Extension
It Starts With Us
Improved Management Practices, Animal Science, Grain & Forage Crops
Sustainable Agriculture and Environment
Mills, Reed
Beef
Forages
Grains
Agriculture & Natural Resources
With the decline in available land for farming and steep increases in production costs, farmers in the county need to become more efficient producers. Adding value to the existing commodities grown or adding value to the existing operation by diversifying is a major means of increasing net farm profit. Extension clientele realize new sources of farm income need to be explored because of their decreased revenues in traditional agriculture production crops.
Due to urbanization and consumers’ demands, farmers need to be more conscientious of their practices. This along with environmental concerns have also created a necessity for the average homeowner to be more diligent in how he/she manage his/her lawn and garden
Kentucky Ag Stats show that Meade County ranks in the top third in production of commodities and livestock. However, income generated falls to a much lower ranking. This indicates that optimizing farming practices by improving management skills is needed to improve net profits.
Kentucky Ag Stats has shown a decline in the number of farms in the county. However, in the past 10 years there has been an increase in gross sales of grain and livestock. The trend has been and should continue to be more efficient with productions which should lead to higher profits.
While Kentucky’s population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore, the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact that agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the commonwealth.
Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. The National Agriculture Literacy Logic Model defines an agriculturally literate person as one “…who understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life” (Spielmaker et al., 2014, p. 2). One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life.
Today’s youth spend less time outdoors than previous generations (Clemonts, 2004; Karsten, 2005; Carver et al., 2008) and are likely able to identify a Pokémon character more easily than a native plant or animal (Balmford et al., 2002). Kentucky Statute (KRS 157.905) defines environmental education as “…an education process dealing with the interrelationships among the natural world and its man-made surroundings; is experience-based; interdisciplinary in its approach; and is a continuous life-long process that provides the citizenry with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to individually and collectively encourage positive actions for achieving and maintaining a sustainable balance between man and the environment” (Kentucky Legislative Research Committee, 2020, p.1). Kentucky 4-H provides environmental education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation for natural resources and environmental sciences.
- Meade County Farmers will: increase profits from grain, beef cattle, horticulture and/or non-traditional crops..
- Maximize profits for commercial ag producer
- Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
- Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems
- Significant percentage of producers implementing IPM practices
- Increase positive opinion of GMO/Conventional production of non-farm individuals
- Reduction of crop injury due to pesticide application
- Improved farm economic status
- Make better bull section decisions based on genetics and hybrid vigor
- Increase ponds of calves weaned per cow exposed to the bull
- Increase pregnancy rate in cows and heifers
- Increase Extension use by grain producers
- Adopt Beef Quality Assurance practices that will improve animal welfare as well as public animal handling image
- Improve forage management
- Improve hay quality
- Improve education for pesticide use and adopt safe practices to enhance plant health for higher yields
- 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 be environmentally literate.
- Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration.
- Producers will use county wide variety trials as a tool in making variety selections for their grain crops.
- Landowners will soil test and learn the correct crop for the topography, soil type, as well as the wildlife.
- More food producers will learn to grow, harvest, and market fruits and vegetables.
- Increase producer’s awareness of animal welfare.
- Beekeepers communicate with neighboring pesticide applicators
- Adopt usage of new technology for crop production
- Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production
- Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds
- Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations
- Implementation of on-farm trials
- Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency
- Test forage for nutritional quality
- Utilize a complete mineral supplement program
- Make EPD and selection decisions
- Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
- Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability.
- Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
- Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.
- 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 explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life.
- Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect natural resources.
- Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations
- Producers will make variety selections based on county trial results.
- Producers will increase the total pounds of feeder calves weaned and sold.
- Wildlife conservationists will follow recommendations for fertilizer and lime as well as crop selection to ensure success in establishment and optimum yield of wildlife food plot.
- Demonstrate proper use of pesticides and antibiotics
- Demonstrate proper use of sprayers and equipment calibration
- Read and comprehend directions for applying chemicals (timing, application conditions)
- Chemical selection, mixing, compatibility
- Understanding IPM (triggers, thresholds, etc.)
- Increase homeowner/general public awareness of safe livestock medication procedures Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production
- Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production
- Understanding importance of and frame work of on-farm trials
- Increase non-farm public understanding of Biotechnology/Organic/ Conventional grains crop production
- Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being.
- Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal.
- Acquire knowledge about proper bull selection, breeding soundness exams and production requirements based on Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs).
- Acquire knowledge on crossbreeding programs.
- Gain knowledge of best management practices to reduce end product defects by learning about:
- proper injection techniques and locations
- proper recordkeeping to ensure adequate withdrawal time
- proper handling techniques
- Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
- 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.
- Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content.
Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship
Outcomes for AG & NR Programming
Long-Term Outcome: Meade County Farmers will increase profits from grain and beef cattle.
Indicator: Agricultural statistical farm income numbers, decrease input cost
Method: Individual consultations
Timeline: May 2023 - February 2024
Long-Term Outcome: Producer will improve hay use efficiency
Indicator: Reduction in hay fed
Method: Meetings and or farm demonstrations
Timeline: Fall 2023-March 2024
Intermediate Outcome: Increase Pounds of Feeder Calves Sold
Indicator: Farm Records
Method: Trainings and on farm trials
Timeline: Spring 2023-2024
Initial Outcome: More genetically suited bulls will be used
Indicator: Evaluation of Bull registration papers
Method: Meetings and field days
Timeline: February 2023-Febraury 2024
Initial Outcome: Producers will make variety selections based on county trial results.
Indicator: Seed Dealers sales
Method: Seed dealer visits
Timeline: November 2023 - November 2024
Intermediate Outcome: More food producers will learn to grow, harvest, and market fruits and vegetables.
Indicator: number of people attending horticulture meetings.
Method: Horticulture presentations and demonstrations
Timeline: March 2023-March 2024
Outcomes for 4-H Programming
Outcomes for 4-H Youth Development Programming
Long Term Outcome: Youth will be agriculturally literate
Indicator: Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H agriculture programming (PRACTICE)
Method: 4-H Animal Project Book, Personal Narratives
Timeline: September 2023 - June 2024
Long Term Outcome: Youth will demonstrate an understanding of the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.
Indicator: Total number of youth who reflect on their understanding of the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.
Method: 4-H Common Measures Evaluation tool, Personal Narratives
Timeline: September 2023 - June 2024
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.
Indicator: Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H agriculture programming (PRACTICE)
Indicators: Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H agriculture programming (PRACTICE)
Method: 4-H Animal Project Record Book, Personal Narratives
Timeline: September 2023 - June 2024
Initial Outcome: You will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.
Indicator: The number of youth that keep production, performance or financial records on their 4-H animal science projects.
Method: 4-H Animal Project Record Book, Personal Narratives
Timeline: September 2023 - July 2024
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations.
Indicator: Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H natural resource programming (PRACTICE)
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: September 2023 - June 2024
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect natural resources.
Indicator: Number of youth who used the skills and knowledge learned in 4-H to conserve natural resources (PRACTICE)
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: September 2023 - June 2024
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content.
Indicator: Number of youth who have gained an understanding of ecosystems in Kentucky (KOSA)
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: September 2023 - June 2024
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship.
Indicator: Number of youth who have gained an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship (KOSA)
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey, Personal Narratives
Timeline: September 2023 - June 2024
Audience: Grain and Beef Producers, Agribusinesses
Project or Activity: Ag Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Data collection and results
Inputs: collaboration with Conservation District, Agribusinesses, Meade County Young Farmers, Meade County Cattlemen's Association, Meade County Homemakers, Lincoln trail Antique Tractor Club, University of KY Extension Specialists, farm machinery, producers cooperation with time, machinery, and land, seed donations.
Timeline: August 2022, 2024
Audience: Grain and Beef Producers, Agribusinesses
Project or Activity: Winter meetings
Content or Curriculum: Data collection and results
Inputs: University of KY Extension Specialists, Published trials and test plot results.
Timeline: November – March
Audience: Beef Producers/Agribusiness dealers/Community leaders
Project or Activity: Beef and Forage Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Field Plots and Trials
Inputs: UK Beef Specialists, ANR agent, local beef producers
Timeline: Fall 2023-2025
Audience: Produce Growers
Activity: Production Meeting
Content or Curriculum: Best Management Practices for Producers
Inputs: Publications and Research
Timeline: Spring 2023-2024
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: On Farm Demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: Beef IRM Plan
Inputs: Beef Producers, Volunteers, UK Beef Specialists, Meade County Cattleman's Assoc.
Timeline: Winter 2023-2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club Meetings (Large Animal: Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep)
Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for animal science projects and KY Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Manuals and Kits, Livestock Discovery CD, Meats & Livestock Materials & Handouts CD
Inputs: 4-H Livestock/Horse Certified Volunteers, parents, extension staff, extension specialist, local animal science supporters
Timeline: Monthly, September 2023 - July 2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club (Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep) Mandatory Meeting & Skill-a-thon Events
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit; Beef Resource Handbook; Beef Project and Record Book; Beef, Sheep, Swine Selection Evaluation; Goat Project and Record Book; Goat Resource Book; Sheep Resource Handbook; Market Lamb Project and Record Book; Sheep Breeding Project and Record Book; Swine Resource Handbook; Market Hog Project and Record Book; Swine Breeding Project and Record Book Meade County 4-H/FFA/Fair Auction Committee and KY KDA Shows will establish paperwork for mandatory meeting.
Inputs: 4-H Livestock/Certified Volunteers, extension staff, parents
Timeline: Monthly, September 2023 - July 2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club (Small Animal: Rabbit, Poultry)
Content or Curriculum: Rabbit: : 4-H Rabbit 1, 2, 3, and Helper’s Guide; Rabbit Learning Lab Kit, Poultry: Poultry Project and Record Book, Poultry Learning Lab Kit
Inputs: Approved/Certified Volunteers, extension staff, parents
Timeline: Monthly, September 2023 - July 2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science (Country Ham Project)
Content or Curriculum: How to Make a Country Ham Publication; How to Cure a Country Ham Video
Inputs: Certified Volunteers, extension staff, parents
Timeline: November 2023 - July 2024
Audience: Youth & Families
Project or Activity: 4-H Horticulture Program
Content or Curriculum: Junior Master Gardener Curricula; 4-H Gardening Levels A, B, C, D, and Helper’s Guide
Inputs: Volunteers, parents, extension staff, extension specialists, local horticulture growers or businesses
Timeline: September 2023 - July 2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Embryology Program
Content or Curriculum: ChickQuest: A Classroom Journey through the Life Cycle; ChickQuest Logbook; Hatching with my “Peeps” Embryology Countdown Calendar
Inputs: school personnel, extension agent, local volunteers
Timeline: Spring 2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Forestry Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Forestry Project Introducing Yourself to Trees; Kentucky’s Useful Forests; Kentucky 4-H Forestry Project Planting Trees; Project Learning Tree Environmental Education Guide
Inputs: school personnel, extension agent, local volunteers
Timeline: Spring - Summer 2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Entomology Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Bee Ambassador Leader’s Guide; 4-H Teaming with Insects Levels 1, 2, 3, and Facilitator’s Guide; 4-H Entomology State Fair Resources
Inputs: school personnel, extension agent, local volunteers
Timeline: September 2023- June 2024
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-HTeen Environmental Camp (overnight)
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Backyards and Beyond Club Leader Curriculum, Organizational Guide and Toolkit, and Explorers’ Journal; 4-H Exploring Your Environment Series, State Fair Resources
Inputs: school personnel, extension agent, local volunteers, WKY 4-H Camp staff
Timeline: Fall 2023
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Animal Disease
The problemWith the continual use of a few common ingredients to deworm cattle, immunity by parasites to those active chemical compounds in dewormers is suspected. Parasites can cause serious problems in cattle resulting in poor health and for the animals and economic loss for the farmerThe educational program responseEighty to one hundred beef cattle producers will participate in a feces collection where fecal parasite eggs will be counted before and after dewormer use. Two farmers in Meade Cou
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
The problemHistory has demonstrated that recommended agriculture practices that are new and are a change from the norm do not happen at a high rate among adult producers. Therefore, educating our youth with this recommended research based practices carries over in to their farming operations when they become adults.The educational program responseStudents learned the process of synchronizing cattle to shorten a breeding season and to get a higher percentage of calves in the first one-third of th
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Grains
The problemIn today’s world farmers, especially those that raise grain crops, have a difficult time sorting through the propaganda and agribusiness sales pitches. There are many different products available on the market that have claims and and unbiased research that show a positive net return. However, most university research proves otherwise it is very difficult to almost impossible for farmers to sort through this much information and be able to identify what is beneficial.The e
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Forages
The problemMeade County is one of the largest producers of hay in Kentucky. Several farmers grow alfalfa hay for sale. Alfalfa is an expensive crop to grow, but can be very profitable if managed well. This summer two alfalfa growers contacted this ANR agent about established alfalfa fields that were not growing well and look unhealthy. The educational program responseThis ANR agent made farm visits to the respective fields to discover the insect three cornered leafhopper was destroying thei
