Kentucky 4-H partnered with Kentucky's Lt. Governor, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Department of Education for All in for Ag Education Week March 17-21, 2025.

Agriculture has a nearly $50 billion impact on Kentucky. There are nearly 70,000 farms in Kentucky (seventh most in the United States) that compose more than 12.4 million acres of land, making up nearly 50 percent of Kentucky’s total acreage. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture)

The “All in For Ag Education” week was designed to foster appreciation for agriculture and agricultural related fields by engaging students at an early age. Broadening access to ag education helps students understand at an earlier age where their food, fuel, and fiber come from.

 “Creating that interest in agriculture prepares the next generation of farmers, scientists, business leaders and innovators who will keep Kentucky agriculture strong,” Commissioner Shell said. “Investing in education today ensures a thriving sustainable industry for tomorrow.”

Kentucky 4-H joined forces with Kentucky Department of Agriculture, FFA, and our state agriculture commodity groups to kick off the initiative to celebrate Kentucky agriculture through All in for Ag Week.

This initiative provided resources for youth to learn about Kentucky agriculture. The Real Ag Experience helped form the connections for students to visit farms and agribusinesses throughout all regions of Kentucky. For those that could not visit a farm or agribusiness in person were able to bring agriculture to their classrooms. Farmers and agriculturalists were matched to classrooms to be guest speakers.

Kentucky 4-H was part of the Ask an Aggie Panel. This panel was a live virtual broadcast to any classroom across the commonwealth that wanted to participate. Panelists were asked questions about agriculture by students across the state. This panel was hosted by Miss Kentucky and included industry professionals.

Kentucky 4-H also shared information and ideas to be used state-wide including:

• The Real Ag Experience
• Virtual field trips through Kentucky Farms Feed Me
• What’s growing in your county? Kentucky Food and Farm Website
• Prepare a Farm-to-Table Feast
• Share what you know through youth group discussion at your next 4-H meeting
• Explore Agricultural Career Opportunities by visiting kyagworks.com
• Thank a Farmer
• Spread the word on social media
• Participate in Kentucky Agriculture Poster and Essay Contest from Kentucky Proud

The Real Ag Experience allowed local youth to learn more about local agriculture by stepping into the shoes of farmers and agribusinesses through ag tours. 101 counties provided Real Ag Experiences on their local farms.

4-H programs in 85% of our counties across the state utilized these resources and others to provide ag days and other celebrations in their counties.