As generations of children are becoming more removed from production agriculture, a need for an agricultural literacy program became clear, even in rural areas of Colorado. Colorado State University Extension’s AgFest program developed in response to this growing need. The goal of AgFest is to educate youth on the science of production agriculture and how agriculture provides the food, fiber and essential by-products for everyday life. AgFest is an in-person, interactive educational program where Extension personnel and agriculture industry volunteers facilitate ten learning stations on various agricultural production areas including crop production, embryology, pollinators, and micro-organisms. AgFest is presented to 5th grade students from across 16 different counties reaching over 1,200 youth annually. It is also an annual program at the Peterson Air Force Base R. P. Lee Youth Center through the CSU Extension’s 4-H Youth Development, Military Partnerships.

Since its introduction in 2017, the Beef Learning Station has been an integral part of the AgFest program, teaching the importance of beef production in Colorado. Having the Beef Learning Station provides an opportunity to educate young people on the important contributions the beef industry makes, not only to feeding consumers and the benefits of beef by-product, but the economic and societal benefits of the largest sector of agriculture in Colorado.

CSU Extension is proud of the partnership and support of the Colorado CattleWomen and the Colorado Beef Council to make the Beef Learning Station a viable part of AgFest.