The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrated National Ag Day, which highlights agriculture’s crucial role in everyday life, and honors the farmers, foresters, scientists, producers and many others who contribute to America’s harvest.
As part of the effort, the USDA launched a new Youth and Agriculture website, USDA.gov/youth, to connect young people and youth-serving organizations with department-wide resources that engage, empower and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Connecting with America’s youth “is a tremendous opportunity to show that careers in farming, the agricultural sciences, and veterinary medicine are rewarding, essential and profitable,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky, in a release.
The USDA Youth and Agriculture website features three key components of agriculture-focused youth engagement: classroom studies, experiential learning and leadership training.
Educators can find ways to include agriculture in the classroom and beyond.
Young people can learn about USDA summer outreach programs, youth loans for business projects, and outdoor volunteering.
Community leaders can get tips on starting leadership development clubs and education programs.
The site also highlights USDA partners, such as 4-H, the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America), Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), Agriculture Future of America (AFA), and many others working with the USDA to connect young people with opportunities in agriculture.
For those interested in careers, the website provides information on internships and scholarships; USDA employment; and, information on agriculture career fields, such as forestry, robotics engineering, biochemistry, and food sciences.
Follow the conversation on USDA, youth in agriculture, and National Ag Day online at USDA.gov/youth, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Published May 08, 2019
