Ag Discovery Day: Exploring Agriculture through Science.

Having a passion for an industry is hard to come by without previous exposure. A key challenge we face in the agricultural industry is finding engaging opportunities for youth to be exposed to the vast breadth of career paths available. To accomplish this, in partnership with the Champaign County 4-H, the agricultural exploration program, Ag Discovery, was developed. In this event, youth were able to explore agriculture through science! Ag Discovery was a one-day program for 4th and 5th graders that allowed youth to discover agriculture through hands-on activities. The activities covered all aspects of agriculture, including food science, agricultural engineering, animal science, crop science, and horticulture. The youth built and flew drones, learned animal anatomy, and discovered the complexity associated with food recipes and the ingredients involved. Ag Discovery attracted thirty-two students, as well as community members and collegiate students focused on careers in agriculture. This event created an opportunity for all to connect through a passion for providing food, fiber, and fuel for our growing world. Feedback suggested this event was well perceived by the community, the youth and the parents. Because of its success, there are plans to replicate this event in the future.