Three-day event will feature 4-H Ville, hands-on career exploration, and keynote speaker Stephen Ritz

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University will host its fourth annual Ag Roundup Sept. 24–26, a campuswide showcase of the University’s teaching, research, and service in agriculture, health, natural resources, and related STEM fields.

About 37 schools are expected to attend, with high school students making up most of the visiting group. The three-day gathering will also bring together college students, faculty, farmers, local businesses, and community partners from across the Commonwealth.

The event is designed to introduce young people to career and academic pathways, demonstrate the impact of Kentucky State research, and help future students see themselves at the University.

Last year’s Ag Roundup welcomed nearly 4,000 participants, including more than 1,000 middle and high school students. More than 50 interactive stations offered direct experiences with University programs, research, and community services.

“Through the Ag Roundup, we are raising awareness of our impact in agriculture and in STEM fields across the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Dr. Marcus K. Bernard, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and director of Land Grant Programs.

Thursday’s programming will begin with the Dean’s Council at 10 a.m. That evening, an invitation-only Scholars’ Reception will begin at 6 p.m. for 1890 Scholars, MANRRS students, Kentucky State student leaders, University leadership, sponsors, and partners.

Friday’s schedule will begin with school-group arrival and check-in from 9 to 10 a.m. The Ag Roundup Symposium will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Bradford Hall, Little Bradford, and the Ballroom to accommodate the number of students and chaperones attending.

Ag Fest will open at 10 a.m. along the Yellow Brick Road, extending from the Paul Garrett Blazer Library to the Henry Ellis Cheaney Plaza near the Carl McClellan Hill Student Center. Ag Fest will continue until 3 p.m., with a cookout from noon to 2 p.m.

Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine, will deliver the symposium’s keynote address. The program will also feature welcome remarks from Dr. Michael Dailey, provost and vice president of academic affairs; Dr. Bernard; David Wayne, state executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency; and MANRRS student leaders.

An internationally recognized educator, author, and urban farmer, Ritz uses food growing and hands-on learning to engage students, strengthen academic outcomes, encourage healthier habits, and connect young people with career opportunities. His school-based model, which began in the South Bronx, is now used by schools around the world.

Ritz is the author of The Power of a Plant: A Teacher’s Odyssey to Grow Healthy Minds and Schools. He is scheduled to receive the 2026 Global Greening Education Lifetime Achievement Award in New York City on Sept. 24, one day before his Kentucky State appearance.

Following the symposium, participants will enter Ag Fest, where 4-H Ville will offer activities in robotics, drones, archery, bike riding, aquaculture, embryology, gardening, nutrition, entomology, podcasting, art, and health near Jackson Hall and the Mary Smith Clock Tower.

Additional exhibits will explore aquaculture, geospatial technology, fermentation, pawpaws, pollinators, urban agriculture, soil health, soybeans, ornamental research, animal science, disaster recovery, mobile health, and nursing. A petting zoo, horse and rodeo displays, farmer and vendor tables, food tents, and campus organizations will add to the festival-style experience.

The Roundup also supports student professional development through leadership, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Student posters will be displayed in the Rufus Ballard Atwood Research Center.

Sponsoring partners include Farm Credit Mid-America, BASF, Keeneland, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Amplify Horse Racing, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Target, Chick-fil-A, the USDA Farm Service Agency, DreamFlight Charities, the U.S. Army Recruiting Company, and Whiskey Thief Distilling Company.

Middle and high school groups interested in attending Friday’s Agricultural & Campus Immersion and organizations interested in becoming event partners may contact Deborah Lancaster at Deborah.Lancaster@kysu.edu.

Visit the Ag Roundup webpage for event updates.