Crop & Livestock Production Plan of Work

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Rowan County CES

Title:
Crop & Livestock Production
MAP:
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Agents Involved:
Jones, Ford, ANR
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Food Preparation and Preservation
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Situation:

Kentucky has much to offer in the way of Agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), over 50% (12.9 million acres) is farmland (NASS, 2019). Rowan County is the home to 356 farms operating on 23.6% of land in Rowan County. Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top five agricultural commodities (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include broilers, all other animals and products, soybeans, corn, and cattle and calves (USDA ERS, 3030). The Rowan County Data Profile identified crop and livestock production as major components of the county agriculture production. To increase profits it is important for farms to be efficient and increase yield as well as diversify. It is also important that farm families are able to save money and add to the economy.  

Forests cover 48% of Kentucky and are mostly privately owned. These forests provide numerous environmental benefits such as improved air, water, and wildlife habitat. Our forests also contribute significantly to our economy with a Kentucky forest industry who employs approximately 60,000 and contributes more than $13 billion annually to the Kentucky economy. Kentucky’s forests can be healthier and more productive by implementing sustainable forest management and utilization practices.

People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it’s important that we care for and respect these resources. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generations.

Youth and clientele need to learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, engineering and technology issues in Kentucky and globally. Through the Land Grant University and Extension system, 4-H can expand its impact and extend its reach in science, engineering and technology (4-H SET) by providing opportunities for hands-on scientific learning and discovery in 4-H clubs.

Long-Term Outcomes:

*Profits will be sustained during tough economic times and increased during strong markets. *Producers will get a premium price for their products.

*Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food productions. 

*Rowan Countians will be able to market/sell locally produced garden products that have been safely preserved.

*Youth will increase STEM literacy in the general population. 

*Youth will increase the number and diversity of individuals pursuing educational opportunities and careers in STEM related fields. 

*Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources, conservation, protection and restoration. 

*Youth will be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

*Youth and farmers will improve cow/calf operations by using better genetics, improved feed efficiencies, record keeping, and animal health.

* Adults will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food in the areas of animal science.

*Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life.

*Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations. 

* Youth will apply STEM learning skills in contexts outside the 4-H Program. 

*Youth will express interest and/or demonstrate aspirations toward STEM Careers. 

Initial Outcomes:

*Youth and adults will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and sustainable food systems in the areas of plant science, horticulture and animal science.

*Youth will learn valuable skills including decision making, record-keeping and leadership skills.

*Rowan Counties will learn to safely and properly preserve food products.

*Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership. 

*Youth will increase their awareness of opportunities to contribute their STEM skills to society. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth will be engaged in STEM related activities. 

Indicator: Youth complete a Science, Engineering and Technology project.

Method: 4-H Common Measure Survey

Timeline: Throughout the year


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects, clubs and life situations. 

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated "yes or usually" to the Common Measures Experience SurveyQuestion #6 "Is 4-H a place where you get to figure out things for yourself?"

Method: 4-H Common Measure Survey

Timeline: March - October 


Long-term Outcome: Youth and adults will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. 

Indicator: Number of youth and adults who gained an understanding of the role of agriculture in the production of food, fiber, and wood products. 

Method: pre-post evaluations

Timeline: Throughout the year

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Cow/Calf Operators

Project or Activity: East Ky. Beef IRM

Content or Curriculum: UK curriculum on beef production

Inputs: agent time, UK specialist time, and Ky. Beef Network

Evaluation Method: pre-post survey

Date: Winter 2020


Audience: Women Farm Managers

Project or Activity: Farm School for Women

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Curriculum and USDA

Inputs: Agriculture Agent time, USDA office time, local farm businesses

Evaluation Method: pre-post survey 

Date: Fall 2020


Audience: Youth Livestock participants

Project or Activity: Livestock Program

Content or Curriculum: Acres of Adventures 1 and 2, Kentucky Farm to School, and Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit

Inputs: 4-H curriculum, club leader volunteer, volunteer time, 4-H agent time, KY 4-H Foundation and Agriculture agent time. 

Evaluation Method: project completion 

Date: Fall 2020


Audience: Rowan County 4th graders

Project or Activity: Youth Field Day

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock Kit and curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent time, Ag. Agent time, FCS Agent time, Local farmers, Livestock project participants.

Evaluation Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey 

Date: Fall 2020


Audience:  Rowan County Citizens

Project or Activity:  Food Preservation workshop and Micro-processing workshop

Content or Curriculum:  Extension Food Preservation curriculum

Inputs:  FCS Agent time, UK Specialist, Preservation equipment and supplies, UK curriculum

Evaluation Method: end of training survey and product completion 

Date: Summer 2021


Audience: Youth & Adults

Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Program 

Content or Curriculum: How to Make a Country Ham Publication; How to Cure a Country Ham Video

Inputs: Livestock Volunteer, 4-H Agent, State Specialist, and KY Farm Bureau

Evaluation Method: project completion 

Date: January - August


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Dog Program 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Dog publications and Helper’s Guide, Dog Resource Handbook and Dog Learning Lab Kit

Inputs: Dog Certification Kit, KY 4-H Foundation, 4-H Dog Volunteer and Rowan County 4-H Council

Evaluation Method: completion of project and survey 

Date: September 1 – August 30


Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Environmental Youth Days

Content or Curriculum: Project Wild, Project WET

Inputs: Rowan County Schools, volunteers, Rowan County District Board, Rowan County 4-H Council, and local business/agencies

Evaluation Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey 

Date: September/October


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Butterfly Project

Content or Curriculum: Project Butterfly Wings Curriculum

Inputs: Rowan County Schools and 4-H agent

Evaluation Method: project completion survey

Date: April/May


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports

Content or Curriculum: Shooting Sports Curriculum

Inputs: Certified Shooting Sports Volunteers, 4-H agent and state shooting sports specialist

Evaluation Method: participation in competitions

Date: February – October 


Audience: Youth/Adult

Project or Activity: Gardening

Content or Curriculum: Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! Junior Master Gardener

Inputs: Rowan County Schools, Morehead Parks & Recreation, Friends of Rodburn Park, 4-H Agent and Rowan County 4-H Council

Evaluation Method: pre-post survey

Date: March – September 


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Robotics, Pro-bots, Ozobots

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Junk Drawer Robotics, and 4-H Robotics with EV3

Inputs: SET curriculum, KY 4-H Foundation, Rowan County 4-H Council, 4-H agent

Evaluation Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey

Date: throughout the school year



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