In Pike County, where we lack a county fair, Ag Day provided a much-needed opportunity for the community to engage with agriculture. Pike County ANR and the Pikeville Farmers Market partnered with the Pike County Soil Conservation District to host an Ag Day, hosted on National Farmers Day as a way to recognize our local farmers and provide an educational event that highlighted local farming and sustainability. 

This was a Fall Festival type event for families and youth to participate in educational hands-on activities and featured games, competitions and fun for all ages while showing support for local farmers. 

Participants were able to participate in a variety of educational booths- the Pike County Soil Conservation were instrumental in the event and the Pike County Soil Conservation Jr Board had informational tables with boards with infographics on topics like crop rotation, improving soil health, data for the agriculture profile of Pike County, steps to save water, composting knowledge, water resource management, the Pike County Beekeepers presented a learning hive, which included a live bee terrarium with bees and a bee house with broods that contained educational information and pictures to educate and engage all ages about bees, this was a favorite for many attendees. Activities included games like ring toss, sack racing, stick-horse racing, and competitions including a chili cook-off and baking competition for various age groups. Pike ANR provided free educational Ag and farm related coloring sheets, a pumpkin-treat patch with learning about the life cycle of a pumpkin, and provided information about extension programs, recipe cards, and prizes for competition winners. Attendees were also had the option to shop with a variety of farmers market vendors to purchase farm fresh produce and locally produced items. 

398 attendees were recorded and included several participants of diversity.

Participants reported via survey that the event helped them to learn something new about agriculture, visit the farmers market more often, eat more locally grown foods, try new fruits and vegetables, and support local farmers. Participants also reported that they enjoyed learning about bees and how whipped honey is made and tasting whipped honey. 

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of survey respondents (11 total) reporting that they or their child learned something new about agriculture.

Building on this success, we plan to expand Ag Day next year with more activities, workshops, and opportunities to support local farmers. The event effectively brought the community together to celebrate agriculture, and we look forward to growing it further in the future.