FarmBot Project

Project Overview

YENC20-144
Project Type: Youth Educator
Funds awarded in 2020: $4,000.00
Projected End Date: 01/31/2022
Grant Recipient: University of Illinois 4H Extension
Region: North Central
State: Illinois
Project Manager:
Mark Becker
Email
University of Illinois 4H Extension
Project Co-Managers:
Erin Harper
Email
University of Illinois Extension

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Crop Production: agroforestry, beekeeping
  • Education and Training: demonstration, youth education
  • Farm Business Management: apprentice/intern training, community-supported agriculture
  • Production Systems: agroecosystems
  • Soil Management: soil analysis
  • Sustainable Communities: community services, urban/rural integration

    Proposal abstract:

    Through the existing infrastructure of the U of I Sustainable Student Farm, Illinois 4-H, and Horticulture educators will collaborate to deliver engaging educational opportunities to college and high school-age youth. Utilizing FarmBot open-source precision gardening technology, we seek to provide support to U of I Crop Science & Ag. Ed. students in which they will work under the guidance of the Crop Sciences department and the Sustainable Farm manager to develop the functional and educational capacity of the FarmBot. Working with Illinois 4-H, the students will assist in delivering hands-on learning to community youth. 

    Project objectives from proposal:

    1. Build the capacity of the U of I Sustainable Student Farm to reach Illinois youth with hands-on experiences that teach the skills/mindsets necessary to be successful in sustainable career choices. 
    2. Pilot an educational program that can then be used to reach Illinois 4-H youth around the state in sustainable and regenerative agriculture. 
    3. Allow Illinois 4-H and U of I Extension to reach new audiences with its programming, thereby increasing interest among youth in career/college/life opportunities connected to Ag. 
    4. Demonstrate success in sustainable agriculture programming that can be replicated state/nationwide. 
    5. Share project results with educators at the 4-H Global Conference in Tanzania, 2020. 
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.