Author: Tad Campbell
Planning Unit: Entomology
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Plan of Work: Youth Development
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Following the pandemic shutdowns and protocols, the Mason County Extension Service and Mason County Farm Bureau continued the annual tradition of Farm Youth Day. The program is designed to educate our youth about the importance of agriculture and the origin of food along with safety awareness. Mason County Extension Service partnered with the Mason County Farm Bureau, Fleming Mason RECC, and a local producer to host a Youth Farm Day. The sixth-grade students from Mason County Schools, St. Patrick Schools, and Robertson County Schools attended an one day event to learn about livestock production, crop production, horticulture, importance of bees, grain bin safety, and electrical safety. Fleming/Mason RECC volunteered to attend the event to teach youth about the importance of electricity and safety precautions when seeing downed lines and storm damage. An area fire department demonstrated the grain bin emergency response equipment to the youth, while local beekeepers discussed the importance of bees to agriculture. Local leaders and Extension personnel discussed educational topics dealing with agriculture enterprises to inform youth about the importance of agriculture. Over 220 youth with 15 adult volunteers and 6 teens took part in the event. Each session was tied to possible careers that can be obtained by individuals with interest in that particular area. Educating youth about agriculture and the grass roots to our food production is vital for sustainability. All the youth completed a work study form discussing the things they learned and aspects of each presentation. Dairy Farmers of America supplied milk and juice to all participants for a nutritious snack before returning to school. Teachers commented how happy they were that the program was able to restart following the pandemic. Several of the classes were required to complete the educational form that asked questions of the program areas held during the event.
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