Careers in agriculture are often considered careers where minimal education is required to take care of animals, crops and/or the land. However, in rural communities, the importance of educating youth in agriculture is great. Farming and careers in agriculture have evolved into very prestigious and technological occupations that require countless hours, enormous expenses, and great risks.. In an effort to address the 4-H core curriculum area of agriculture and business: 4-H partnered with Todd County schools, the youth services center and local partners to educate middle school students about agriculture, ag technology, and business applications through an ag awareness day for 6th graders.  This day provided needed education in agriculture, ag technology and business.  Only 13% of the current 6th grade students live on a farm, so 87% have never been exposed to farm life. 

Local ag businesses, foresters, farmers, Extension agents and the NRCS provided educational stations that the students rotated through. Students developed realizations about important agricultural and natural resource information including: forestry, egg production, foods that come from agriculture, the horse industry in Kentucky, Kentucky soils and various grain crops in Kentucky.  

Evaluations were collected from 142 students and revealed the following:
62% learned the importance of trees in Kentucky

65% learned interesting facts about egg production in Todd County

45% learned about foods that come from agriculture

64% learned how to feed and properly groom horses

92% learned about the various KY soils

56% understood grain crops in KY

99% said they appreciated agriculture and our natural resources and they planned to do what they could do recycle and conserve the environment.