Kentucky State University | The 3rd Annual Ag Roundup Welcomed Nearly 4,000 Participants, Including More Than 1,000 Middle and High School Students

The 3rd Annual Ag Roundup Welcomed Nearly 4,000 Participants, Including More Than 1,000 Middle and High School Students

Kentucky State University welcomed nearly 4,000 attendees during its 3rd Annual Ag Roundup, a three-day showcase of the University’s land-grant mission that combined hands-on exhibits, professional networking, campus traditions, and community celebration.

Day Two’s Ag Fest on Friday, Sept. 5, stood at the heart of the Roundup. The day began with an agriculture symposium in the William Exum Center, where guests were welcomed by Dr. Koffi Akakpo, president of Kentucky State, and Dr. Marcus Bernard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and director of the Land Grant Program. After additional remarks by student leaders, Kentucky’s Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Warren Beeler delivered a keynote address to more than 1,000 middle and high school students and educators, encouraging them to embrace innovation while honoring the Commonwealth’s agricultural heritage.

Following the symposium, the campus transformed into a festival-style learning environment.

More than 50 interactive stations lined the University’s Yellow Brick Road, the walkway connecting Blazer Library and Jackson Hall to the Atwood Research Center, where students explored aquaculture tanks, geospatial technology, fermentation and distillation sciences, pollinator habitats, soil health, and more. The path also featured chickens, goats, and roping demonstrations, connecting students directly with Kentucky State’s teaching herds and flocks. At one point, the Mighty Marching Thorobred Band brought added energy to the scene with a spirited performance. Mobile health units and disaster preparedness displays also underscored the University’s commitment to serving Kentucky communities.

Students traveled from across the Commonwealth and beyond to take part in the Ag Roundup.

From Frankfort, groups came from Elkhorn Middle and Franklin County High FFA. From Lexington, schools included Tates Creek Middle, Winburn Middle, Carter G. Woodson Academy, Bryan Station High, Frederick Douglass High, and Leestown Middle’s Ag Program. From Louisville, participants represented Western Middle School for the Arts, Olmstead Academy, Farnsley Middle, Seneca High, Academy at Shawnee, Central High Magnet Career Academy, W.E.B. DuBois High, Minor Daniels Academy, and Grace M. James Academy of Excellence.

Groups also arrived from Bullitt, Henry, Johnson, Martin, Montgomery, and Shelby counties. One delegation even traveled from Covert High School in Michigan.

While Friday’s Ag Fest served as the signature highlight, the Roundup spanned three days of engagement. On Thursday, Sept. 4, invited guests gathered for a networking reception that connected employers, partners, and alumni with Kentucky State’s agriculture and STEM students. On Saturday, Sept. 6, prospective students and their families took part in admissions showcases, toured campus, enjoyed a tailgate cookout, and cheered on the Thorobreds with free admission to the football game at Alumni Stadium.

This year’s Ag Roundup also recognized the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which created 19 additional land-grant institutions at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Kentucky State University. An official celebration of the anniversary is scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C. on September 10, 2025.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Bernard said, “The Ag Roundup brings our land-grant mission to life. It shows young people the opportunities that exist in agriculture and STEM, and it reminds our communities of the vital role Kentucky State plays in building a stronger future for the Commonwealth.”

Planning is already underway for the 4th Annual Ag Roundup, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 17–19, 2026.