Extension
It Starts With Us
Increasing Ag Awareness in Youth
Agriculture/Horticulture
Tashjian, Wilson, Baysinger, Wimberley, Buckman, Wooley
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Arts Engagement
Youth Fruit & Vegetable Access
Community Strategic Planning
Kentucky is home to 85,500 farms, tied with Oklahoma as the 4th ranking state in the number of farms (National Agriculture Statistics Service, 2012). The average farm size in Kentucky 164 acres, compared to the national average of 421 acres (National Agriculture Statistics Services, 2012.) Between 2000 and 2012, the Bluegrass State had a 6.7% decrease in the number of acres of farmland, which is the greatest percentage decrease of any state in the country (Census of Agriculture, 2012). A farm is defined by the United States Government as any place that produced and sold, or normally would produce and sell, $1,000 or more of agriculture products during the census year. While KY population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore, the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact that it makes on our daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth. The top agriculture products produced on Kentucky farms are changing. In 2012, the top 10 agriculture products were: broilers, corn, horses and mules, soybeans, cattle and calves, tobacco, dairy products and milk, wheat, hay and chicken eggs (USDA-KY, 2012).
In order to provide agricultural education to youth, counties will either plan and conduct an Ag Day Program, designed to educate participants on the value of agriculture to Kentucky’s economy and the impact that agriculture has on their daily lives or teach Ag in the Classroom to elementary school students.
• Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
• Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H.
• Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
• Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas
of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
• Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability.
• Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
• Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.
• Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.
• Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.
• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant
sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
• Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
• Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record- keeping, leadership and service.
Initial Outcome: The number of youth who learn a skill by participating in a 4-H ANR project, program, event or activity.
Indicator: Number of youth enrolled in ag-related program
Method: Ag Day, Ag-related clubs and 4-H Ag Curriculum
Timeline: School year
Intermediate 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: Numbers of youth who demonstrate ag-related skills
Method: Ag Day, Ag-related clubs and 4-H Ag Curriculum
Timeline: School year: August to May
Long-term Outcome: Implementation of gained agricultural skills obtained through Extension services
Indicator: Number of youth who implement ag programs
Method: Ag Day, Ag-related clubs and 4-H Ag Curriculum, Entremanureship
Timeline: School calendar year
Audience: Youth 9 to 19 years of age
Project or Activity: Ag Day, Ag-related clubs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Ag Curriculum
Inputs: UK and KSU Agents, volunteers, Specialists
Date: Year 'round
Audience: Youth 9 to 19 years of age
Project or Activity: "Grow it, Eat it, Wear it"
Content or Curriculum: Agent-developed curriculum
Inputs: UK and KSU Agents, volunteers, Specialists
Date: Spring to Summer
Author: Kathryn Wimberley
Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
~~Straw Bale Garden Success Story from July 2017. On July 25, 2017, the children's class of Oscar Cross Boys' and Girls' Club met at McCracken County Extension Office to enjoy a meal featuring vegetables they grew in straw bales at the Club. This meal finished their special summer event. This program began when Agent for 4H, Agent for Horticulture and Club Director of Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club brainstormed about how to use a grant to the Club in the amount of
