Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth Agriculture Education
Agriculture, Management and Decision Process
4H; FCS, ANR
Agriculture
Volunteer Development
Natural Resources
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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
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
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
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
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
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
Author: Molly Jordan
Major Program: Agriculture
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
