AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa 4-H Foundation awarded Montgomery and Wayne County ISU Extension offices Agriculture and Land Stewardship grants to help improve agricultural awareness among youth.

Heidi Bell, 4-H Youth Development Specialist for Wayne County, received a $3,500 grant to provide after-school programs for kindergarten though third grade focusing on agriculture.  Agriculture 4 Kids will meet monthly in the Mormon Trail and Seymour school districts.  This will be the first after-school program offered in these school districts. 

Youth will learn about various aspects of agriculture including gardening, health and careers.  They also will complete a service project during National Agriculture Awareness Month in March 2006. 

"Although Wayne County youth live in a very rural community, some seem to lack an understanding of agriculture and where food comes from," Bell said.

Bill Drey, County Extension and Education Director for Montgomery County, received a $1,000 grant for summer agricultural day camps and workshops.  Fourth to 12th graders will learn more about agriculture, animal science, biotechnology and value-added at these events.  Grant money will be used to buy supplies and equipment for day camp and pay a portion of a summer staff person's salary. 

"These grants are important because they assist counties with programs they would have a tough time offering otherwise," Drey said.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provided $25,000 in funding for grants this year.

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