Delaware may be the second smallest state in the nation, but its agricultural presence is certainly not to be underestimated. Chances are, no matter where you're headed, a farm is part of the scenery along the way, from fields on the way to the beach to hidden gems throughout Wilmington. Delaware 4-H believes that farmland is so much more than a drive-by. It's a world waiting to be discovered by youth! As communities become more urbanized, the distance between youth and their knowledge of where their food is grown has become larger. However, the importance of agriculture in their daily lives hasn't shrunk one bit. Every meal and every fabric trace back to agriculture. Connecting youth to that reality early helps them become more informed consumers, more engaged citizens, and more thoughtful human beings. It's not about teaching every child to become a farmer, it's about helping every child understand the world they live in.

UD Cooperative Extension’s embrace of tradition and innovation extends across the state of Delaware. As agriculture is the leading economic driver in Delaware and is responsible for nearly $13 billion annually, Extension plays a big role in a small state. County agriculture agents serve as a bridge to farmers, helping them access the latest research and information about agriculture.

For her work in assembling activity bags for young preschoolers attending the Indian River Early Learning Center, Kaitlyn Johnson, 20, of Selbyville, was honored with the prestigious 4-H Diamond Clover Award earlier this fall.

The month of October is a special time on the annual 4-H calendar as fall crops are being brought in from the fields and youth across Delaware are fully engaged in their new school year. From apple harvests in Bridgeville to community service projects in Brandywine Hundred, 4-H clubs are stepping up and stepping out into neighborhoods across the state and making a positive difference!

Communication is the gateway to learning. Learning about a youth’s experience, whether it’s your child or someone else’s, requires knowing how to communicate with that child. Currently, youth are confronted with feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide, as they contend with incidences of bullying at alarming rates. Many youths keep these thoughts, feelings, and occurrences to themselves. As the adults in their lives, we want to make sure we are having conversations to address these issues. Today, I lay out some guidelines and possible conversation starters to have with youth.