Mercer County is rural, yet some youth need help understanding agriculture's relationship with their daily life. Ag Exploration Day was held for 260 third-grade students at Mercer County Extension Office. Students rotated thru stations every 20 minutes. The stations focused on: Beef, Dairy, Horse, Goat, Sheep, Hog, Rabbit, Poultry, Crops - corn, soybeans, and wheat, and food safety. There were 15 instructors and six volunteers who assisted with the program. The instructors at the stations were 4-H leaders in the livestock, dairy, horse, poultry, sheep, goat, and rabbit programs. Over $1,200. was secured from local donors to provide every student with a complimentary t-shirt.

 The purpose of the event was to promote awareness about Kentucky agriculture. In addition, youth gained a basic understanding of agriculture's contributions to our country's high standard of living. Over 65% of the youth participated; this was the first time they had direct hands-on contact with the different farm animals. By utilizing the Ag Exploration hands-on program, youth are excited to learn and expand their learning opportunities through the 4-H programs available in Mercer County as they enter the fourth grade.