4-H Agricultural Literacy Plan of Work

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Union County CES

Title:
4-H Agricultural Literacy
MAP:
Increase Ag Production, Profitability & Management
Agents Involved:
Neltner
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
4-H Youth Development Programming
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Science, Engineering and Technology 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:

The agricultural industry has previously and currently been the leading industry in Union County.  Union County is home to 310 farms and principal operators with the average age of operators being 55 years old (Census of Agriculture).  With the average age of farm operators being so high, the numbers reveal that there is a significant decrease in youth returning to the family farm.  Strengthening agricultural knowledge in Union County through school programming and 4-H would, in hopes, minimize the age gap being seen in farming in Union County.   

Farming today is not the way farming will be in even ten short years.  Youth today need to be offered limitless educational opportunities to learn skills that will allow them to master the future of farming.  It is vital that youth in Union County learn multiple sectors of the agricultural industry to cultivate their own future in agriculture.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

By gaining adequate agricultural knowledge, youth can prepare themselves for multiple careers in the agricultural industry.  Youth will feel more confident working on generational farms or in agricultural industry jobs knowing that they have received ample education from multiple 4-H agricultural programs. Essentially, youth will be equipped to face the future of agriculture.  

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth will become more involved in the agricultural community through service projects, field trips, and project work. Youth will utilize the knowledge they have received in the classroom in everyday life. 

Initial Outcomes:

Youth learn the importance that agriculture holds in Union County, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the United States of America. 

Youth will learn where their agricultural resources come from and how more resources can be available in the future. 

Youth aspire to be a difference in the agricultural community of tomorrow.  

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Youth gain knowledge in agriculture and learn how important agriculture is

Indicator:  Program evaluation will indicate behavior changes in participants 

Method:  observation, program review

Timeline:  August 1, 2018


Intermediate Outcome:  Youth will use agriculture knowledge in community service and project work

Indicator:  Number of youth participating in club meetings and 4-H agricultural programs 

Method: reports 

Timeline: continuous 


Long-term Outcome:  Youth will prepare themselves for agricultural careers to carry on the tradition of farming in Union County 

Indicator:  Number of youth studying agriculture in secondary education and working in agriculture jobs in Union County 

Method:  observation, interviews, program review, reports 

Timeline: continuous 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth ages 9-18, 4-H members 

Project or Activity:  4-H Livestock Club 

Content or Curriculum:  Livestock Curriculum 

Inputs:

Date: September 2018 - August 2019


Audience: 4-H members

Project or Activity: Boots n Bridles Club 

Content or Curriculum: Horse education curriculum 

Inputs:

Date: September 2018 - August 2019


Audience:  4-H members

Project or Activity: Agricultural Field Trips 

Content or Curriculum: agent developed 

Inputs:

Date:  September 2018 - August 2019


Audience:  4-H members

Project or Activity: Tractor School  

Content or Curriculum: agent developed, KY Core SET Curriculum 

Inputs:

Date:  September 2018 - August 2019


Audience:  4-H members

Project or Activity: Day Camps 

Content or Curriculum: agent developed 

Inputs:

Date:  September 2018 - August 2019


Audience:  4-H members

Project or Activity: Farm Safety Day 

Content or Curriculum: agent developed 

Inputs:

Date:  September 2018 - August 2019


Audience:  4-H members

Project or Activity: Afterschool Club Meetings  

Content or Curriculum: KY Core Agriculture Curriculum, KY Core SET Curriculum  

Inputs:

Date:  September 2018 - August 2019



Success Stories

Union County Farm Safety Day (January Success Story)

Author: Lauren Neltner

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Safety comes first in Union County! The Union County 4-H Program along with the Conservation District, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, the FSA Office host Farm Safety Day every fall in Sturgis, KY at the John A. Arnold Arena.  Farm Safety Day is an outdoor safety program where safety, environment, and agriculture are all tied together. This unique Safety Day provides excellent training for all 5th graders in Union County.  From 1993-2019, approximately 4,635 students

Full Story

Union County Country Ham Breakfast (June Success Story)

Author: Lauren Neltner

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

4-H is all about creating opportunities for youth, especially in the 4-H Country Ham Project!   The Country Ham Project has been a long time tradition for youth in Union County lasting 17 years thus far.  The Union County 4-H program had 18 4-H members submit ham contracts, cure country hams, and engage in the 2019 Country Ham Project at the local Union County Fair and Country Ham Breakfast. The Union County Country Ham Project membership increased by nine youth between the years of 20

Full Story
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