Success StoryYouth Ag Expo: Grow It, Eat It, Wear It



Youth Ag Expo: Grow It, Eat It, Wear It

Author: Alexandria Bryant

Planning Unit: Breckinridge County CES

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Promoting commodities and agriculture awareness

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

According to the USDA, Kentucky has the 4th 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 or the environment in which they live. The Breckinridge County Extension Council partnered with community leaders and local schools to plan and implement the annual Breckinridge County Youth Agriculture Expo Day: Grow It, Eat It, Wear It. The Expo provided 10 hands-on learning stations for 252 local 6th 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 97% of youth had a better understanding of how food gets from the field to their plate. Looking toward the future, youth could provide examples of Agriculture related careers (90%), and 64% of local 6th graders are now considering a career related to Agriculture. Youth also recognized how advances in agriculture benefit the environment (94%). The Youth Ag Expo has enhanced the knowledge of local youth and left a memorable experience for 6th graders in Breckinridge County.






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