2026 Impact Highlight
Pueblo County, Southern Region
Annual AgFest event promotes agricultural literacy, experiential learning among youth
Many students in Pueblo County and Fremont County have limited exposure to agricultural practices and lack understanding of how food systems and natural resources affect daily life. Public-school curricula often do not cover these subjects in-depth, creating a gap in essential agricultural knowledge.
CSU Extension Pueblo organized AgFest, an annual hands-on educational program that delivers experiential learning through eight stations focused on beef, soils, dairy, fibers, embryology, wind, and pollination.
Each station provided 20 minutes of interactive instruction. Students rotated through all eight stations during the event, and pre- and post-tests were administered to assess changes in knowledge.
Results
In 2026, the South Central AgFest educated 419 fifth-grade students from ten schools across two counties. Pre- and post-test scores increased from 28% to 76% correct, reflecting a 48% gain in agricultural knowledge.
Individual schools reported gains ranging from 38% to 58%. These findings show that the program effectively increases understanding of agriculture among participating students.
The South Central AgFest builds agricultural literacy and fosters curiosity about agriculture among youth. By connecting students to real-world concepts related to food systems and natural resources, Colorado State University Extension supports future engagement in agricultural careers and increases community awareness of agriculture’s role in sustaining daily life. This contributes to a more informed generation prepared to support Colorado’s agricultural economy, long-term food security and energy conservation.