In the heart of Eastern Kentucky, teens from Menifee, Morgan, Elliott, and Fleming counties embarked on a bold yearlong journey through the Ag Career Discovery Course, an immersive experience designed to ignite curiosity and expand horizons in the world of agriculture.   With the decline of Ag focused careers in our communities and school systems, this group felt the need to take a deeper dive.  Agents wanted students to not only fantasize about following a career in Agriculture and Natural Resources, but for them to witness and explore the possibilities.  Target audience for this program was sophomore and juniors in high school who already had a desire to learn more about the agriculture industry. Each county recruited 4-5 teens through an application process.  

Meeting monthly over six sessions, these 4-H youth were granted backstage access to a variety of industries, institutions, and innovations shaping today’s agriculture landscape.

The adventure was launched at the University of Kentucky, exploring the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. For many, it was the first glimpse of campus life and the career possibilities it offers.

At the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, teens went behind the scenes of one of the largest livestock events in the world—meeting professionals and animals alike while learning how global agriculture connects to their home communities.

Back on campus, students toured The Food Connection, rolled up their sleeves in the teaching kitchen, and prepared recipes with locally sourced ingredients—discovering how ag careers touch every forkful of food we eat.

Next, teens explored Agriculture Business, working alongside a local Farm Service Agent to develop ag-based business plans. They gained practical insight into entrepreneurship and the financial tools that help agricultural enterprises thrive.

Being from the Horse State, it was only fitting that the course featured an exploration of the equine industry. Behind-the-scenes at Keeneland, landscaping and goat yoga at The Kentucky Castle, and a heartfelt visit to KESMARC, the equine rehabilitation facility, offered students an up-close view of animal care and industry innovation—many called it the highlight of the program.

Capstone at Auburn University
To wrap it all up, the teens headed south to Auburn University for a capstone trip that pulled everything together. During the visit to one of our country's premiere agriculture research and education institutions participants had the opportunity to:

• Tour the largest fish hatchery in the USA, diving into aquatic research
• Explore the turf management program, including football stadium maintenance
• Observe beef research projects in action
• Visit rooftop gardens and the NCAA Equine Team facilities
• Participate in "Vet Fest", engaging with veterinary students about career paths in animal science

This course wasn’t just a series of trips, it was an eye-opening experience designed to spark passion, expand career awareness, and empower Kentucky youth to envision futures in agriculture that go far beyond the classroom.

One teen stated: “The Ag Career Discovery Program has given me further insight into several careers, particularly being a veterinarian. It has shown me many opportunities and encouraged me to pursue that career.”

Surveys reflect that 100% of the teens felt they were more informed about the educational requirements for potential agriculture careers, while 95% felt they were more informed about the next steps for pursuing agriculture careers and increased their knowledge on potential in agriculture.