Hart County CES

Title:

Increasing Agriculture Awareness and Profitability

MAP:

Sustainability of Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Estes

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Horticulture, Commercial

Situation:

There are over 75,000 farms in the state of Kentucky.  Those farms produce a variety of agricultural related products.  The top five agricultural commodities include broilers, other animal products, soybeans, corn and cattle (USDA ERS, 2020)   Every person in Kentucky is impacted by Agriculture every day in the foods that they eat and the fibers that are used in their clothes, homes, work places and vehicles. People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. It is important to increase a young persons awareness of the impact agriculture has on their daily life.  It is also important to help educate our farming community on up to date research based information so they can advance their farming practices.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

· Youth and adults will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.

· Youth and adults will adopt safe and profitable agricultural practices.

· Youth and adults will make informed decisions that will be increase profits and reduce expenses.

· Youth and adults will produce a high quality agriculture product. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth and adults will improve and maintain agriculture practices  Youth and adults will adopt safety practices on the farm Youth will practice life skills in agriculture projects and food production Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability

Initial Outcomes:

• Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.
• Youth & adults will gain knowledge on researched based farming and horticulture practices
• Youth & adults will gain knowledge of farm health and safety practices.
• Youth will be introduced to careers in agriculture.
• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant science, horticulture and animal science.
• Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision- making, communications, record-keeping, leadership and service.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increase knowledge in animal science and natural resources

Indicator: Number of youth participating in 4-H livestock and horse activities and natural resource projects

Method: Enrollment in projects and clubs

Timeline: July 2024- June 2025

Intermediate Outcomes: Youth apply their knowledge and skills by competing in livestock and horse contest, forestry field day, and completing 4-H country ham project

Indicator: Number of youth earning top ten awards at local, district and state competitions

Method: Number of youth competing in competitions

Timeline: July 2024-June 2025

Long-term Outcomes: Youth becoming owners of their own livestock/horse operation and/or adopting a career in the agriculture or conservation industry.

Indicator: Number of youth livestock owners and number of 4-H alumni who enter the workforce in the career field

Method: Word of mouth, observation, and survey

Timeline: On going

Initial Outcome: Gained knowledge in the areas of animal husbandry and production practices. 

 Indicator: Individuals state they gained knowledge and aspire to implement practices on their farm

 Method: Post educational activity evaluation

 Timeline: July 2024 – June 2025

 Intermediate Outcomes: Individuals implement production practices learned during educational classes to increase profitability

 Indicator: Number of practices adopted and implemented

 Method: Post evaluations and follow up surveys

 Timeline: July 2024 – June 2025

 Long-term Outcomes: Farmers will be more profitable by applying learned marketing strategies and production practices

 Indicator: Number of participants who adopt recommended practices and impact increased profitability

 Method: Evaluations, follow up surveys and testimony

 Timeline: On going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: June 2024 to July 2025

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Farm Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum & Farm Safety Curriculum
Inputs: Hart County Fairgrounds
Date: Fall 2024

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Horse Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Equine Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
 Date: July 2024 – June 2025

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Horticulture Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Horticulture Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: May & June 2025

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Agriculture Educational Trainings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Agriculture Educational Trainings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

Audience: Adult
Project or Activity: BQCA Training
Content or Curriculum: KY Cattlemen BQCA
Inputs: Agriculture
Date: Spring 2025

Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: UK Pesticide Training
Content or Curriculum: UK Pesticide Training Curriculum
Inputs: Agriculture
Date: Spring 2025

 

Success Stories