McCracken County CES

County Emphasis:

To build strong and healthy families establishing sustainable practices to promote unity and financial security.

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 3:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 4:

Family and Youth Development

Situation:

Kentucky household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income in Kentucky on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $55,100, which is 74% of the U.S. median income). Most alarming, it is estimated that nearly 62% of Kentucky households do not generate sufficient income to meet living wage standards given the state’s average cost of living. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) projects that, “a key for Kentucky’s future economic growth is to identify and successfully implement programs that increase the employment-population ratio, particularly for working-age adults.” The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults across the Commonwealth by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Employee Soft Skills (e.g., communication, productivity, and teamwork skills) and Building Life Skills of Community Members were among the top ten Individual and Family Development Needs reported by Kentuckians.

America’s future hinges on a prepared workforce and engaged communities collaborating to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. As of 2024, there are 2,465,949 job openings in Kentucky and nationwide there are 10 million unfilled jobs. Fasted growing jobs are in the fields of vocational education and higher education teachers, agriculture professionals, and digitally enabled roles: ecommerce specialists, digital transformation specialists, and digital marketing professionals (World Economic Forum, 2023). 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet (Dell Technologies, 2019). 77% of employers say focus less on traditional school subjects, more on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, adaptability are key (World Economic Forum, 2023). According to the National 4-H Index Study 2024, 80% explored career options, 50% received guidance for college decisions, and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at. To ensure a sustainable society, it is crucial that our youth are equipped to fill these positions. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) has identified key priority issues related to life skill development for young people. These priorities include youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, and maximizing youth voice in matters that directly impact them. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future.

The opportunities and resources available to support the health and well-being of adults and families in Kentucky vary widely. Disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure contribute to higher rates of chronic health conditions and lower quality of life. Prevention, early detection, and care are essential to maintain and/or improve quality of life. Yet, this burden is often placed on individuals to navigate the

healthcare system and traditional public health entities. Additionally, for decades, little attention has been given to the external factors that undoubtedly affect health such as access to care, education, nutritious foods, and safe physical spaces. These same issues and concerns were echoed throughout the 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Assessment. Within the top 15 priority issues identified by Kentuckians, “ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious foods” was #4 and “reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise” was #8. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, UK Extension aims to become a critical public health partner for addressing disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure through comprehensive health, nutrition, and wellness programming that supports adult physical health and well-being.

Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). According to Kentucky Kids Count Database (AECF, 2023) 41% of Kentucky teenagers are obese or overweight. Youth are also experiencing alarming levels of negativity about themselves, their confidence in the future, and their ability to find contentment in life (McKinsey & Company, 2022). 30% of youth are chronically absent (United States Department of Education, 2024). The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2024) identified key priorities issues related to health and wellbeing as need for improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources, reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise, minimizing bullying and/or school violence. To address these issues, Kentucky 4-H creates opportunities for youth in the five domains of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health and well-being.

Small farm development is a crucial aspect of the Kentucky agricultural sector, especially in the context of supporting rural economies and ensuring food security. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) defines a small farm as an operation with a gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less. These farms are typically family-owned and operated, and they represent more than 90 percent of farms in the U.S. These farms face challenges such as urbanization, an aging farmer population, farm consolidation, new and beginning farmers, and changing climate patterns.

Small farms play a vital role in the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economies, protecting and enhancing natural resources and the environment, and maintaining rural populations. Urban small scale farm production is an emerging and fast grow segment of farm economies. The development and sustainability of small farms is important in providing a nursery for new enterprises and marketing systems, which is crucial for innovation and diversification in agriculture. Small farm development can be hindered by access to capital, markets, and technology. Additionally, owners of small farms may lack the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable practices that could improve their economic viability and environmental stewardship.

Kentucky Cooperative Extension will continue to aid small farm owners by providing educational opportunities and increasing awareness of resources offered through various programs and online platforms. This includes developing new and improved practices to reduce production costs, protect and improve soil and water resources, and offer options for specialty crop production. Extension personnel will also promote whole farm plans, estate planning, farm transitions, risk management, and market opportunities.

The development of small farms is imperative for the health of Kentucky’s agricultural sector, rural communities and emerging urban agriculture. Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.

County Situation:

McCracken County household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $47,011 compared to the state median household income average of $55,454). The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults and youth across the county by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents and further improved life skill development. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others, youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, and maximizing youth voice in matters that directly impact them. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future. In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with 249 responses from across the county, Youth Life Skill Training Opportunities, Strengthening Youth Workforce Readiness, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills reported by McCracken County residents.

The opportunities and resources available to support the health and well-being of adults and families in McCracken County vary widely. Disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure contribute to higher rates of chronic health conditions and lower quality of life. Prevention, early detection, and care are essential to maintain and/or improve quality of life. Yet, this burden is often placed on individuals to navigate the

healthcare system and traditional public health entities. Additionally, for decades, little attention has been given to the external factors that undoubtedly affect health such as access to care, education, nutritious foods, and safe physical spaces. These same issues and concerns were echoed throughout the 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Assessment. Within the top 15 priority issues identified by Kentuckians, “ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious foods” was #3 and “reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise” was #12. Other top listed priority issues included Support for Substance Use Addiction Prevention/Recovery, Improved Access to Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources, Social, Emotional, and/or Behavioral Education for Adults Working with Youth. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, McCracken County UK Extension aims to become a critical public health partner for addressing disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure through comprehensive health, nutrition, and wellness programming that supports adult and youth physical health and well-being.

Small farm development is a crucial aspect of the McCracken County agricultural sector, especially in the context of supporting rural economies and ensuring food security. Based on the 2022 CEDIK Agricultural Census Data, 86% of producers are considered small farmers based on their income for their farms. These farms face challenges such as urbanization, an aging farmer population, farm consolidation, new and beginning farmers, and changing climate patterns. Our McCracken County Community Needs Assessment highlighted the need to so support the sustainability of family farms and generating support for locally grown and produced foods. To address these issues, McCracken County Cooperative Extension will continue to aid small farm owners by providing educational opportunities and increasing awareness of resources offered through various programs and online platforms. This includes developing new and improved practices to reduce production costs, protect and improve soil and water resources, and offering options for specialty crop production. Extension personnel will also promote whole farm plans, estate planning, farm transitions, risk management, and market opportunities.

The development of small farms is imperative for the health of McCracken County’s agricultural sector, rural communities and emerging urban agriculture.

Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, McCracken County Cooperative Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses strengthening youth-adult or mentor relationships and social, emotional, and/or behavioral education for adults working with children, which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of McCracken County’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. Increased human capital among Kentuckians

Routinely meeting guidelines and recommendations for health behaviors that promote wellness and quality of life

Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area

Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets.

Strive to have all participating small farms fully implement sustainable practices that protect and enhance natural resources

Improved quality of family life

Increased support network

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth will plan and implement a service project. Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills

Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health or safety issues

4-H members will increase physical activity. 

Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects

Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies

Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy community, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together.

Enhanced community partnership that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills. Increased confidence to implement employability strategies.

Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.

Increased knowledge of general wellness practices

Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners.

Organize community events and workshops that foster networking among small farm owners and promote the sharing of best practices and innovations.

Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families.

Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., reading to your child, spending time together, self-care, caregiver preparation, active living).

Evaluation:

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported an improvement in their personal skills (e.g., communication, networking, time management) as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
Method	Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately post program (6+ hours)

 

Outcome	Improved employability and/or interpersonal skills (e.g., job interview skills, communication, networking, time management) (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported improvement in job interview skills; (2) Number of participants who reported improvement in personal skills.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

 

Outcome	Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g. vaccinations, screenings, preparation/consumption of nutritious foods, active living, pest prevention) (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported intentions to implement a behavior learned from a health and well-being program
Method	Demonstration or self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.
Method	Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline	Immediately after program/event

 

Outcome	Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops
Indicator	Number of producers who reported increased yield.   Number of producers that reduced production inputs/costs.  Number of producers that improved quality, adoption of new technologies and better management practices (soil sampling, IPM, e.g.).   Number of producers that expanded or developed new markets.
Method	Grower survey, direct observation and feedback
Timeline	ongoing

 

Outcome	Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production
Indicator	Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship.  Number of people that reduced pesticide applications.  Number of people that adopted improved management practices (soil sampling, IPM, e.g.).   Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites.  Number of trained volunteers and/or number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites.
Method	Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback
Timeline	ongoing

 

Outcome	Increased confidence and motivation to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported they have used nurturing parenting and/or caregiving strategies to improve their skills
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

 

Outcome	Increased intentions to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., spending more quality time together, engaging in meaningful talk) (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported they intend/plan to increase time spent nurturing and/or caregiving
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Communications Day

Content or Curriculum: Finding Your Voice: Public Speaking Made Easy

Inputs: 

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
• Four residential camping facilities.  
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
• Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Date: Ongoing, Sept 1- Aug 30

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Teen Club

Content or Curriculum: Leadership Skills You Never Outgrow

Inputs: 

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
• Four residential camping facilities.  
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
• Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs

Date: Ongoing

Audience: individuals, families, and employees

Project or Activity: Development of Employability Skills/Workforce Preparation

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability; Preparing for Financial Success curriculum; publications, newsletters (e.g., MONEYWI$E); Job Club; podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Enhancing Essential Skills Through the Arts curriculum and lessons, Artist Studio Guide lessons, publications

Inputs: Positive Employability; Preparing for Financial Success curriculum; publications, newsletters (e.g., MONEYWI$E); Job Club; podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Enhancing Essential Skills Through the Arts curriculum and lessons, Artist Studio Guide lessons, publications

Date: Ongoing

Audience:  Youth

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preservation

Content or Curriculum: Jump into Food and Fitness

Inputs: 

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
• Four residential camping facilities.  
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
• Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs

Dates: Ongoing 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Health Rocks

Content or Curriculum: 

• 4-H Health Rocks! Curriculum.  
• Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know  
• Substance Abuse  
• Mental Health Services Administration.

Inputs:  

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
• Four residential camping facilities.  
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
• Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs

Dates: Sept 1-Aug 3-, Ongoing

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Cook Wild Ky, Food as Health Toolkit, Recovery Garden Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, health coalitions, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health and wellness, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farms/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Specialty Crop Growers

Project or Activity:  Programming for commercial or pre-commercial (training to be commercial growers) specialty crop production and management
Content or Curriculum:  Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs:  Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Non-Commercial Urban and Community Gardeners

Project or Activity: programming for specialty crop production and management that is non-commercial

Content or curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, community advocacy and faith-based groups, schools 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Kindergarten Readiness

Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Playdates, Information Releases, and Publications

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, HeadStart/daycare organizations, healthcare providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, Homemakers, community centers, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity:  Communication/Relationships Across the Lifespan

Content or Curriculum: Pathways to Wellness, Story Walks, Shared Space Agreements, Trail development, Active Community Toolkit, Be More Guide, resources for early care and education settings, food system work (e.g., farmers’ markets, backpack programs, community gardens), SNAP-Ed toolkit; Memory Banking/Life Story; Keys to Embracing Aging; AARP Prepare to Care; Kick Kentucky Cancer; Living with Loss; Mental Health Matters; In the Face of Disaster Toolkit; How to Help Military Families; Understanding Risky Adolescent Behavior and Healthy Brain Development; WITS Workout; Grandparents and Grandchildren Together

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, health coalitions, Nutrition Education Program, local farms/growers/producers, key stakeholders, elected officials, Department of Transportation, employee health and wellness, schools, etc

Dates: Ongoing

Evaluation:

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported an improvement in their personal skills (e.g., communication, networking, time management) as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.
Method	Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately post program (6+ hours)

 

Outcome	Improved employability and/or interpersonal skills (e.g., job interview skills, communication, networking, time management) (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported improvement in job interview skills; (2) Number of participants who reported improvement in personal skills.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

 

Outcome	Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g. vaccinations, screenings, preparation/consumption of nutritious foods, active living, pest prevention) (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported intentions to implement a behavior learned from a health and well-being program
Method	Demonstration or self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.
Method	Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline	Immediately after program/event

 

Outcome	Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops
Indicator	Number of producers who reported increased yield.   Number of producers that reduced production inputs/costs.  Number of producers that improved quality, adoption of new technologies and better management practices (soil sampling, IPM, e.g.).   Number of producers that expanded or developed new markets.
Method	Grower survey, direct observation and feedback
Timeline	ongoing

 

Outcome	Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production
Indicator	Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship.  Number of people that reduced pesticide applications.  Number of people that adopted improved management practices (soil sampling, IPM, e.g.).   Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites.  Number of trained volunteers and/or number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites.
Method	Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback
Timeline	ongoing

 

Outcome	Increased confidence and motivation to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported they have used nurturing parenting and/or caregiving strategies to improve their skills
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

 

Outcome	Increased intentions to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., spending more quality time together, engaging in meaningful talk) (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported they intend/plan to increase time spent nurturing and/or caregiving
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Ongoing