Extension
It Starts With Us
Agriculture Education, Marketing, Production and Natural Resources
Agriculture and Environment
Carter, Denniston, Tackett, Arthur
Agriculture & Natural Resources
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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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: 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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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
Author: Lois Carter
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Livestock and Animal Science projects continue to be the largest, most viable projects offered in Bourbon County 4-H. Even though it may be one of the oldest, most traditional aspects of 4-H, one cannot discount its importance, due to the fact that livestock and livestock products statistically amount to about half of the farm income in Kentucky. Due to that fact, it remains extremely important that youth understand the role of agriculture in their lives along with the importance of livestock, l
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
I am a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness within the farming community. I believe it is important to recognize that farming is not only physical work but mental as well. I strive to create an open dialogue about these issues and provide resources and tools to strengthen our farmers' resilience. In an effort to combat stigma, to assist in raising awareness and to provide access to resources for farmers, the 2022 Bourbon County Farmer Appreciation event was born. In cooperation wit
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
The 100th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference took place at the University of Kentucky from June 11th to 14th, 2024. The conference aimed to achieve several objectives for its participants, including developing leadership and teamwork skills, improving communication abilities, fostering civic engagement, expanding knowledge in 4-H core content areas, and enhancing social skills through networking. Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for youth to become acquainted with the University
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Farmers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries; and farming is one of the few industries in which family members who often share the work and live on the premises, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. According to CDC statistics, over 100 children are killed on farms each year in the United States. The Bourbon County Extension Office including the Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Horticult
