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On the Farm: Training 4-H Youth in Pest Management and Agribusiness Careers

Extension Education

Brian Hayes
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Camilla

Abstract

Background/Situation: One of the largest industries in the southeastern United States is agriculture, with the average farmer being 57.5 years old. It’s imperative to educate youth on this sector and increase community engagement. Pest identification and farm management are important concepts necessary for agribusinesses. We expanded their agricultural career knowledge and increased their chance of pursing a position in agriculture long term. This annual three-day program focused on 7-12th grade youth from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Objectives/Purpose: Educate youth on farm systems and crop management practices. They acquired integrated pest management and best management practice skills. Extension educates and connects youth with opportunities, this program trained them in necessary skills to acclimate to the work force following school. Methods/Evaluation: County extension agents transported youth to businesses in Jackson County, Florida, Houston County, Alabama, and Seminole, Grady, and Mitchell counties in Georgia. The group toured fields and facilities with farm owners and managers. Evaluation was done annually using pre/post tests. The goal was to increase knowledge on insect, weed, and disease identification, as well as common farm tools and equipment. Results: Over five years, we educated 103 youth on local agribusinesses and careers in their communities. Participants toured farms, businesses, and university research stations in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Sixty-five of the 103 answered pre/post surveys and results can be applied to our entire study population. On the individual level, 100% of youth reported learning something new pertaining to crop systems and management. Baseline group knowledge levels averaged 44%, ending levels averaged 75%, demonstrating a 45% knowledge increase across years as result of this program. Conclusion: Youth were excited to gain real world experience from local agribusiness leaders. Several have even functioned as crop scouts after school to earn money. Extension teaches and trains future leaders, even if not all these youth remain in agriculture, they may one day be in a position to advocate for it. Background/Situation: One of the largest industries in the southeastern United States is agriculture, with the average farmer being 57.5 years old. It’s imperative to educate youth on this sector and increase community engagement. Pest identification and farm management are important concepts necessary for agribusinesses. We expanded their agricultural career knowledge and increased their chance of pursing a position in agriculture long term. This annual three-day program focused on 7-12th grade youth from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Objectives/Purpose: Educate youth on farm systems and crop management practices. They acquired integrated pest management and best management practice skills. Extension educates and connects youth with opportunities, this program trained them in necessary skills to acclimate to the work force following school. Methods/Evaluation: County extension agents transported youth to businesses in Jackson County, Florida, Houston County, Alabama, and Seminole, Grady, and Mitchell counties in Georgia. The group toured fields and facilities with farm owners and managers. Evaluation was done annually using pre/post tests. The goal was to increase knowledge on insect, weed, and disease identification, as well as common farm tools and equipment. Results: Over five years, we educated 103 youth on local agribusinesses and careers in their communities. Participants toured farms, businesses, and university research stations in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Sixty-five of the 103 answered pre/post surveys and results can be applied to our entire study population. On the individual level, 100% of youth reported learning something new pertaining to crop systems and management. Baseline group knowledge levels averaged 44%, ending levels averaged 75%, demonstrating a 45% knowledge increase across years as result of this program. Conclusion: Youth were excited to gain real world experience from local agribusiness leaders. Several have even functioned as crop scouts after school to earn money. Extension teaches and trains future leaders, even if not all these youth remain in agriculture, they may one day be in a position to advocate for it. Background/Situation: One of the largest industries in the southeastern United States is agriculture, with the average farmer being 57.5 years old. It’s imperative to educate youth on this sector and increase community engagement. Pest identification and farm management are important concepts necessary for agribusinesses. We expanded their agricultural career knowledge and increased their chance of pursing a position in agriculture long term. This annual three-day program focused on 7-12th grade youth from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Objectives/Purpose: Educate youth on farm systems and crop management practices. They acquired integrated pest management and best management practice skills. Extension educates and connects youth with opportunities, this program trained them in necessary skills to acclimate to the work force following school. Methods/Evaluation: County extension agents transported youth to businesses in Jackson County, Florida, Houston County, Alabama, and Seminole, Grady, and Mitchell counties in Georgia. The group toured fields and facilities with farm owners and managers. Evaluation was done annually using pre/post tests. The goal was to increase knowledge on insect, weed, and disease identification, as well as common farm tools and equipment. Results: Over five years, we educated 103 youth on local agribusinesses and careers in their communities. Participants toured farms, businesses, and university research stations in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Sixty-five of the 103 answered pre/post surveys and results can be applied to our entire study population. On the individual level, 100% of youth reported learning something new pertaining to crop systems and management. Baseline group knowledge levels averaged 44%, ending levels averaged 75%, demonstrating a 45% knowledge increase across years as result of this program. Conclusion: Youth were excited to gain real world experience from local agribusiness leaders. Several have even functioned as crop scouts after school to earn money. Extension teaches and trains future leaders, even if not all these youth remain in agriculture, they may one day be in a position to advocate for it.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Brian Hayes, Ethan Carter, Cindy Meadows, Cale Cloud, Andrew Warner, Sedrick Mack, Cody Bowling, Reid Miller
  1. Hayes, B. County Extension Coordinator, UGA, Georgia, 31730
  2. Carter, E. Regional Crop IPM Agent, University of Florida/IFAS Extension, Florida, 32448
  3. Meadows, C. County Extension Agent 4-H, UGA Extension, Georgia, 39845
  4. Cloud, C. ANR Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 39828
  5. Warner, A. Agricultural Instructor, Piedmont Technical College- Saluda Campus, South Carolina, 29138
  6. Mack, S. Regional Extension Agent – Agronomic Crops, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36345
  7. Bowling, C. ANR Agent, UGA Extension, Georgia, 30736
  8. Miller, R. Livestock and Forages Agent, Clemson Extension, South Carolina, 29646