Growing Agricultural Literacy: A Seasonal Approach to Youth Extension Education
4-H and Youth Programming
Emily Beach
Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
University of Florida
Mayo
Abstract
Youth agricultural literacy is increasingly important as fewer students have direct connections to production agriculture. Extension and 4-H programs provide a unique opportunity to introduce young audiences to agricultural commodities through experiential learning that connects food, fiber, and natural resources to everyday life. The objectives of this program were to increase youth knowledge of agricultural commodities, improve understanding of seasonal agricultural production, and engage youth in hands-on activities that reinforce agricultural literacy concepts. UF/IFAS Extension agriculture and 4-H agents collaborated to develop an “Agriculture Through the Seasons” program delivered through monthly 4-H club meetings and youth day camps. Each month highlighted one or two agricultural commodities aligned with seasonal relevance and included interactive lessons, crafts, food-based activities, and demonstrations. Monthly topics included peanuts, cotton, pumpkins, corn, cornucopias, evergreens, winter wildlife feeding, tomatoes, strawberries, livestock, garden vegetables, and the dairy industry. The program was implemented in two counties, reaching an average of 42 participants per monthly meeting in one county and 27 youth participants per quarterly day camp in the partnering county, totaling 69 participants. Educational content focused on how commodities are produced, their uses, and their role in agriculture and daily life. Participant evaluations were used to assess changes in knowledge and agricultural awareness. Evaluation results indicated that 100% of participants increased their knowledge of agricultural commodities, while 90% demonstrated improved understanding of how agricultural products are produced throughout the year. Additionally, 97% of participants reported increased interest in agriculture-related topics, and 100% were able to correctly identify the agricultural source of common food or fiber products following program participation. This seasonal, hands-on approach effectively increased youth engagement and agricultural literacy by aligning educational content with the agricultural calendar. The program provides a replicable model for integrating agriculture education into youth programming and highlights the value of collaboration between agriculture and 4-H Extension agents to deliver impactful agricultural literacy education.
Authors: Emily Beach, Michael S. Jackson, Meagan Daniel
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Emily Beach Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida, 32066
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Michael S. Jackson 4-H Agent, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida, 32066
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Meagan Daniel 4-H Agent, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida, 32054