Expanding Agriculture: A Workforce Seminar
Extension Education
Alyssa Schortinghouse
Ag and Natural Resources
University of Florida
Lecanto
Abstract
Early in 2023, local farmers and ranchers expressed their desire to open opportunities for youth to explore, experience, and network with professionals in various agricultural careers. The idea of developing a program that would bring together representation from industry, education, and research to introduce various careers in agriculture in a hands-on and career-oriented outlook led to the development of Expanding Agriculture: Workforce Seminar. The objectives included: Introduce participants to diverse career opportunities in agriculture and outline various pathways to enter the field; promote youth engagement with innovative technical applications, such as drone technology, that enhance agricultural careers and provide hands-on experience with emerging tools in the field; Facilitate networking opportunities for youth to engage with local agriculturalists and professionals in related career fields. This program involved 13 speakers that hosted concurrent sessions, 5 panelists who provided insight through their discussion focusing on the future of agriculture, and the President of Florida Farm Bureau to engage and inspire the participants. Concurrent sessions introduced researchers and their groundbreaking research, professionals offering hands on experiences such as operating drones and their use in agriculture, college and university programs that offer training and future education, and even consultants working with farmers and ranchers firsthand, and a variety industry professionals. Throughout the one-day event, 16 volunteers contributed a total of 38.25 hours, serving as speakers for concurrent sessions and as vendors showcasing various career opportunities. Community partners generously donated $1,950 to cover event-related expenses, such as venue rental and other costs, as well as $2,206 worth of program materials, with 16 volunteers donating 38.25 hours. Notably, the Citrus County School Board has initiated plans to transport all middle and high school students to participate in the 2025 event directly due to the School District Superintendent attending the 2024 event. The impact of this program was captured through several measures including surveys, valuations of donated items based on market value, and testimonials. These evaluation methods have aided our understanding of the program efficacy and how to make the program more effective moving forward.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Alyssa Schortinghouse, Alyssa Schortinghouse, Marnie Ward, Toni Noaker
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Schortinghouse, A. Ag and Natural Resources, NACAA, Florida, 34461
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Schortinghouse, A. Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, NACAA/FACAA, Florida, 34461
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Ward, M. 4-H Youth Development Agent, FAE4-HA/NACAA, Florida, 34461
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Noaker, T. 4-H Program Assistant, FAE4-HA, Florida, 34461