Describe the Issue or Situation

Children need to learn about agriculture to understand where their food comes from and appreciate the importance of farming in providing sustenance. This knowledge fosters a deeper connection to the environment and teaches them about the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural industry, which is crucial for sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.

Recognizing this need, the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service and the administration and staff of two elementary schools decided to continue Ag Day to educate youth about the significance of Kentucky agriculture. Several community partners were enlisted to help make this event a success. Spencer County FFA students served as hosts for each classroom, with 28 students participating this year. The Spencer County Board of Education provided buses to transport students from Taylorsville Elementary to the site at Spencer County Elementary for the event. Additionally, the administration and Spencer County Elementary School volunteers assisted at various locations throughout the day, including water stations and lunch service.

Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable)

Participants in the event included the North Central Health Department's Environmental Services and local 4-H youth who showcased their projects involving swine, beef, dairy, poultry, and their experiences with horses. Other participants included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Extension Agent Family and Consumer Sciences Agent who taught MyPlate nutrition lessons, the Kentucky Beef Council, and a local family involved in goat farming. This year, the local FCCLA Chapter set up two booths, and two local FFA students also had booths. Additionally, a team of Master Gardeners managed two booths focused on plants. In the fall of 2024, we are excited to expand the number of booths from 20 to 24, providing local youth with greater exposure to agriculture.

Number and Description of Participants/Target Audience 

Spencer County Ag Day was a tremendous success in the fall of 2024. All elementary students in Spencer County Schools, from kindergarten through fifth grade, participated in the event, which reached approximately 1,500 students. The day was enjoyable for everyone involved, thanks to the efforts of over 80 volunteers, including 52 youth volunteers.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or the community because of the program/outreach.

Spencer County's youth had the opportunity to learn about local agriculture while gaining insights into safety and nutrition. The Spencer County Cooperative Extension Office aims to help students understand where their food comes from and appreciate the importance of farming in providing sustenance.

All county agents and staff collaborated with the local school system to plan the event, which included setup and teardown. The Family Consumer Sciences Agent managed the "Nutrition My Plate" booth. The 4-H Agent secured volunteers from the local FFA chapter to serve as group leaders and coordinated the event with the schools. The ANR Agent was the timekeeper to ensure the event stayed on schedule, while the all-programs assistant led the "Careers in Agriculture" booth. This event was a collective effort by the Spencer County Extension Office staff.