The latest US Census numbers show the number of farmers over the age of 65 is outpacing younger farmers. Almost 1.3 million farmers are now beyond retirement age, while just 300,000 farmers are under the age of 35. To help relay career opportunities and teach young people where their food, fiber and shelter products originate, an Agriculture Day was held at Lakewood Elementary School in Hardin County on March 22. Students ranging from Pre-school through 8th grade learned many facets of modern farming enterprises. Joined by twenty FFA members from Central Hardin High School, these 559 youth were exposed to livestock, agronomy, business, transportation, technology, nutrition and homesteading topics.

Partnering with multiple community stakeholders from area farms, agricultural businesses, service agencies and with the engagement of six Cooperative Extension professionals, all Lakewood students and participants in pilot Agriculture classes at West Hardin Middle participated. The Principal of Lakewood shared on Facebook "A special thanks to Mason Crawford with Kentucky State University for organizing our wonderful schedule and station map! It flowed wonderfully and our students were able to visit 18 different stations to learn about the many aspects of agriculture."

At one of these stations, I presented on Agritourism Opportunities and partnered with a volunteer from a local farm to provide Barrel Train rides to all the elementary students. Along with a KSU photo opportunity, this stop provided an interactive experience showcasing how on-farm experiences for entertainment can be big business. Along with other presenters, I was interviewed by a Hardin County Educational Community Television videographer. A feature segment, including footage of engaged youth, was aired on the local origination station. The long term impact of this event is to get local students to consider Agriculture as a career path and subsequently to combat the rising age of those engaged in farming.