Kentucky has much to offer in the way of agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), 12.8 million acres (50%) is farmland. Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top agricultural enterprises (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include poultry, horses, cattle, and soybeans and corn. Each year in Kentucky, agriculture contributes roughly $45.6 billion to our economy. 

The Kentucky 4-H Agricultural Science Program engages 4-H members in a variety of hands-on activities and experiences that cultivate an increased understanding and appreciation for agriculture. Projects and activities are offered in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.  For FY2019 (July 2018 – June 2019):

• 3,178 youth reported demonstrating a skill that was learned and/or improved by participating in a 4-H agriculture and natural resources project, program, event or activity.
• 650 youth reported that they can keep production, performance or financial records on their 4-H agriculture projects.
• 6,234 youth reported that they understand the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.
• 3,213 youth reported that they are more aware of local farmer’s markets and community gardens. 

A wide variety of county- and state-level 4-H agricultural programs are offered across the Commonwealth, including but not limited to livestock, horse, small animal, and gardening clubs, country ham projects, agriculture field days, embryology in the classroom projects, and garden school enrichment programs. 

Listed are examples of county- and state-level 4-H agriculture programs and events:

• The Johnson County Extension Council hosted Seeds, Sprouts, and Seedlings, a three-part workshop series for youth. Youth participated in hands-on activities to learn about garden science and food production.  
• The Kentucky 4-H Livestock and Horse Volunteer Certification Program was developed to ensure that youth enrolled in livestock and horse projects have a sound, well-rounded educational experience. Each county that offers a 4-H livestock or horse project or activity must have a minimum of one certified volunteer leader. A volunteer leader must attend a one-day workshop to become certified, and obtain two hours of continuing education each year to maintain certification. Currently there are 536 certified horse and livestock volunteers across Kentucky.
• Each year 4-H members from across the Commonwealth gather on the University of Kentucky campus to participate in Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference. At Teen Conference, 4-H’ers have the opportunity to gain six hours of instruction in a core content area of their choice led by an expert in the field. At the 2019 Teen Conference, 85 teens participated in an agriculture core content area. Offerings included poultry production, dairy science, local food systems, meat science, livestock market animals, and equine science. Sessions were led by representatives from the University of Kentucky, Lexington Fayette Urban County Government, and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. 

Sources:

Kentucky Food and Farms Files. n.d. Kentucky Quick Ag Facts. Available online at https://www.kyfoodandfarm.com/ky-ag-facts/.