What you'll do
Agronomy is the science of using plants for food, fuel, feed and fiber. Horticulture is about growing plants for food and decoration.
Minnesota 4-H offers a wide variety of opportunities to learn more about agronomy and horticulture. You can attend events, form or join a 4-H/FFA crop scouting team, explore college-level agronomy by taking a virtual campus tour and enroll in 4-H projects such as crop and plant science, fruits and vegetables and gardening.
As you explore this page, you will notice three levels of learning. In each level, you will uncover more ways to deepen your experience in agronomy and horticulture. Bookmark or revisit this page for current information on agronomy and horticulture opportunities.
Want to be notified of program updates? Sign up for the Minnesota 4-H agronomy and horticulture listserv at the button below.
Get started on your 4-H agronomy exhibits for the 2023 fair
Bringing a sample for your exhibit? Plan ahead!
Projects that involve a sample product may need to be selected in the fall or spring - during the harvest. Don’t live on a farm? That’s ok! Crops must be grown on a farm with which you have a relationship with the producer and have interviewed them about the growing process.
Find a local farmer and learn more about agronomy!
Check out the Minnesota 4-H Agronomy and Horticulture Handbook along with the Agronomy Fair Exhibit Ideas for more information as you work on preparing your exhibits for the 2023 fair.
Levels of learning
How to get started in 4-H agronomy and horticulture, dive deeper and become a leader.
Get growing!
You can try an agronomy project at home. Watch the videos and follow along with the lesson plans. Contact your local 4-H office for a start-up kit.
Choose from these topics:
- Farming - Meet a farmer and an agronomist!
- Beyond the farm
- Agriculture technology
- Soil science
- Making edible soil video
- Wonderful world of worms video
- Identify weeds video
- Understanding turf grass
- Create a greenhouse video
- Plant science
- Fruits and vegetables
- Growing hydrangeas
- Pruning fruit trees
- Selecting seeds
- Learning about drones
There are many ways to learn about agronomy and horticulture that provide a fun way to get a great experience. Check out agronomy and horticulture in action!
Group learning
How is the science of agronomy connected to business, nature and your community? Join a hands-on, group learning experience.
4-H Agronomy Tours
Visit a farm and see it through the eyes of experts.
4-H Agronomy Days
Experience a college classroom! Explore a college and learn from the a faculty member. There will be time in the day for tours and asking all your questions about classes and college majors. This is a great way for you to learn more about the study of agronomy and about college life.
Dive deeper
Join activities that will build your agronomy and leadership skills.
Crop Scouting
Form a team with your friends! In this activity, teams of youth in grades 7-12 compete on their ability to assess crops for outcomes and risks like weeds and pests. Regional competitions lead to a state competition, and then nationals!
4-H Agriculture Ambassadors
This opportunity is for youth in 10th -12+ grade in. The 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors are a voice for youth in Agriculture and 4-H.
4-H project and career connection
This chart will show you how 4-H projects are directly connected to agricultural careers.
Fairs and exhibits
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Make a presentation highlighting the technology used in agriculture, such as GPS tools, drones, etc.
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Bring a two-quart jar or clear container of shelled corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, rye, barley, etc.
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Provide a dried sample of alfalfa, warm season grasses, cool season grasses, sorghum, native grasses, silage, etc.
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Take soil samples and compare soil analysis (soil analysis can be done by obtaining kits at your local Extension Office).
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Bring a sample of a specialty crop such as sugar beets, edible beans, black beans, kidney beans, field produced sweet corn, peas, carrots, potatoes, popcorn, etc.
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Create an educational display illustrating one of the following ideas: plant reproduction, plant growth factors, plant characteristics, usage of plants, plant growth and food production, examples of a plant disease, etc.
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Make a display or book on identifying different weeds in agriculture or horticulture.
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Bring cut flowers, flower bouquet or arrangement.
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Make a terrarium or dish garden.
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Provide a binder detailing a landscape design.
What a judge is looking for (evaluation sheets)
- Agronomy other areas
- Corn, legumes and other small grains
- Flower gardening
- Indoor gardening
- Lawn and landscape design
- Plant and soil science
Record keeping
Some counties require record keeping for fairs.