The Importance of Future Agriculturalists

I was born on a family farm in a small community named Stanley, Kentucky.  It has been a blessing from God.  For, I believe that family farming is much more than just acres of pliable soil; it is a tradition.  To me, a family farm is like an age-old tree. Alive for many centuries, a tree will bear many fruits and it will pass those fruits on until some grow and become another tree. It is the same with family farming. Family farming continues throughout the generations and is passed on to new ones. Just as the tree holds all of the generations of the family in its roots in the land after the death in the family, the family name too will live on forever in the soil of its crops. 

It has become a recent concern of many agriculturalists all across the nation that the future of family farming is in a troubled state. It has always been a rising concern. This metaphor is a good reason why I believe family-farming operations are an essential part of the tomorrow of agriculture.  I am aware of the average age of the current U.S. farmer, which is 55, and do know that this number is not good for the future of agriculture, but I also realize that there are many strong farming operations out there today, with my family’s being one of them.

 I look around my own community and see family farming operations of 5000 acres or more and watch them continue to grow each year.  Farmers do not only drive a tractor to plant and harvest a bountiful crop to feed millions in the world. They also farm because it is a love they have, and that love is spread throughout future generations of the family.  In the 1800’s, children were expected to carry on the family farm in hopes to be as successful as their parents, and I believe this practice still happens in this day and age.  As it is quite evident, traditions and practices are different than those of the 1800’s.  College is a common course of action today and therefore many more careers are available to the public, which eventually led to the decrease of family farming operations.  Although there are many more career paths to be chosen from, there are many young adults, along with myself, choosing a career path in agriculture.

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) has over 2500 students working towards making the tomorrow of agriculture more efficient.  The University of Kentucky ‘s land grant institution gives College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment students many opportunities, such as hands on experience on university research farms, research labs, and a high quality education that is incomparable to any other.  It is important to have land grant institutions such as the University of Kentucky across the nation, because without the prestigious research and education conducted by these schools, agriculture would not continue to strive and improve like it continues to do so today.

Agriculture is a key part of everyone’s day-to-day life. No person can live without the essentials that agriculture provides. With UK students contributing to the production of these essentials, agriculture can continue to flourish.  The UK CAFE recognizes that the average age of the American farmer continues to increase, therefore they are making strides to ensure this trend does not continue. As agriculture becomes more necessary, due to the increasing demands because of rising populations, the University of Kentucky is developing research and education to ensure that there are always future agriculturalists to continue America’s finest tradition and necessity.

In conclusion, from only being at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment for a little over a year, I have already come to realize how influential my agriculture education will be when I have a career in the agricultural industry and carry on my own family farm. With that being said, I could not be happier with the decision I made two years ago to come to the University of Kentucky. I would not be the person I am today without the education I have received and the people that I have met. I know myself, along with many others at the University of Kentucky, are working to become future agriculturalists in order to make the tomorrow of agriculture the best it has ever been. 


Lauren is a sophomore from Owensboro, Kentucky.  She is a Horticulture, Plant & Soil Science major, specializing in Agronomy.

UK a natural choice for the equine field

Although the equine program at the University of Kentucky is just a few years old, the benefits of going to school in the “Horse Capital of the World” are so numerous, students everyday see the result- building connections in the field and getting guidance for their future careers.  

A recent tradition that has been started for those Equine Science and Management program is our annual Equine Career Fair held on campus. This fair has become not only a fantastic resource for students to make connections for their mandatory internship (required for all equine majors but students absolutely love the hands-on experience), but it also gives students a chance to see the plethora of job opportunities in Lexington and beyond.  This year in particular, students at UK (and even a few students from other colleges) gathered on our campus to talk to industry leaders in areas such as equine rescue and training, racehorse businesses, equine farm management, saddlebred training, equine research, graduate school preparation, Keeneland, Equine Hospitals, Flying Darby opportunities, Therapeutic riding facilities, and much, much more.  For students who were looking for ways to get involved in the industry, they were able to talk directly to employers and fill out volunteer applications, internship forms, or gain a greater idea of what was required to reach their current goals.   

 For more information, and to see other equine related information, as well as to see pictures and students participating in a multitude of events and programs, check out the Equine Student Hub.  

I hope if you are interested in pursuing a degree in the Equine industry, you will look more into our program and hopefully, like me, see the many opportunities that are available to students.  See Blue and Go CATS!

Veronica is an equine science/pre-vet student from Maryland.  She is a Resident Advisor on campus and is involved in many campus activities.

UKAg Roundup: The Senior Perspective

UK's #SeeBlue Door of Opportunity

Throughout last week, a busy bustle stirred around the College of Agriculture as students, faculty, community leaders, and alumni gathered to celebrate our annual event, Roundup.  This event is a time for fellowship for those with a passion for the University of Kentucky and the College of Agriculture.  Reunions are held where memories will be shared and new students will enter our facilities to see where new memories will be made.   

As a senior this year, I have taken a step back to cherish each moment of this event and to soak up the prestige and family atmosphere that runs deep throughout the college.  Whether it be hanging out with a professor that was teaching me in a classroom setting earlier that morning, quizzing an alumni member to find out how campus has changed, spending quality time with my peers, or eating delicious food,  this is an experience and a place that I am so proud to say that I am a part of.  Being able to communicate with so many people that you may have never met before, but share the same since of pride with, creates an instant bond and is overall personally rewarding.  As students, we are so fortunate to have an opportunity such as this to network with others in a laid back and fun atmosphere.  I challenge each and every student within the college to participate in Roundup in the years to come and to reap the benefits whether small or large.   

Overall, I look forward to returning each year as an alumni member to reminisce and to sing the fight song just as I do now.  For others, I hope you get to experience the same feelings and excitements when it comes to the College of Agriculture that I do and always continue to SeeBlue.  Go CATS!    

  

Sara Kate is a senior studying Food Science.  She is from Hickman, KY.  Sara Kate is member of Alpha Delta Pi & an Ag Ambassador.