2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Manatee County has over 313,000 acres of production agriculture and ranks 7th in Florida in agricultural sales. However, an aging workforce threatens the future viability of these enterprises. Therefore, it is vital to inspire our youth to consider careers in agriculture. An annual youth field day was held to help inspire youth interested in agriculture. The objectives of the field day were to provide the opportunities for youth to experience science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs while exposing them to different facets of agriculture. The methods used for the field day included tours of plant nurseries/farms/research centers, presentations, hands-on activities, and educational games. Seventy-two youth of diverse backgrounds participated. A survey was used to evaluate the day and a six month follow-up was utilized to measure behavior change. There was a 39% increase in knowledge about agricultural science, a 36% increase in knowledge pertaining to commercial agriculture, and a 28% increase in an interest in pursuing a career in agriculture. Eighty-eight percent felt that buying food locally was a good idea and had convinced their parents to do so. Sixty percent realized that many insects are beneficial and now try to preserve them in their homes and gardens. This annual program has been a success preparing today’s youth towards becoming an integral member of agriculture in Manatee County and elsewhere.