Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth Livestock and Horse Education
Agriculture
Turner, Susan
Agriculture
Leadership
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). 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, 2020). Kentucky agricultural sales in 2018 were reported at $5.9 billion (USDA ERS, 2020). Of the 75,966 farms in Kentucky, over 90% are individually or family owned. The USDA reports that in 2019 there were 21,000 head of beef cattle in Monroe County.
Youth will be agriculturally literate.
Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production.
Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life.
Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.
Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.
Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.
Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.
Indicator: completion of 4-H projects
Method: participation records
Timeline: Annually September through August
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.
Indicator: participation in 4-H livestock clubs and completion of projects
Method: participation records
Timeline: Annually September through August
Long-term Outcome:
Outcome: Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership
Indicator: participation in livestock clubs, shows, and workshops
Method: participation records and completion of record books
Timeline: Annually September through August
Audience: Youth ages 9-18
Project or Acitvity: 4-H Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit; Beef Resource Handbook; Beef Project and Record Book; Beef, Sheep, Swine Resource Handbook; Market Hog Project and Record Book; Swine Breeding Project and Record Book
Inputs: volunteers, curriculum, facilities, paid staff
Date: Club meetings September through August, annually
Audience: Youth ages 9-18
Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Show Clinics
Curriculum: Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit; Beef Resource Handbook; Beef Project and Record Book; Beef, Sheep, Swine Resource Handbook
Inputs: volunteers, curriculum, facilities, paid staff
Date: March, April, and May annually
Learning Opportunities
Audience: Youth ages 9-18
Project/Program: 4-H Livestock Shows
Curriculum: Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit; Beef Resource Handbook; Beef Project and Record Book;
Inputs: volunteers, curriculum, facilities, paid staff
Date: Show dates annually May through August
Learning Opportunities
Audience: Youth ages 9-18
Project/Program: 4-H Horse Club Trail Rides
Curriculum: 4-H Project Horse Record Book; Horse Achievement Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4; Horse Safety Guidelines; Horse Smarts: Equine Reference and Youth Activity Guide; Horse Volunteer Certification Resource Kit
Inputs: volunteers, curriculum, facilities, paid staff
Date: Held monthly June through October, annually
Audience: Youth ages 9-18
Project/Program: 4-H Horse Health Clinics
Curriculum: 4-H Project Horse Record Book; Horse Volunteer Certification Resource Kit
Inputs: volunteers, curriculum, facilities, paid staff
Date: Clinics are held in conjunction with monthly club meetings. Date varies upon availability of site and presenter.
Audience: Youth ages 9-18
Project/Program: 4-H Horse Club
Curriculum: 4-H Project Horse Record Book; Horse Achievement Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4; Horse Safety Guidelines; Horse Smarts: Equine Reference and Youth Activity Guide; Horse Volunteer Certification Resource Kit
Inputs: volunteers, curriculum, facilities, paid staff
Date: monthly meetings held after-school September through August
