Todd County CES

Title:

Developing Marketable Skills in Ag, Science, and Natural Resources

MAP:

Engaging Youth and Individuals in Discovery of Agriculture, Science, Technology and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Lee Ann McCuiston

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Science, Engineering, and Technology

Situation:

Todd County is a rural county with the major focuses on manufacturing, farming, and forestry. In order for these industries to be sustainable, the local natural resources must be conserved and protected. Educating Todd Countians on the importance of the environment is of high priority. The Todd County Extension Service can provide opportunities to youth and adults in the county to become more aware of the needs of the county and how to make a difference in agriculture and the environment.

Learning how to improve agriculture and the environment requires a basic understanding of how agriculture and the environment tie together. With increasing technology in agriculture, it’s imperative that our youth and adults understand how to use technology to interpret, understand and bring solutions for improvement.

The Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development , a longitudinal study that began in 2002 -2010, surveyed more than 7,000 adolescents from diverse backgrounds across 42 U.S. states.

Compared to their peers, the report shows that youth involved in 4-H programs excel in several areas. 4-H'ers are about:

Two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology programs during out-of-school time (Grades 10 –12); and 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.

Youth experiences in an educational setting, learning scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address environmental issues such as air and water quality, land use, carrying capacity, product life cycle, and ecological sustainability will help sustain the environment for future generations. Filling the gap with educated young adults is a much needed action to ensure that farmers of our future are able to feed America.

Long-Term Outcomes:

4-H youth and adults will advance their skills in animal husbandry and animal sciences becoming more literate in agriculture, science, and technology. Youth will utilize the scientific method to solve problems and make decisions in their daily lives. 4-H youth will improve job readiness in agricultural and science related fields of study and will gain and maintain employment in the agriculture & Natural Resources industries.

Intermediate Outcomes:

4-H youth  will:

--Conserve more of the environment

--Judge livestock based on confirmation and performance.

--show livestock and horses through 4-H events.

--raise livestock and horses through 4-H club project work.

--feed and care for livestock on the farm

--study various forestry methods and tree identification

--read food labels of products that come from agriculture

--understand and explain the role of agriculture in daily lives to others

--influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products

--practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems

--adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment

Initial Outcomes:

4-H youth will:

--Gain an understanding of agriculture practices and procedures for different commodities

--Gain knowledge in husbandry practices

--Gain self-esteem in dealing with farm animals

--Gain hands on skills in dealing with farm animals

--Learn how to select livestock and horses through the judging programs

--Understand science principals

--Gain an appreciation for the environment and the importance of recycling

--Understand the types and layers of soils in Todd County

--Learn about the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle)

--Gain an appreciation for nature and wildlife

--Learn safety in handling firearms

--Gain marksmanship skills through shooting sports

--develop valuable life-skills including decision making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service.

Evaluation:

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: The number of youth who obtain and maintain a job in the agriculture, science or natural resource industry will be reported.

Method: Focus group with horse, livestock or teen club members will be administered.

Timeline: Spring of 2025

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: The number of youth who use a skill that they learned while participating in their agriculture project or an agriculture/SET/Natural Resource program will be reported.

Method: Ag Day end of program evaluation and Homeschool club 

Timeline: Spring/Summer 2024

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: The number of youth who attest to a better understanding of what they learned while participating in their agriculture project or an agriculture/SET/Natural Resource program will be reported.

Method: End of program survey and end of project year focus group.

Timeline: Spring/Summer 2024

Learning Opportunities:

4-H Agent will:

--Provide information on livestock shows and 4-H record keeping through newsletters and the 4-H Livestock project club meetings throughout the year.

--Provide livestock and horse judging opportunities to 4-H youth. (Horse and livestock lab kits).

--Provide showmanship workshops for club members

--Provide equestrian and livestock clinics for club members

--Provide livestock shows and agriculture exhibits for youth at the 4-H Fair in July.

-- Provide a SET program at summer 4-H camp and in the Fall.

--Teach Earth day lessons at South Todd and North Todd to celebrate Earth Day. (SERIES and Natural Resources).

--Provide opportunities for students to learn about new technology through after school clubs.

--Provide an Agriculture Day for 6th grade students in the spring