Youth Agriculture EducationPlan of Work

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Bracken County CES

Title:
Youth Agriculture Education
MAP:
Agriculture, Management and Decision Process
Agents Involved:
4H; FCS, ANR
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Agriculture
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Volunteer Development
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Natural Resources
Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: The number of youth who demonstrate a skill that was learned and improved by participating in a 4-H ANR project, program, event or activity.

Indicator: participation, project books, evaluation, 6 hrs. of education completed

Method: completion of above, observation, and youth/volunteer evaluations

Timeline: Annually


Intermediate Outcome: The number of youth that keep production, performance or financial records on their 4-H agriculture projects.

Indicator: record books, evaluation,

Method: observation, completion and continuation of projects,

Timeline: Annually


Long-term Outcome: Number of youth who understands the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.

Indicator: records, evaluation, project outcomes, roles in agriculture production

Method: record books, completion of 6hrs. observation,

Timeline: Annually

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-H Livestock members

Project or Activity: Monthly livestock club meetings

Content or Curriculum: Livestock Certification materials

Inputs: agent, volunteers, teen leaders

Date: monthly meetings 2021-2022


Audience: 1st graders in Bracken County

Project or Activity: Farm to Table

Content or Curriculum: Farm to School, My Plate materials, Professor Popcorn

Inputs: 4-H/FCS agents, teachers,

Date: Spring 2022


Audience: 3rd graders

Project or Activity: Chickens/Embryology

Content or Curriculum: ChickQuest

Inputs: 4-H agent, teachers, school staff

Date: Fall 2021





Success Stories

Rabbit and Poultry Show: A New Experience at the Fair

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

Full Story

4-H Cavy

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

Full Story

Youth Crop Experience

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

Full Story

Farm Animals Arrive for Class

Author: Molly Jordan

Major Program: Agriculture

Farm Animals Arrive for Class

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

Full Story
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