Meade County CES

Title:

Improved Management Practices, Animal Science, Grain & Forage Crops

MAP:

Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

Agents Involved:

Mills, Reed

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Grains

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Agriculture

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• 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
• Gain unbiased knowledge of soil amendments' chemistry and their effectiveness
• 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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Producers will use county wide variety trials as a tool in making variety selections for their grain crops.
• Producers will work with agent in creating on farm tests on new products to gain better knowledge of their economic impact.
• 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

Initial Outcomes:

• Producers will make variety selections based on county trial results.
• Producers will attend Extension meetings to become better educated on new products and practices.
• Producers will use unbiased research to help make management decisions on soil fertility.
• 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

Evaluation:

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 2025

Intermediate Outcome: Grain farmers will decrease input costs

Indicator: Farm records

Method: Meetings on research results

Timeline: Winter 2024, 2025

Long-Term Outcome: Producer will improve hay use efficiency

Indicator: Reduction in hay fed

Method: Meetings and or farm demonstrations

Timeline: Fall 2023-March 2025

Intermediate Outcome: Increase Pounds of Feeder Calves Sold

Indicator: Farm Records

Method: Trainings and on farm trials

Timeline: Spring 2023-2025

Initial Outcome: More genetically suited bulls will be used

Indicator: Evaluation of Bull registration papers

Method: Meetings and field days

Timeline: February 2023-Febraury 2025

Initial Outcome: Producers will make variety selections based on county trial results.

Indicator: Seed Dealers sales

Method: Seed dealer visits

Timeline: November 2023 - November 2025

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 2025

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 2024 - June 2025

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 2024 - June 2025

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: July 2024 - June 2025

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: July 2024 - July 2025

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 2024 - June 2025

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 2024 - June 2025

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 2024 - June 2025

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 2024 - June 2025

Learning Opportunities:

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, 2025

Audience: Grain and Beef Producers, Agribusinesses

Activity: On Farm Demonstrations/ research results

Content or Curriculum: Field plots and trials

Inputs: UK Specialists, Previous Research, farmer

Timeline: Summer 2024-2025

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 2023-2025

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 2023-2025

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club Meetings (Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep, Poultry, Rabbit, Country Ham)

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: September 2024 - July 2025

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: September 2024 - July 2025

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: September 2024 - July 2025

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 2024 - July 2025

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 2024 - July 2025

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Embryology School Enrichment 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 2025

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 2024- June 2025

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 2024/Spring 2025

Success Stories