With family farms on the decline less than 2% of the United States population contribute to the food systems and at least two generation from the family farm. (Per the USDA) People are not aware of where their food comes from. The future of agriculture and food production depends on the youth. Raising agriculture awareness for our community is very important to our future. The Metcalfe County 4-H Certified Livestock Leader, Metcalfe County Middle School Club Leader and 4-H Youth Development agent have teamed up to make it a reality. It is important for our youth to be able to understand and provide knowledge to others.

4-H youth got to experience agriculture at a higher level. Partners University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University and Western Kentucky University expand youth’s knowledge on what the universities have to offer and career opportunities. Students started the day learning about programs offered at Kentucky State University focusing on the small farmer, also students learned about the Ag Discovery camp offered each summer to students using hands on learning experiences in a range of agriculture areas. Then the students were able to sample homemade ice cream at Chaney’s Dairy before touring Western Kentucky University’s Farm facilities with WKU Director of the Agriculture Research and Exposition Center, discussed the partnership with WKU and the National Holstein Association and the vast technology being implemented as a part of it. Students interacted with the Holstein herd and saw the enormous amount of technology being used to evaluate, monitor and improve the dairy business. Cow comfort devices were explained and students saw them at work. The students also got to hear the science and math behind the cheese making process and bought cheese at the WKU store for a taste test. Students saw horticultural projects in place and the newest addition to the equine family, Moose, the new colt. 

The 4-H Youth Development agent introduced youth to agriculture careers in Metcalfe County and Kentucky. She also did a promotion for students to look at different opportunities at the University of Kentucky and the Lexington area.

Thank you for expanding on agriculture and its importance. We appreciate all you do for our students. Today really helped them increase their agricultural knowledge and learn more about what the universities have to offer. (Says Middle School Principal)

8^th grade student said “I will go to college now after seeing and hearing the thing I can do.” 

Thirty Nine youth and six adults participated in the University and Ag Field Trip. 100% of the students said they gained knowledge about the universities and increased their Agriculture Awareness.