Over 300 Knox County youth used their critical thinking skills to take part in solving a real-world agriculture challenge through the 2023 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (4-H AIE) Aerial Ag Challenge these past few months.
Through a partnership with Nebraska Extension, National 4-H Council and Bayer Agri-Science, this hands-on activity challenged youth to apply STEM skills to better understand how innovative technologies are used by food producers to decrease environmental impact and its costs, and increase efficiency and yields.
Teens in several Midwestern states have participated in the 4-H AIE Challenge and learned how ag technology is shaping our food system, is a critical tool against today’s challenges, and how they can be part of the solution. Locally, Knox County had three teens lead this challenge in their communities: Kayla Key, Creighton; Taylor Nilson, Creighton; and Chloe Hanzlik, Niobrara.
The teens led the challenge to local 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade youth, allowing the elementary students to learn:
Precision agricultural practices applied with drones are helping farmers enhance crop yields, sustain world food systems, and be better environmental stewards. Data science and technology tools help producers make real-time decisions to changing field conditions with precision crop health scripts.
Careers and advancements in agricultural technology and innovation are critical to finding long term solutions for climate change, world hunger and viable diverse ecosystems.
Through the 4-H Ag Innovators Experience, students in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio and Missouri have the opportunity to participate in the Aerial Ag Challenge through this summer.