-H Club Lessons and/or Day Camps
Content or Curriculum: 4-H "Exploring Our Environment" or "Acres of Agriculture"
Inputs: 4-H Agent & Program Assistant, 4-H Teen Volunteers
Date: 2018-19
Audience: Marshall County 4-H Sharp Shooter Members
Project or Activity: Club Lessons, Safety Training & Range Work
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports Program
Inputs: 4-H Agent, Shooting Sports Coaches & Coordinator, Calvert City Gun Club volunteers
Date: 2019
Audience: Marshall County 4-H Youth attending 4-H Camp
Project or Activity: Residential 4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum: Program developed by agents and volunteers
Inputs: Marshall County Extension for 4-H Youth Development Agent & Program Assistant, 4-H Agents from other camping group counties, Marshall County 4-H Teen & Adult Volunteers, and 4-H Camp Staff.
Date: Summer 2019
Author: Nicole Rhein
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Problem Livestock is a major part of Marshall County Agriculture. Animal related sales makeup 68% of the total agriculture products sold in the county. Unfortunately, livestock related 4-H programming has been absent from the county for some time but after receiving many verbal requests from farm families, Nicole Bell, Marshall County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, acted. Even though Nicole has no appointment in 4-H, she volunteered to reestablish the Marshall County Kentucky 4-H
