Increasing Farm Profitability- NEW
Sustainable Farms and Home Landscapes
Adkins, Wilson, Cole, Rogers
Agriculture
4-H
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 Education in Secondary Schools Committee established by the National Research Council (1988) described an agriculturally literate person as one who’s “…understanding of the food and fiber system would include its history and its current economic, social, and environmental significance to all” (p. 8). The National Agriculture Literacy Logic Model defines an agriculturally literate person as one “…who understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life” (Spielmaker et al., 2014, p. 2). 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.
4-H:
- Youth will be agriculturally literate.
- Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
- Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production.
4-H
- Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life.
- Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.
4-H:
- Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.
- Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.
- Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.
4-H:
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.
Indicator: speeches, showing of animals
Method: evaluation, surveys, common measures
Timeline: year round
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will be able to explain the role agriculture in daily life and will be to use skills learned towards agriculture projects
Indicator: projects completed, show of understanding during lessons
Method: Common measures survey, observation
Timeline: year round, school year (Sept- May)
Long-term Outcome: Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production, will make well informed decisions regarding agriculture and will overall become more literate in agriculture
Indicator: increased involvement in local Ag community (4-H clubs, etc)
Method: observation, common measures survey
Timeline: year round
4-H
Audience: youth
Project or Activity: Country Ham project
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum: How to Make a Country Ham Publication; How to Cure a Country Ham Video
Inputs: agents, volunteers, specialists, bluegrass stockyards, UK meats lab
Date: spring-summer-fall (MLK Day-State Fair- Show & Sale)
Audience:4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: Beef, sheep, goat, swine, poultry 4-H resources
Inputs: livestock volunteers, UK specialists, local ag businesses (KNS, Ard Ridge Cattle Company, etc.)
Date: spring-fall
Audience: Youth- in schools
Project or Activity: various lessons in Ag
Content or Curriculum: Acres of Adeventure, KY Ag in the Classroom,
Inputs: agent, teachers,
Date: September- May (school year)
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