The University of Kentucky Agricultural Education (UK AgEd), part of the Community and Leadership Development department at the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, was recently named the #1 AgEd program at the 96th National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention & Expo by the National Alpha Tau Alpha (ATA) organization conclave in Indianapolis, Indiana.

UK AgEd’s Beta Delta Chapter student organization, part of the Agricultural Education Society (AES), has received this honor four times over the past six years. The award, voted on by other peer ATA programs in agricultural and extension education, is a testament to the chapter's unwavering commitment to excellence.

“I am so happy for our students,” said Rebekah Epps, UK AgEd associate professor and advisor. “This recognition further demonstrates our commitment to preparing our students to be successful as future educators in agriculture. We are a very active program, and the students are the heart and soul of all the activities we do.”

UK’s student organization serves to help others serve through four areas: professional development, fundraising, fellowship and community service.  On behalf of the AgEd Beta Delta Chapter, junior Logan Peters submitted a creative document to the ATA, outlining UK’s strong commitment to these service areas.

From Taylorsville, Ky., Peters is a current AgEd Society member and an ATA delegate for the Beta Delta Chapter. For Peters, this recognition reinforces his decision to attend UK, where he feels accepted.

“It’s proof that UK is not losing its spark in agricultural education. Furthermore, it’s proof that I made the correct decision to enroll in the Ag Ed program at UK,” Peters said. “We are unique in that we are a family, and a family accepts everyone for who they are.”

Gage Tucker, originally from Wayne County and agricultural education junior minoring in animal sciences and agricultural economics, is the current AES and Beta Delta President at UK. For Tucker, this recognition coming from peers shows validation.

“Being recognized as the number one AgEd program in the nation by our peers is a true reflection of the dedication and commitment of so many individuals,” Tucker said. “It’s a testament to our passion cultivating top-tier agricultural educators in Kentucky.”

Hometown of Williamsburg, Kentucky, UK senior Naythan Jewell’s career goal is to teach college-level agriculture safety or education. Jewell is most appreciative of the program’s professional development component.

“Every AgEd class that you take has a professionalism grade attached, setting a standard for how to act, dress and perform in the classroom environment,” Jewel said. “When we travel to different conferences across the nation, people know we are from UK. That tells a lot about the importance of professional development that UK AgEd provides.”

UK junior Abigail Daniel, originally from Paintsville, Kentucky and current UK AgEd Society vice president, reflects positively on her academic experience.

“I have talked to Ag Ed students from other schools and told them everything we are doing, and they are stunned,” Daniel said. “UK Ag Ed has given me the kind of support and love I have not felt with any other program or school. No matter where we are in the program, we are always greeted with support and encouragement.” 

UK Ag Ed students and teams have also received other ATA awards this year including First Place Debate, Second Place Quiz Bowl and Second Place Essay.

For more information on the UK AgEd program, visit https://cld.ca.uky.edu/ukaged.

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