Agriculture education and literacy efforts are vital to growing our future consumers, businesses, and workforce. There are many organizations in Kentucky dedicated to these efforts.

Youth Agriculture Organizations

There are 4-H and FFA Programs in most every Kentucky county. Farmer organizations are beginning to add youth programs.

Agricultural Literacy Programs

These are just a handful of the state-wide programs available.

Post-Secondary Education

Many of Kentucky’s universities, colleges, and trade schools offer agriculture-related programs. Find specialized schools and programs, such as Equine or Mechanics, on our AgWorks site.

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Nancy Cox to Retire from UK, Serving More Than 20 Years as Agriculture Leader
Nancy Cox to Retire from UK, Serving More Than 20 Years as Agriculture Leader

Nancy Cox, dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) and UK's first-ever vice president for Land-grant Engagement, plans to retire in late summer.

Blackacre Provides Hands-On Farm Experience to Louisville Community
Blackacre Provides Hands-On Farm Experience to Louisville Community

Dennis Craig, the Executive Director of Blackacre State Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead, leads a unique 280-acre conservancy on the southeast side of Jefferson County. As Kentucky’s first nature preserve, it offers a distinctive urban farming experience through its garden plot program and a variety of engaging events.

Kentucky 4-H to Celebrate 100 Years at Teen Conference
Kentucky 4-H to Celebrate 100 Years at Teen Conference

The 2024 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference will celebrate 100 years — bringing together high school youth from across the Commonwealth and building strong future leaders on June 11-14.

Commissioner Shell, Kentucky Cattle Producers Celebrate May as Beef Month
Commissioner Shell, Kentucky Cattle Producers Celebrate May as Beef Month

Kentucky cattle producers and industry representatives joined Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell Monday as he signed a proclamation commemorating the month of May as Kentucky Beef Month.

Commissioner Shell proclaims April as Goat Month in Kentucky
Commissioner Shell proclaims April as Goat Month in Kentucky

Goat producers and industry stakeholders join Commissioner at proclamation signing.

Partnership between Murray State University and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to boost economic development in agriculture
Partnership between Murray State University and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to boost economic development in agriculture

Murray State University and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture have announced a formal partnership in advancing economic development in the agricultural industry.

Kentucky Agriculture-Related Scholarships
Kentucky Agriculture-Related Scholarships

The complete list of agriculture and related scholarships for Kentucky students. Provided by the Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom.

Murray State to examine development of School of Veterinary Medicine
Murray State to examine development of School of Veterinary Medicine

The Murray State University Board of Regents adopted a resolution of support at its Friday, Aug. 25 meeting to create a task force and begin a feasibility study to examine the statewide shortage of veterinarians and work toward the development of a School of Veterinary Medicine at Murray State University.

Nurturing Future Stewards: Agriculture Youth Organizations
Nurturing Future Stewards: Agriculture Youth Organizations

Explore the essential role of agriculture youth organizations. This blog delves into how these groups shape future agricultural leaders, fostering leadership, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Discover how investing in these organizations contributes to securing the future of sustainable agriculture.

The Imperative of Agricultural Career Education in Kentucky Schools
The Imperative of Agricultural Career Education in Kentucky Schools

Discover the crucial role of agricultural career education in Kentucky schools. This blog emphasizes how these programs prepare students for an evolving industry, promote sustainability, ensure food security, and support Kentucky's economy. The importance of nurturing our next generation of agriculturists is underscored for the preservation of our rich agricultural tradition.

Riding into Wellness: Becoming an Equine Therapist in Kentucky
Riding into Wellness: Becoming an Equine Therapist in Kentucky

Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a therapeutic approach that uses horses as a tool for emotional growth and learning. Therapists may work with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, and more. The interaction with horses is designed to help clients build skills such as responsibility, self-confidence, communication, and problem-solving.

Soil Science: The Foundation of Sustainable Agriculture and Careers
Soil Science: The Foundation of Sustainable Agriculture and Careers

In agriculture, soil science is invaluable. It informs farmers about the composition of their soils, helping them understand what crops will thrive and what amendments might be needed for optimal plant health. It also aids in diagnosing and resolving soil health problems that can adversely affect crop production, such as nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, or issues with soil structure.

Grant County Agriculture Students Talk Turkey, Literally
Grant County Agriculture Students Talk Turkey, Literally

While there are differing stories about how turkey became a traditional food for the Thanksgiving holiday, students in Grant County High School’s agricultural program have made an annual turkey sale a tradition of their own at the school and in the community.