The university of kentucky martin-gatton college of agriculture, food and environment was founded as a land-grant institution in 1865, ensuring access to education, research, and outreach that would…

The university of kentucky martin-gatton college of agriculture, food and environment was founded as a land-grant institution in 1865, ensuring access to education, research, and outreach that would enhance the lives of kentuckians. Smith lever funding provides support for interdisciplinary extension outreach, allowing UK to apply the biological, physical, and social sciences to challenges in agriculture, food, and environment. With a team of experts and researchers at all levels, and the ability to meet community members where they are, extension is uniquely suited to meet the growing needs of kentuckians. To become productive adult members of society, young people must gain experience in active citizenship. 4-H activities provide opportunities for youth to develop interpersonal and leadership skills essential to personal growth and community building. In 2024, there were over 202,000 youth enrolled in the kentucky 4-H program and over 14,000 volunteers. With smith lever funds, extension will continue to leverage its network of youth development experts, community volunteers, and engaged youth to prepare the next generation of leaders. Extension will provide opportun ities for youth to engage in hands-on learning in science and technology, natural resources and environment, food and nutrition, civic engagement and leadership, animal science and agriculture and other topics relevant to their growth and development. Kentucky has nearly 70,000 farms with a variety of agricultural operations and agroecosystems. As a research institution, UK has the breadth to address the state's diversity of agricultural needs through extension outreach. With experts in nearly all animal production systems, row crops, forestry, horticulture and natural resources, extension personnel develop and provide ongoing education and resources to help farmers and producers align their enterprises with the current best practices related to sustainability, efficiency, and management. Smith lever funds allow extension to provide focused, research-based training so that individuals and communities may+ have the knowledge and skills to remain economically viable. Three leading causes of morbidity and mortality in kentucky are cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, all of which can be attributed to a greater or lesser extent to nutrition and food systems. Extension plays an integral role in holistically identifying the root causes of these public health concerns. By addressing issues of food security, nutrition, financial wellness, resource management, and human development, extension empowers individuals and families to take control of their health, strengthening their own lives and communities. Community engagement, through arts and cultural opportunities, can increase belonging, livability, and overall wellbeing for communities. This is especially important for rural communities. With an emphasis on placemaking, extension professionals use research to create strategies and toolkits that assist communities with building and improving upon their social, economic, and cultural structures. With smith lever funds, extension professionals initiate opportunities to involve community members in collaborative endeavors which enhance the creative economy and health of the community. Extension provides high-quality community economic development programming, increasing accessibility, developing skills, and building community resiliency. The goal of extension is to improve the capacity of communities to identify and address critical issues affecting the lives of their citizens. Researchers, specialists and agents allow for all citizens to have access to relevant resources and knowledge, thereby enhancing a community's ability to solve problems and build a sustainable future. Extension programs rely on smith lever funds to help shape the future of kentucky's farms, food systems, and communities and improve the lives of all kentuckians.