According to the USDA, Kentucky has the 4^th largest number of farms in the United States with 55% of land designated for agriculture. However, as the global population grows, and demands for agricultural products grow, the need for individuals with agricultural knowledge or careers related to agriculture will continue to grow. In Breckinridge County, few classrooms incorporate agriculture into their curriculum each year and many students have very little understanding of how agriculture impacts their daily lives.

            The Breckinridge County Extension Council partnered with community leaders and local schools to plan and implement the first annual Breckinridge County Youth Agriculture Expo Day: Grow It, Eat It, Wear It. The goals of this event were 1) to increase agricultural knowledge and develop a greater appreciation for agriculture, 2) increase awareness of environmental education and natural resources management, 3) increase the awareness of one’s presence in a global world, and 4) promote careers in the agricultural industry. 

            The Expo provided 10 hands-on learning stations for 252 local 6^th graders to explore the various aspects of agriculture relating to animal sciences, crops, production, land management, soil conservation, and agriculture careers. After participating in the Expo, comments from school staff indicated that the event was very informative and much needed. Teachers even requested the Expo become an annual event because local youth gained a greater appreciation of agriculture and enhanced their knowledge of agriculture in the world they live. This was supported by survey results showing that 94% of youth had a better understanding of how food gets from the field to their plate. 

            The survey also indicated that specific knowledge of animal science, crops, and production were enhanced. For instance, participants’ knowledge or understanding increased in honey production (93%), uses of corn (93%), importance of poultry and egg production (86%), pork production (82%), and uses of soybeans (84%). These are all agricultural products produced and used in Kentucky and throughout the United States.    

            Results also showed greater awareness of land management and soil conservation among youth. For example, greater than 90% of youth recognized how agricultural land impacts wildlife and how advances in Agriculture could benefit the environment. 

           Looking toward the future, not only could youth recognize the generation of jobs in agricultural industries, such as equine (84%), and provide examples of Agriculture related careers (94%), but 70% of local 6^th graders are now considering a career related to Agriculture. Youth also recognized leadership opportunities in agriculture (90%), as well as the importance of future research in agriculture (86%). 

            The Youth Ag Expo has enhanced the knowledge of local youth and left a memorable experience for 6^th graders in Breckinridge County.