By Matthew Syrotiak, UConn Extension 

UConn 4-H is cultivating the next generation of informed and engaged residents by introducing youth to civic engagement through hands-on experiences at the Connecticut State Capitol. One of the most impactful opportunities is Ag Day at the Capitol, where 4-H members meet with legislators, share their stories, and learn how public policy shapes the agricultural and environmental issues they care about. These events empower young people to find their voice, understand the legislative process, and see firsthand how they can make a difference in their communities and beyond. 

This past March, conversations erupted throughout the Connecticut State Capitol as farmers, state representatives and agricultural advocates highlighted achievements, short-comings and goals for the future of Connecticut Agriculture. Ag Day, hosted by the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council, is praised for showcasing the significance, diversity, and strength of Connecticut agriculture.  

New this year was the addition of over 20 UConn 4-H youth and 15 volunteers representing seven Connecticut counties. These 4-H representatives spent the day connecting with agricultural leaders, UConn Extension professionals, and legislators from across the state. Lily Detorio, a UConn 4-H member from New London County said, “I was happy to meet other kids that were interested in the same things as me. The biggest thing that I learned is about the USDA grants available to kids in 4-H who don’t have their own animals. I was inspired to grow my own vegetable garden this year and did well.”  

The learning didn’t just stop with the youth, but many volunteers, parents, and guardians in attendance also benefited from the wealth of knowledge and learning. Gina Detorio, a 4-H parent from [town or county], shared, “We were so grateful for the opportunity to be at the state capitol to represent UConn 4-H and the children who want agriculture to remain in Connecticut. My husband and I made some great connections with other farms throughout Connecticut and look forward to working in conjunction with them in the future. Our family was inspired and now have some hope for the future of agriculture in this state for our daughter and other children.” 

Participants to this year’s Ag Day were challenged through a bingo card to interact with a variety of agricultural groups and earn prizes if completed. The 4-H Centennial Fund, part of the UConn Foundation, supported UConn 4-H youth involvement at the event. 

Ag Week 2025  

Ag Day is a nationally recognized event to bring together and celebrate agricultural across the nation. Throughout the week UConn 4-H highlighted locally grown producers and 4-H farms that are crucial to providing youth with project animals that they train, clean and prepare for evaluation at the annual 4-H fairs.  

Thousands of youth are engaged in animal-based projects and gain valuable learning opportunities and responsibility. For many youth, this translates into future careers in agriculture. Others use these experiences as foundational knowledge in agricultural and environmental literacy that form their future support. As more people are further removed from farms and agricultural knowledge, Ag Week helped celebrate and create awareness on the crucial impacts it has on our everyday lives and well-being. 4-H members participated in Ag Week events; many of these had community service components, helping underscore the civic engagement that is also a core tenet of UConn 4-H. 

Expanding Opportunities 

For many Ag Day was the first time they visited the state capitol, for others this was a familiar experience thanks to years of visits with the UConn 4-H program. Leadership and Civic Engagement are pillars of the UConn 4-H program, with the National Index Study of 4-H Youth 2024 stating that, “65% of youth said 4-H is influential in their desire for community engagement.”  

While Ag Day at the Capitol is a new offering to UConn 4-H, other opportunities have long supported community engagement among 4-H members in Connecticut. These include 4-H Day at the Capitol, previously called Citizenship Day, Citizenship Washington Focus at Ignite, and the National 4-H Conference. All offer the opportunity for 4-H members to be engaged in local, state and national legislation.  

Through events like Ag Day at the Capitol, UConn 4-H is not only teaching youth about civic engagement—it’s helping them build confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper appreciation for the role agriculture plays in their lives and communities. As one 4-H member shared, “I’m thankful for Connecticut agriculture.” That gratitude, paired with the knowledge and experience gained through these opportunities, is shaping a generation beyond ready to advocate for the future of agriculture and make their voices heard. 

Visit s.uconn.edu/4-H to learn more or become involved.