By Blake Jackson
Kentucky State University will hold its fourth annual Ag Roundup September 24-26, 2026, bringing students, educators, agricultural professionals, businesses and community organizations together for a three-day celebration of agriculture, health, natural resources and STEM education.
About 37 schools are expected to participate, with high school students comprising most of the visiting groups. The event will also welcome college students, farmers, faculty members and community partners from throughout Kentucky.
Organizers designed the gathering to introduce young people to educational and career opportunities while demonstrating how Kentucky State’s teaching, research and service programs benefit communities across the Commonwealth.
The previous Ag Roundup drew almost 4,000 attendees, including more than 1,000 middle and high school students. More than 50 interactive stations gave visitors opportunities to explore university programs, research projects, and community-focused initiatives.
“Through the Ag Roundup, we are raising awareness of our impact in agriculture and in STEM fields across the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Dr. Marcus K. Bernard, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and director of Land Grant Programs.
Thursday’s activities will include a Dean’s Council beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an invitation-only Scholars’ Reception at 6 p.m. The reception will bring together 1890 Scholars, MANRRS students, campus leaders, sponsors and university partners.
Friday’s main activities will begin with school arrivals and registration from 9 to 10 a.m. The Ag Roundup Symposium will follow from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Bradford Hall, Little Bradford and the Ballroom.
Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine, will serve as the symposium’s keynote speaker. Ritz is known internationally for combining urban agriculture and hands-on education to engage students, improve learning outcomes, promote healthier lifestyles, and introduce career possibilities.
Ritz educational model, developed in New York’s South Bronx, has since reached schools internationally. He is also the author of The Power of a Plant: A Teacher’s Odyssey to Grow Healthy Minds and Schools.
Ag Fest will begin at 10 a.m. along the Yellow Brick Road and continue until 3 p.m., with a cookout scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Visitors can participate in 4-H Ville activities involving robotics, drones, aquaculture, gardening, nutrition, entomology, health, art and other subjects.
Additional exhibits will highlight areas including soil health, pollinators, geospatial technology, animal science, urban agriculture, fermentation, nursing and disaster recovery. A petting zoo, horse and rodeo displays, vendors and food booths will add to the event.
The Roundup will also provide students with leadership, mentoring and networking opportunities, while student research posters will be displayed at the Rufus Ballard Atwood Research Center.
For more information, visit https://www.kysu.edu/academics/college-ahnr/events/ag-roundup/index.php.
Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university
Categories: Kentucky, Education, General