By Blake Jackson
The Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability hosted a successful Field Day Week, attracting over 1,200 participants from the local community. The event was part of Mountain Ag Week and included activities like Win with Wood, Youth Science Day, and Pumpkin Day.
Win with Wood, a forestry competition for youth, celebrated its 21st anniversary. Approximately 120 youth competed in events like wood identification, invasive plant identification, and wildlife identification.
The winner received a $500 scholarship to attend the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment.
Youth Science Day engaged 250 grade schoolers in hands-on science activities facilitated by extension agents. Pumpkin Day provided families with opportunities to play in the pumpkin patch and take home pumpkins.
Field Day visitors learned about Kentucky's forests and took home handcrafted cutting boards made from local hardwood. The event featured farm tours, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on workshops led by Robinson Center staff and experts.
Melissa Bond, a community arts extension program leader, facilitated a mural painting activity during Field Day. “We believe in creating vibrant communities through art extension efforts,” Bond said. “During Field Day, people contributing to painting the mural helps celebrate our rich history and local culture. We are proud to see so many make their mark on the mural.”
“Field Day is about bringing everyone together and being a good neighbor,” Robinson Center extension program coordinator Rob Hounshell said. “We do a lot of research for our local farmers, statewide and beyond, with hemp, corn, soybean, hay, livestock and more. They get to see our farm, see what we do every day and get some tips on how to do things better. For the youth, it’s an opportunity to get excited early about agriculture.”
Jeff Lehmkuhler, an extension beef cattle specialist, showcased the updated livestock facility barn, which was damaged in the 2022 floods. Lehmkuhler demonstrated the barn's new technology, including a programmable feeder, and discussed its importance for beef extension efforts in Kentucky.
“We are educating people on what hemp is and its potential for Kentucky agriculture in the future,” Bob Pearce, an extension tobacco specialist and hemp program director said. “The Robinson Center gives us an environment to study potential new crops, like hemp, in real world environments. We are inviting our community to come and see what we do. That’s the value of Field Days.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Kentucky, Business