Extension
It Starts With Us
4-H Agricultural Literacy
Agriculture Production, Profit, and Management
4-H Agent
Agriculture
Health & Wellbeing
The agricultural industry has previously and currently been the leading industry in Union County. Union County is home to 310 farms and principal operators with the average age of operators being 55 years old (Census of Agriculture). With the average age of farm operators being so high, the numbers reveal that there is a significant decrease in youth returning to the family farm. Strengthening agricultural knowledge in Union County through school programming and 4-H would, in hopes, minimize the age gap being seen in farming in Union County.
Farming today is not the way farming will be in even ten short years. Youth today need to be offered limitless educational opportunities to learn skills that will allow them to master the future of farming. It is vital that youth in Union County learn multiple sectors of the agricultural industry to cultivate their own future in agriculture.
By gaining adequate agricultural knowledge, youth can prepare themselves for multiple careers in the agricultural industry. Youth will feel more confident working on generational farms or in agricultural industry jobs knowing that they have received ample education from multiple 4-H agricultural programs. Essentially, youth will be equipped to face the future of agriculture.
Youth will become more involved in the agricultural community through service projects, field trips, and project work. Youth will utilize the knowledge they have received in the classroom in everyday life.
Youth learn the importance that agriculture holds in Union County, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the United States of America.
Youth will learn where their agricultural resources come from and how more resources can be available in the future.
Youth aspire to be a difference in the agricultural community of tomorrow.
Initial Outcome: Youth gain knowledge in agriculture and learn how important agriculture is
Indicator: Program evaluation will indicate behavior changes in participants
Method: observation, program review
Timeline: continuous
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will use agriculture knowledge in community service and project work
Indicator: Number of youth participating in club meetings and 4-H agricultural programs
Method: reports
Timeline: continuous
Long-term Outcome: Encouraging agricultural literacy among youth is vital for building a sustainable future. When young people understand where their food comes from, how it's produced, and the impacts of agricultural practices on the environment, they are better equipped to make informed choices. In addition, fostering advocacy for sustainable agriculture ensures that future generation will prioritize practices that promote environmental stewardship and support local economies.
Indicator: Number of youth studying agriculture in secondary education and working in agriculture jobs in Union County
Method: observation, interviews, program review, reports
Timeline: continuous
Audience: Youth ages 9-18, 4-H members
Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Curriculum
Inputs: certified livestock leaders, ag specialist
Date: September - August
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Boots n Bridles Club
Content or Curriculum: Horse education curriculum
Inputs: certified horse club leader,
Date: September - August
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Agricultural
Content or Curriculum: agent developed
Inputs:
Date: September - August
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Farm Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: agent developed
Inputs: Ky Wildlife Conservation, Local Law enforcement, Meteorologist, USDA/NRCS, FFA, EMT
Date: September - August
Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Afterschool Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: KY Core Agriculture Curriculum, KY Core SET Curriculum
Inputs: Livestock leader, ag specialists.
Date: September - August
