Author: Erin Leach
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Feeding America reports that:“Food Insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as the lack of access, at time, to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse social and health outcomes and is increasingly considered a critical public health issue. Key drivers of food insecurity include unemployment, poverty, and income shocks, which can prevent adequate access to food. Alternatively, multiple interventions have been
Author: Austin Brewer
This past August, Franklin County proudly celebrated a significant achievement at the Kentucky State Fair. A talented student from our county was awarded the Grand Champion title in the county ham contest, showcasing their exceptional skills and dedication to the art of ham curing.The student participated in Franklin County's thriving ham program, which has been instrumental in teaching youth the traditional methods of curing and processing hams. Through hands-on workshops and expert guidanc
Franklin County's Environmental Education ImpactThis past fall and spring, over 600 students from Franklin County had the enriching experience of attending environmental camps. These camps were conducted in partnership with the JM Feltner Memorial 4-H Camp in London, Kentucky, offering a unique and immersive learning environment.At these camps, students participated in various hands-on activities designed to deepen their understanding of environmental science and natural resource management.
Author: Amanda Sublett
The 4-H Country Ham Project teaches youth about food production and Kentucky’s rich history with country ham. Marion County is home to the Marion County Country Ham Days, so the project has a deeper connection with our kids and community. The certified livestock leader came up with the idea to have a 4-H Country Ham Project Interest meeting to promote the project. The leader invited Dr. Gregg Rentfrow, UK Meats Specialist to give a presentation about what the project was about.
Farm to Fork Field Day is a program that teaches 5th grade students across the county about agriculture and food in their community. In our rural community there is a critical need to teach youth about where their food comes from. Giving real life examples of many different food products is one way to show the students how their food gets to them. Reinforcing the information with take home items such as coloring books, handouts with literature, pencils, and other goodie bag items also keep the m
Author: Lydia Gosney
Success Story: 2024 Livestock Club Reality StoreThe Problem Many youth involved in 4-H Livestock show and sales have limited understanding of the financial inputs and outputs associated with raising and selling commercial animals. To address this gap, we aimed to provide a more realistic look at the economic aspects of animal husbandry through an engaging and educational experience.The Educational Program ResponseDuring the Livestock Club Reality Store event, participants drew various money allo
Author: Kimberly Lane
Youth Ag Day has become an annual event in Morgan County. 4-H Teen Club members and FFA members joined together and planned out a Youth Ag Day for all 2nd graders in Morgan County. The event was hosted at the Morgan County Extension Office. FFA students and 4-H members worked on planning the stations and the educational opportunities for the youth. Teens were responsible for providing not only the materials but also the animals for the station. The 4-H agent c
Author: MacKenzie Preece
The Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy (NRESci) strives to increase environmental literacy among youth in Kentucky. Every five years (since 1999) the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) conducts a survey to assess Kentuckian’s environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. According to KEEC’s 2020-2025 Environmental Education Master Plan (2020), “… the average Kentuckian is able to answer correctly slightly less than half of
Imagine having the opportunity to travel from the rolling hills and mountains of east Kentucky to an unbelievable canvas full of a vast of different landscapes. Scenery from lushes’ green pastures to the Rocky Mountains covered in snow. Well this became a reality for 14 students in January 2024. With the partnership with 4-H agent and FFA Advisor these students were a part of the first AG Immersion program in Morgan County. FFA advisor provided the classroom, funds
Author: Ashley Marcum
University of Kentucky : Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports State Competition 2023 Ashley Marcum, Extension Specialist The annual KY 4-H Shooting Sports State Competition, the culminating event for youth participating in the 4-H shooting sports program was hosted at the Bluegrass Sportsmen’s League in Wilmore, KY on Saturday, Sept. 9th and at the Central KY Gun Club in Berea, KY on Sunday, Sept. 10th. Over the course of th
Author: Catherine Webster
Simpson County 4-H had five members advance to national contests in 2023. Three youth represented KY on the senior horse bowl team that competed at Eastern Nationals, Quarter Horse Congress, and Southern Horse Regionals. In addition, one member represented KY at the National Egg Conference on the Avian Bowl team. One member also joined Warren Co. 4-H on Kentucky's Culinary Challenge team that competed at the Texas State Fair. Having five youth win state and compete in national 4-H events is
Author: Shelley Crawford
4-H Shooting Sports is a program aimed at providing youth with a positive and engaging experience in the realm of outdoor shooting sports. With its emphasis on safety, responsibility, and personal growth, this program has gained widespread recognition and success, offering numerous benefits to the young people who participate. In this document, we will explore the various success stories associated with 4-H Shooting Sports and highlight the positive impact it has on the lives of youth. One of th
Author: Candice Hollingsworth
With just over five percent of the population of Shelby County involved in agricultural production, there is a growing disconnect in the understanding of how food is produced and how it reaches the consumer. To help bridge this gap, Ag & You Day was offered to 5th graders in the Shelby County School system.The Shelby County Extension Office partnered with our local Soil Conservation, Farm Bureau and the Shelby County Public School system to plan and coordinate Ag & You Day to 500 5
Engaging youth in agriculture is critical to ensuring that we have educated future leaders in the agricultural industry. Livestock production, animal sciences, agricultural education and career pathways in agriculture are important building blocks for young people. The 4-H Youth Development Agents partnered with the Ag & Natural Resources Agent to plan a Youth Stock Tour across seven states over Spring Break. Youth Stock Tour provided 4-Hers the opportunity to visit farms a
Author: Anna Meyers
According to the 2024 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment data for Kenton County, the overall highest priority issue is “Youth life skill training opportunities,” and the second highest priority issue is “Strengthening youth workforce readiness.” Across the state, these are the second and third highest ranked issues, respectively. Though the Kenton County 4-H Livestock Program began long ago with the county’s deep agricultura
Author: Regina Browning
Author: Brandon Sears
The involvement of youth in agriculture is vital to the existence and future growth of our industry. Many that want to experience agriculture do not have funds to get started with the purchase of plants, equipment, livestock or facilities. For the second year, local leaders serving on the Madison County Ag Development Council recognized this need. For 2023-2024 $50,000 of county tobacco settlement funds to a program offered through the KY Office of Ag Policy called Youth Agriculture Incentives P
Engaging youth in agriculture is critical to ensuring that we have educated future leaders in the agricultural industry. Livestock production, animal sciences, agricultural education and career pathways in agriculture are important building blocks for young people. The 4-H youth Development Agents partnered with the Ag & Natural Resources Agent to plan a Youth Stock Tour across seven states over Spring Break. Youth Stock Tour provided 4-Hers the opportunity to visit farms a
