Success Story4-H Farm Days



4-H Farm Days

Author: Lisa Adams

Planning Unit: Madison County CES

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Increase Knowledge of Agriculture and Natural Resources through Education and Experience

Outcome: Initial Outcome

After meeting with many local farmers and teachers, it was determined there was a need for more youth education about agriculture, farming and food. The Cooperative Extension Service planned and implemented a field trip for the local third grade students called 4-H Farm Days. During the 2017-2018 school year, nine hundred and seven third graders participated in a day long field day. Students were bussed to the Madison County Fairgrounds where they participated in fourteen workshops led by Cooperative Extension Agents for 4-H Youth Development, SNAP and EFNEP Assistants, Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, Horticulture Agent and volunteers. Some of the workshops were: beef cattle, dairy cattle, chickens, goats, pumpkins, apples, bees, and container gardening. Each student had the opportunity to take a hay ride and participate in a farm relay. After the event, teachers were surveyed and 100% plan to return if the event is offered in the future. In follow-ups with their students, the teachers reported that 92% of the students had a better understanding of where their food comes from; 84% had a deeper appreciation for farmers after and 52% were planning to start some type of garden. The Cooperative Extension Service plans to continue to offer this program based on the positive evaluations.






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