The LaRue County Agriculture Extension Agent has worked with the High School Agriculture department with various programs over the years. One of the highlights each year is serving as a “coach” for the crop scouting team and preparing them for state and national crop scouting contest. The team has a history of doing well at the state contest, winning the inaugural competition, placing 2nd in its second year, and winning again in 2021. In 2021, the team also received first place in the national competition.

There were 5 students that participated in the competition in 2021 and they met with the county extension agent bi-weekly for a two month period to learn about agronomic topics and review UK Grain Crops Extension information. Time is also spent encouraging teamwork and communication to come up with the correct answers during the competition. Only one of these students had farm experience, and it was in fruit and vegetable crops. After the competitions finished up the students involved all acknowledged that they had increased their knowledge of agronomic concepts and two students mentioned that they would now consider careers in this field and they wouldn’t have before. Four of the students involved had no previous experience with the extension office and are now aware of the programs and services we offer to farmers and the general public. All of the students that I’ve worked with so far through this program have at least considered attending the University of Kentucky as a student and 1/3 of them have enrolled.