ACEL Students Present at Youth Summit

By: Kayla Oberstadt, AEE graduate student
Carla Jagger, AEE graduate student
Mikayla Bodey, agricultural communication minor

 

The National Youth Summit on Agri-Science was hosted from January 16-19, 2015. In partnership with Merck Animal Health, the National 4-H Council and National 4-H Youth Conference Center presented a dynamic extended weekend of educational activities for youth participants.

Oberstadt, Jagger, and Bodey show their Ohio pride with the Washington Monument!

Oberstadt, Jagger, and Bodey show their Ohio pride with the Washington Monument!

Three students from The Ohio State University were engaged in leadership and teaching roles during the four-day summit hosted at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Mikayla Bodey, a sophomore from St. Paris, Ohio who is pursuing a minor in Agricultural Communication and two graduate students in Agricultural and Extension Education, Carla Jagger of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, and Kayla Oberstadt of New London, Wisconsin assisted through presenting workshops and leading roundtable discussions at the summit.

Carla Jagger and Kayla Oberstadt facilitated roundtable discussions in the Ag Issues Panel. Jagger led students in discussion of Urban Agriculture and Oberstadt in Public Perceptions of Production Animal Welfare. Other Ag Issues presented included Country of Origin Labeling and The Farm Bill.

Kayla DC, photo 5

Oberstadt facilitates a discussion with youth about agricultural careers and college options.

Kayla DC, photo 4

Participants work on their models for Monsanto’s Fish Farming Challenge in a workshop led by Bodey.

Workshops presented to the students included Monsanto’s Fish Farm Challenge, led by Mikayla Bodey. Ohio State’s own Dr. Bob Horton, Extension Specialist for Educational Design and Science Education, created this experimental challenge that gives students the opportunity to design a simulated fish feeding structure. Jagger guided students in an interactive workshop investigating Hydroponics in the Home where students researched materials needed for hydroponic gardens and were able to build their own simple hydroponic platform. In the Agricultural Career Panel, Oberstadt led students in discussion about college choices and routes to Extension Education, Jagger discussed Agricultural Education, and Dr. Rick Sibbel, director of U.S. Cattle Technical Services of Merck Animal Health, engaged students about veterinary work.

Kayla DC, photo 2

Participants work on their models for Monsanto’s Fish Farming Challenge in a workshop led by Bodey.

Kayla DC, photo 3

Jagger teaches students about components used in building hydroponic structures

This summit brought together youth participants representing regions from across the country. Students in 9th-12th grade were actively involved in the hands-on learning experience led by various representatives in the agricultural industry, including students from The Ohio State University Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership. With much to learn in their days together, participants and presenters were also able to visit the nation’s capital on a night tour of monuments as well as a trip to George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. This educational opportunity allowed for a unique educational opportunity for OSU students to share their passion for the agricultural industry and serve as a connection to high school students to explore agricultural education!

Why I Love Agriculture

Christine Balint
Vermilion, Ohio
Sustainable Plant Systems, major
Agricultural Communication, minor

The question that was presented to me was why I chose a minor in Agricultural Communication? It all started with a little shy girl entering 4-H 13 years ago. I started by doing my projects and working with other children my age. I began to open up and share my ideas and wanted to share my knowledge with those around me.

Over these years, I became the president of my 4-H club, vice-president and an active member of the Firelands FFA Chapter in Oberlin, Ohio and took leadership positions on the Lorain County Junior Fair Board. I worked with other members planning and running events through our club, chapter, and junior fair. I took offices and chairman positions where I was the person people went to when there was a problem or a question. In these organizations I learned not only how to take on responsibility, but also an abundance of knowledge about agriculture that I still share today. With all of these great organizations, I was able to blossom into the intelligent, strong, and independent young woman I am today.

Christine Balint, photo 1

I decided to attend The Ohio State University and go into agricultural fields because agriculture is what shaped me and helps fuel the world. Through my FFA chapter, I learned about agricultural literacy and absolutely love informing anyone who is willing to listen about agriculture. Through my county junior fair board, I was able to work with Ohio State Extension and I have grown to understand the dedication and hard work these people put into local youth agriculture. I wanted to pursue making a difference in the agricultural society. I plan on taking my degree and returning to my community to maybe someday work with 4H, FFA, or Extension.