Meeting Community Needs By Expanding Agriculture: Workforce.
Extension Education
Marnie Ward
Dr.
University of Florida
Lecanto
Abstract
Need/Goal: Nationwide agricultural productivity continues to rise, with over $500 Billion in value reported in the recent Census of Agriculture. Our county is experiencing a negative population growth of agriculturalists as highlighted by 43% of agricultural producers being sixty-five or older and only 6% of producers being thirty-five younger. As the community continues to grow, the future of agricultural careers is evolving; for economists and business developers working behind a computer or databank, the geneticists and microbiologists in laboratories and research institutions, and the hands-on ranch managers and agronomists working in the fields, and even careers that have yet to be created. The Expanding Agriculture: Workforce Seminar was developed with input from local farmers, ranchers, and producers to better prepare the next generation of agriculturalists. Methods: A one-day hands-on career seminar featuring concurrent sessions taught by industry professionals, keynote speakers, and a round table session. The topics included drone demonstrations, safety tests, plant breeding, irrigation technology, pathways to agricultural careers, aquaculture, agricultural law, and equine therapy. Students also participated in round-table discussions with agricultural professionals. Results/Impact: One hundred-ten students and fifteen teachers and school administrators participated in fifteen concurrent sessions. Sixty-four volunteers donated 208 hours, valued at $6,240.00. Community stakeholders and agricultural groups contributed $3,830 in sponsorship and in-kind donations. Students completed a post-event survey (70/110; 64% completion) to gather their feedback on the program. 68% of students said they were introduced to a career they had not considered, and 25% of those students indicated they would explore a career in agriculture. Conclusion: This program provided a structure for addressing agricultural career opportunities and reinforced workforce readiness skills, while facilitating student and professional networking opportunities.
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: Marnie Ward, Toni Noaker, Alyssa Schortinghouse
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Ward, M. Dr., UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County, Florida, 34461
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Noaker, T. Program Assistant, UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County, Florida, 34461
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Schortinghouse, A. Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County, Florida, 34461