SPOTLIGHTING AGRICULTURAL AWARENESS TO A GEOGRAPHICALLY DIVERSE YOUTH AUDIENCE
Extension Education
Ray Bodrey
Agent III-(CED)
UF/IFAS Extension Gulf County
Port St. Joe
Abstract
The 4-H Youth Agriculture Awareness Day aimed to educate youth about the importance of agriculture and the natural environment in Gulf County while inspiring interest in agricultural careers and sustainable farming practices. Gulf County presents unique outreach challenges because it is a rural, coastal county with distinct agricultural regions. The southern portion of the county relies heavily on fisheries, while the northern upland areas support cattle operations, timber production, and beekeeping. This annual event connects youth with agricultural professionals from across the county, allowing participants to learn about farming and food production practices from both coastal and upland systems. The program emphasizes environmental stewardship and helps youth understand how agriculture supports both local communities and global food systems. Ultimately, the event seeks to strengthen youth appreciation for agriculture, highlight where food comes from and encourage career exploration in agricultural industries while supporting workforce readiness. The “4-H Youth Ag Day in Gulf County” was designed as a one-day interactive educational program held in a school garden setting. Learning stations highlighted agricultural topics relevant to the county’s industries. Farmers, agricultural professionals, and Extension Agents delivered demonstrations on crops such as corn, peanuts, and sugarcane, as well as livestock management, forestry, beekeeping, and fisheries including shrimp and oyster production. Modern agricultural technologies and sustainable practices were also showcased, including greenhouse management and hydroponic systems. Hands-on learning was central to the program. Youth observed a sugarcane grinding and syrup-making demonstration and participated in a woodland bingo activity where they identified native plants and animals along a short trail while learning about the importance of prescribed fire in land conservation. Results: From 2023-25, 845 youth from both county school systems, ranging from 3rd through 12th grade, participated in the event. Observations from Extension Agents indicated that the interactive activities increased youth interest in agriculture and fostered more positive attitudes toward food production and environmental stewardship. A 4-H Youth Agriculture Awareness Day can effectively highlight local agricultural industries and reinforce the importance of the industry. Through interactive learning, the event encourages youth to appreciate farmers, understand sustainable practices and explore potential careers in agriculture.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Ray Bodrey, Shelby Howell
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Bodrey, R. Agent III-(CED), UF/IFAS Extension Gulf County, Florida, 32456
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Howell, S. 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS Extension Gulf County, Florida, 32456