Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth Agriculture Education
Agriculture, Management and Decision Process
4H; FCS, ANR
Agriculture
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 2024-2025
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/ANR agents, teachers,
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: School aged kids
Project or Activity: Chickens/Embryology
Content or Curriculum: ChickQuest
Inputs: 4-H agent, teachers, school staff
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: School Kids
Project or Activity: Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: Community partners, school staff, FRYSC
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: School Kids
Project or Activity: National Ag Day
Content or Curriculum: Teach Ag KY curriculum
Inputs: Staff, school staff, community partners
Date: Spring 2025
