Promtoting Agriculture, Enviromental, and Technological Education
Agricultural and Science Needs
Druin, Johnson, Lambert, Rideout
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
Science, Engineering and Technology 4-H Core Curriculum
Kentucky is home to 85,500 farms, tied with Oklahoma as the 4th ranking state in the number of farms (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). The average farm size in Kentucky is 164 acres, compared to the national average of 421 (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). Between 2007 and 2012, the Bluegrass State had a 6.7% decrease in the number of acres of farmland, which is the greatest percentage decrease any state in the country (Census of Agriculture, 2012). While Kentucky’s 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 their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the commonwealth. The top agricultural products produced on Kentucky farms are changing.
Youth will also learn scientific methods and use and learn about innovative technologies that address science, engineering, technology, environmental, and agriculture issues in the community, Kentucky, and globally. Through the University of Kentucky, 4-H can expand it’s impact and extend research in science by providing hands on scientific learning and discover.
Henderson County youth will choose a career path in science, engineering, technology, agriculture, or environmental sciences and use life skills learned to maintain employment.
Henderson County residents will have improved the environment in and around their home and community and utilize their resources and technology to improve quality of life.
Henderson County youth will apply and share skills learned about natural resources, agriculture, and the technological resources around them.
Youth will have an increased interest in technology, natural resources and agriculture.
Youth will be able to identify resources in their community to develop a better community and quality of life.
Initial Outcome: Youth understanding new technological skills, natural resources, and agriculture
Indicator: increase in score from pre and post test
Method:pre and post test
Timeline: Each activity or program
Intermediate Outcome: Identify one or more resources (natural resources, technology, or agricultural) to improve the community
Indicator: number of people who have identified a resource.
Method: Survey sent out to participants
Timeline:
Long-term Outcome: Improve and advance community via natural resources and technology.
Indicator: Used one or more resources to improve personal or family life as well as in the community.
Method: Questionnaire
Timeline: Spring 2019
Initial Outcome: Basic understanding of renewable energy including the economic return on investment
Indicator: number of attendees
Method:sign in sheets
Timeline: Fall 2018
Intermediate Outcome: Participants will be able to better understand renewable energy and its applicability to their home of farm operation.
Indicator: number of people who request information; participant survey responses
Method: Survey sent out to participants
Timeline: 2017-2018
Long-term Outcome: increased number of renewable energy projects in Henderson County
Indicator: Kentucky Utility Data/site visits
Method:
Timeline: 2020
Audience: Henderson County youth
Project or Activity: SET and Natural Resources School Enrichment
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content Curriculum
Inputs: School, Henderson County CES
Date: Annually
Audience: Henderson County Youth
Project or Activity: Shooting Sports
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content Curriculum
Inputs: Henderson County CES, Certified Shooting Sports Volunteers
Date: January-October
Audience: Henderson County Youth
Project or Activity:Agriculture Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: UK publications, specialists
Inputs: Henderson County CES, Community organizations/groups
Date:
Audience: Henderson County Youth
Project or Activity: Science Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Henderson County CES, School staff, community partners
Date: Spring 2019
Audience: Henderson County Youth
Project or Activity: Fresh fruit/Vegetable program
Content or Curriculum: UK publications/Jr. MG curriculum
Inputs: Henderson County CES, Elementary School staff, community partners
Date: annual spring beginning 2019
Audience: Henderson County Residents
Project or Activity: Solar project
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: Henderson County CES, Specialists, community partners
Date: Fall 2018
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
New crop opportunities are exciting but often come with high risk. Hemp in Kentucky is quickly becoming a major crop and these new producers are in need of good information. Henderson County Extension recognized the need early in 2017 and responded.In 2017, Henderson County had only 2 producers. Both producers made regular visits and calls to the Extension office requesting updated information on best production practices, what varieties to grow, where to find a processor, and