AG Academy Program learns about sheep production with Dr. Ely at the University of Kentucky- College of Agriculture, Food & Environment Animal Sciences - Sheep Unit.

U.S. Agriculture and American farmers play a crucial role for providing food, fiber and natural resources for a fast growing world.  “Unlike prior generations, consumers of today are not as connected with the land, the food grown on the land or the food they consume on a daily basis (Ten Eyck, 2000).”  The AG Academy Program was first developed in Allen County in 2022 with the intent to educate youth on the importance of agriculture.  As a result of AG Academy, we hope to grow AG enthusiasts, we well as to encourage consumer behaviors which support local meat, produce and products from local farms in our Allen County community and in greater Kentucky.

The AG Academy program consists of three consecutive days of farm tours, hands-on activities and meet & greets with farmers.  During this program, youth learn about: agriculture’s impact on society, local agriculture, research efforts in the Agriculture industry and large scale Agriculture Production. The 2025 AG Academy Program was hosted May 28-30, including a two night cabin stay in Harrodsburg, KY.  

The 2025 AG Academy Program provided experiential learning opportunities directly tied to Agriculture, reaching 18 youth and 5 adults.  Yet the impact of this program is even greater, when you consider our local, state and university partnerships formed through the AG Academy Program.  Through our local tours, we partnered with 7 farmers to highlight 3 different local Ag businesses.  At the state level, our University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food & Environment - Extension and Research Farms help to connect Allen County youth with our UK Farms and research efforts at 5 animal and plant science units.  Not to mention various opportunities to draw connections to local farm friendly food systems through 4 Farm to Fork meals.  

AG Academy’s goals include: 

1. Increase understanding of production agriculture
2. Explore agriculture careers
3. Increase consumer appreciation and confidence in agriculture products

As a result of AG Academy, 100% of youth indicated increased understanding of agriculture’s role on society and 100% indicated an increase of appreciation for agriculture as a consumer.  Other positive outcomes included many first experiences (overnight trip without parent, financial spending independence, etc.), increased desire to learn about agriculture and experience in food preparation.  

AG Academy Farm Tours & Educational Experiences 

Day 1: Local Farm Tours – Scottsville, KY

1. Farm Tour #1: Red Hill Farms  (sheep, swine, beef cattle)
2. Farm to Fork Lunch: Red Hill Farms 
3. Farm Tour #2: Owl Holler  (slaughter/retail meat facility)
4. Farm Tour #3: Pedigo Farms  (greenhouse/flower farm/commercial product)

Day 2: Explore Kentucky Agriculture – Versailles, KY

1. Farm Tour #4: University of Kentucky Beef Science Unit  (beef cattle)
2. Farm Tour #5: University of Kentucky Poultry Science Unit  (poultry)
3. Farm to Fork Lunch: Wallace Station
4. Farm Tour #6: University of Kentucky Sheep Unit  (sheep)
5. Explore KY Activity: Rail Bike through Horse Farms 
6. Farm to Fork Dinner: Taylor Belle’s & Burgers

Day 3: Explore Kentucky Agriculture – Lexington, KY

1. Farm Tour #7: University of Kentucky Horticulture Farm  (commercial produce / greenhouses)
2. Farm Tour #8: Food Chain  (Produce / Aquaponics)
3. Farm to Fork Lunch: Smithtown Seafood
4. Farm Tour #9: University of Kentucky Equine Science Unit (horses)  

 Resources: 

Cartmell, D., Holt, J. (2017).  “Consumer Perceptions of the U.S. Agriculture Industry before and after Watching the Film Food, Inc.”  Association for Communication Excellence.  Journal of Applied Communications, volume 97, issue 3, article 6.   Retrieved 15 September 2022 from: https://newprairiepress.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1115&context=jac