Extension
It Starts With Us
2. Enhancing Youth Participation in Agriculture
Seeding Growth for Morgan County Family Farms & Agricultural Heritage
4-H, ANR
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Swine
SITUATION:
Morgan County has a total of 657 farms with farm land occupying around 44% of the land. Of these farms 95% of them are operated and family owned and only 6.2% of the producers are under the age of 35. Even with the high value of agriculture in our rural community there still seems to be a great disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. The 4-H program strives to increase a agricultural literacy among youth in Morgan county and throughout the Commonwealth.
LONG-TERM OUTCOMES:
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.
INTERMEDIATE OUTCOMES:
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.
INITIAL OUTCOMES:
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.
Outcome: Youth plan and implement an agriculture project (e.g., livestock project, horse project, etc.).
Indicator: Youth complete an agricultural project.
Method: 4-H Common Measures Experience Survey
*Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H agriculture programming (PRACTICE)*Number of youth who gained an understanding of the role of agriculture in the production of food, fiber, and wood products (KOSA)
*Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #6 “Is 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself?” (SEEC)
*Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #13 “Is 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader?” (SEEC)
Timeline: Spring 2023
Audience: All Morgan County Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Poultry Program
Content or Curriculum: Egg Preparation Demonstration; Kentucky 4-H Chicken and Turkey Barbeque Project; Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Poultry Project and Record Book
Inputs: Hands-on trainings and workshops by agents, specialists, and certified leaders
Date: February 2024– Fall 2024
Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: How to Make a Country Ham pub; How to Cure a Country Ham video
Inputs: Hands-on trainings and workshops by agents, specialists, and certified leaders
Date: January 2024 – September 2024
Project or Activity: 4-H Horticulture ProgramContent or Curriculum: Horticulture Judging & State Project Books
Inputs: Hands-on training and State Judging Horticulture practice by agents & leaders
Date: Spring 2024 – August 2024Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Program
Content or Curriculum: Certified Volunteer Livestock program
Inputs: Hands-on training and educational workshops and trips by agents and certified leaders.
Date: Fall 2023– Summer 2024
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Author: Kimberly Lane
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Farming is rated the sixth most dangerous occupation, beating out powerline workers and steelworkers (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). There is also a high concentration of mental illness among farmers, including depression. These conditions are often stress-induced and can be life-threatening if left untreated.Building on last year’s success, Extension engaged additional community organizations for the USDA “Raising Hope – Supporting Healthy
