Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryChurnin’ Up Dairy Fun: Youth Learn & Laugh with Ice Cream in a Bag!"



Churnin’ Up Dairy Fun: Youth Learn & Laugh with Ice Cream in a Bag!"

Author: Audrey Wright

Planning Unit: Mason County CES

Major Program: Agriculture

Plan of Work: Livestock and the Environment

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Issue:
 In Mason County, there is a growing disconnect between youth and the agricultural roots that support their daily lives, especially when it comes to understanding where food comes from. Many young people are unfamiliar with the dairy industry, the role of dairy cows, or how common dairy products are made. This gap in knowledge presents a need for fun, hands-on education that builds agricultural literacy and strengthens appreciation for local farmers and food systems.

Program Description:
 I delivered an engaging dairy education program at both the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club. The interactive session introduced youth to the basics of the dairy industry, from farm to fridge. Participants learned about dairy cows, how milk is produced, and the variety of products that come from milk—including everyone’s favorite: ice cream! To wrap up the lesson, children participated in a hands-on activity making “ice cream in a bag,” reinforcing their learning through a memorable (and tasty) experience.

Partners:
 This program was made possible through partnerships with the local YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club, who provided access to their facilities and helped gather youth participants. Their staff also supported group management and encouraged youth engagement throughout the session.

Target Audience & Reach:
 The program reached a total of 55 children between the two organizations. Participants ranged in age from 7 to 12 years old and represented a diverse mix of backgrounds. Both boys and girls eagerly engaged in the learning experience, many of whom had never visited a farm or considered where their dairy products came from.

Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes: Youth gained knowledge about dairy cows, the process of milk production, and the variety of dairy products we use daily. They were surprised to learn that items like butter, cheese, and yogurt all come from milk.






Stories by Audrey Wright


From Farms and Fields: Discovering the Roots of Everyday Products

yesterday by Audrey Wright

Issue:Recognizing the need for agricultural knowledge among youth in Mason County, a series of inter... Read More


Churnin’ Up Dairy Fun: Youth Learn & Laugh with Ice Cream in a Bag!"

yesterday by Audrey Wright

Issue:In Mason County, there is a growing disconnect between youth and the agricultural roots that s... Read More


Stories by Mason County CES


Fuss Free Holidays series

Fuss Free Holidays series

about 5 months ago by Abbigale Gray

The Fuss Free Holidays program series successfully engaged 41 participants across three interactive ... Read More


Clover Quest

about 15 hours ago by Trever Cole

One Night, Three Counties, Countless Memories – CloverQuest Camp 2025 Bracken, Mason, and Robertson ... Read More


Stories by Agriculture


Agriculture Awareness during National Agriculture Week

Agriculture Awareness during National Agriculture Week

yesterday by Owen Prim

National Agriculture Week is celebrated in March to recognize the contributions of farmers, ranchers... Read More


Kimper Junior Master Gardener

Kimper Junior Master Gardener

yesterday by Emily Chaney

For years, the science teacher at Kimper Elementary School had expressed a desire to incorporate a s... Read More