Bourbon County CES

Title:

Agriculture Education, Marketing, Production and Natural Resources

MAP:

Agriculture and Environment

Agents Involved:

Carter, Denniston, Tackett

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Agriculture

Situation:

Kentucky Agricultural Facts:

Kentucky has much to offer in the way of agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), over 50% (12.9 million acres) is farmland (NASS, 2019). Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top five agricultural commodities (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include broilers, all other animals and products, soybeans, corn, and cattle and calves (USDA ERS, 2020). Kentucky agricultural sales in 2018 were reported at $5.9 billion (USDA ERS, 2020). Of the 75,966 farms in Kentucky, over 90% are individually or family owned. The average age of a Kentucky producer is 56.2 years old, with over 55% of producers 55 years old or older (NASS, 2019).

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:

• 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.
• Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
• Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.
• 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.

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.

Evaluation:

Initial 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

Timeline: Ongoing

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Learning Opportunities:

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Audience:   Youth

Project or Activity: Summer 4-H Camp

Content or Curriculum: state curriculum/agents

Inputs:agents

Date: Summer

Audience: 4th and 5th Grade Students

Project or Activity: Environmental Education Camps

Content or Curriculum: Planned by teachrs and 4-H Staff

Inputs: agents, camp staff, teachers

Date: year round

Audience: Youth and 4-H Livestock Exhibitors

Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Club

Content or Curriculum: State LVC Curriculum

Inputs: Agent, Volunteers, Specialists, Industry Leaders

Date: Year round

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity:4-H Horse Club

Content or Curriculum: State LVC Curriculum

Inputs: Agent, Volunteers, Specialists, Industry Leaders

Date: Year round

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H & FFA Show & Sale

Content or Curriculum: Ag Awareness and Leadership

Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Specialists, Industry Leaders

Date: September

Audience: Youth

Activity: Ag Awareness 4-H Club Program

Content or Curriculum: Acres of Adventure

Date: October - April

Audience: Youth

Activity: 4-H Livestock Judging & Skillathons

Content or Curriculum: State LVC Curriculum

Date: November-July

Success Stories