2025 Impact Highlight
Adams County, Front Range Region
Connecting youth to Colorado’s agriculture and food systems
Educating youth about agriculture is essential to ensure future food security and sustainability by fostering an understanding of where food comes from and how it is produced. It also helps cultivate interest in agricultural careers, innovation, and environmental stewardship among the next generation.
Ag Day has been a historical event at the Adams County Fairgrounds, but has not taken place for the past 10 years. In the spring of 2025, the event was officially revived with the goal of sparking curiosity and deepening understanding of agriculture among youth.
Over 20 community partners contributed to the event, offering hands-on, experiential activities that made agriculture come alive. Youth stepped into roles such as irrigation managers through virtual excavation, crafted butterflies to explore pollination, journeyed through storm drains to learn about runoff, and hand-spun wool to discover the origins of clothing. From interacting with livestock to exploring agricultural careers, students were fully immersed in the agricultural world.
Feedback from participants and partners confirmed that the program successfully met its goal of reconnecting youth with the land, food systems, and future opportunities in agriculture. Through an embedded summative assessment during Ag Day, students answered the question, “What do farmers need, what does farming mean to you, what is farming?” through a group drawing.
The final painting was analyzed to identify themes, patterns, and meanings expressed by the group. It was found that students demonstrated a broad and meaningful understanding of farming concepts across multiple domains:
- Seventeen animals, specifically livestock, were drawn which indicates a strong grasp of animal agriculture and reflects exposure to varied farm animals beyond just cows and chickens (possibly including goats, pigs, ducks, etc.).
- Eighteen different pollinators and decomposers were identified in the painting which suggests a solid introduction to ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity within the agricultural setting.
- Over thirteen plants were drawn, suggesting students can identify a variety of crops, possibly including fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Students drew a variety of hearts, smiley faces, and positive works suggesting that students not only understand what farming is but feel positively connected to it.
- A variety of natural elements were drawn which indicates a deep appreciation or understanding that farming relies on natural resources like sun, water, soil, and weather.
Students are engaging with farming at both conceptual and emotional levels, displaying a wide range of knowledge and personal connection to the subject.
Educating youth about agriculture benefits the greater public by fostering a generation that understands the importance of sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, and responsible resource management.
As these young individuals grow, they are more likely to make informed choices as consumers, support local agriculture, and pursue careers that address global food and climate challenges. Programs like Ag Day also strengthen community ties by involving local partners, promoting awareness, and encouraging collaboration between agriculture and education sectors.