Source: Ashley Osborne, extension specialist for 4-H youth development 

Communities across Kentucky and the nation are gearing up to honor the work of the country’s farmers and farming families on National Ag Day, to be held this year on March 19. The event, part of a weeklong celebration from March 17–23, encourages all Americans to recognize and support agriculture’s vital role in providing the food, fiber, and fuel we rely on daily. It’s a great opportunity for 4-Hers to learn more about the ag industry and show their pride and appreciation for Kentucky’s hard-working agricultural community. The official theme for this year’s celebration is “Agriculture: Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.” 

If you are looking for ways to celebrate National Ag Week with the young people in your life, it is easy for everyone to participate. Your county 4-H agent can connect you with agriculture-related learning activities and resources you can use to educate others about farming and farmers in your community. 

Here are seven additional ideas to help young people spread the word and share in the celebration: 

Take a virtual field trip 

Bring the farm and farmers to you through the “Kentucky Farms Feed Me” virtual field trip series (www.teachkyag.org/kyfarmsfeedme), developed by Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom, Inc. 

Work with your family to spread the word on social media 

With adult guidance, 4-Hers can remind their family and friends online of agriculture's impact on their lives. Your county extension office’s social media pages are an excellent place to start in finding posts you want to share.   

Learn more about what’s growing in your county 

Check out the Kentucky Food and Farm website (www.kyfoodandfarm.info) to learn more about what is grown in our state. The site includes detailed data profiles on the farms and agricultural products in your home county. 

Prepare a farm-to-table feast 

Serve your family a meal that highlights the quality and abundance of locally grown and raised agriculture products in Kentucky. 

Share what you know through youth group discussions 

Talk with your peers about what agriculture means to you and how it affects your community at your next 4-H club meeting.

Explore agricultural career opportunities 

Today, careers in agriculture include a diverse array of jobs in food production, agricultural engineering, environmental science, animal nutrition, and more. Learning about these career possibilities is a great way to support the industry's future. 

Thank a farmer 

Reach out to the farmers you know in your community or introduce yourself at a local farmers market and express your gratitude for their work.  

For more information on National Ag Day, contact your (COUNTY NAME) Extension office.         

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.      

The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment news and communications team provides monthly Extension Exclusives in the categories of Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences. To see more exclusives, visit https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu.    

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