Todd County CES

County Emphasis:

Strengthening Agriculture Production & Natural Resources Management

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 4:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

Kentucky’s animal production and management strategies encompass sustainable practices, health-focused care, and economic viability across all species thus contributing significantly to the state’s agricultural landscape. Beef cattle play a crucial role in converting Kentucky’s vast 7 million acres of pasture and forage into valuable products. CES focuses on sustainable grazing practices and ensuring optimal use of natural resources like land and water. 

  

Kentucky’s youth should have access to education and life-skills in animal production and management. According to the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, Kentucky has seen a decline in the number of farms and agricultural land, alongside a slight increase in the average age of producers and farm size. Successful operation of farms and ranches requires business skills, ongoing training and education, and safety awareness (USDA, 2024). The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Community Needs Assessment (2023) highlights key agricultural priorities, including youth life skill training, workforce readiness, access to affordable and nutritious food, support for the local agriculture industry, and promoting agricultural literacy among youth. 4-H projects in animal production and management can help young people develop life skills, learn about responsibility, and gain content knowledge about animals through breeding or market projects. 

  

Educating youth and adults about natural resources and environmental sciences is crucial for our future, as it empowers them to become proactive stewards of our planet. The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program aims to boost environmental literacy among youth, addressing a significant gap in environmental knowledge revealed by surveys from the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. America’s prosperity is inseparably linked to the health of our environment. A healthy environment is an essential component of the quality of life of humans and all living organisms (USDA, 2024). Optimistically, the National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey found that 83% of youth enjoy science, 66% see it as a problem-solving tool, and 62% are interested in science-related careers. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System’s 2023 assessment identified key priorities such as youth life skill training, workforce readiness, and promoting natural resource literacy. Through 4-H projects in natural resources and environmental sciences, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources through various projects and programs. 

  

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. 

   

To meet the needs of producers, ANR agents and specialists will continue to disseminate research-based information, offer farm visits, diagnostic services, field days, online resources, and support local farmer’s markets and auctions. 

 

County Situation:

Seventy-eight percent of Todd County’s land is in farms, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture.  Since 2002, Todd County is one of only 15 counties in Kentucky boasting a gain of over $100 million in market value of ag sales.  Despite Todd County’s rich agriculture heritage, the most recent ag census indicated that 30% of active farmers are beginning farmers.  In addition to this, Todd County is experiencing increasing pressure on land use and value due to sprawl/expansion coming from Clarksville, TN.   

 

These factors magnify the need to provide farmers and our youth with knowledge to farm successfully, using best management practices that protect natural resources.  In fact, promoting youth agriculture and natural resource literacy; sustainability of family farms; and strengthening agriculture were all top issues identified in UK Extension’s community assessment for Todd County. 

 

With increasing technology in agriculture, it’s imperative that our youth and adults understand how to use technology to interpret, understand and bring solutions for improvement. 

Youth experiences in an educational setting, learning scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address environmental issues such as air and water quality, land use, carrying capacity, product life cycle, and ecological sustainability will help sustain the environment for future generations. Filling the gap with educated young adults is a needed action to ensure that farmers of our future are able to feed America. 

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

ADULT

• Strengthen local economies through improved farm sustainability and profitability, which are economic multipliers in local communities. Helping farm families successfully transition to subsequent generations. Helping new and beginning farmers enter farming operations.   
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods and species.

YOUTH

• make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. 

• advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities. 

• Be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators. 

• advance their skills in animal husbandry and animal sciences becoming more literate in agriculture, science, and technology.  

• utilize scientific methods to solve problems and make decisions in their daily lives.  

• improve job readiness in agricultural and science related fields of study and will gain and maintain employment in the agriculture & Natural Resources industries. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

ADULT

• Expansion of Extension programming by broadening the scope of extension services to include more comprehensive support for agronomic and horticultural crops and forages suited to Kentucky's changing climate and soil conditions. 

• Increased adoption of effective crop protection (i.e. IPM) methods by stakeholders to manage diseases. 

• Adoption of improved pesticide safety practices .

YOUTH

• practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs. 

• communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.  

• actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.  

• conserve more of the environment 

• Judge livestock based on confirmation and performance. 

• raise, feed and show livestock and horses through 4-H events. 

• read food labels of products that come from agriculture 

• understand and explain the role of agriculture in daily lives to others 

• influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products 

• practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems 

• adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment 

Initial Outcomes:

ADULT

• Increase knowledge about sustainable and economically viable management practices. 

• Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species. 

• Increase confidence in implementing new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems. 

 

YOUTH

• Youth will explore their spark in agriculture.

• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture. 

• Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life.

• Youth will expand life and work readiness skills in agriculture, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of agriculture. 

• Learn how to select livestock and horses through the judging programs 

• Understand science principles 

• Gain an appreciation for the environment and the importance of recycling 

• Understand the types and layers of soils in Todd County 

• Learn about the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) 

• Gain an appreciation for nature and wildlife 

• Learn safety in handling firearms 

• Gain marksmanship skills through shooting sports 

• develop valuable life-skills including decision making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service. 

Evaluation:

ADULT

Initial Outcome:  Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices that improve ag production and/or conservation practices

Indicator:  Number of participants who report an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of ag production and conservation practices

Method:  Survey

Timeline:  At the end of each program

Intermediate Outcome:  Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained in ag production or conservation practices; using soil test results to apply correct type and amount of soil amendments

Indicator:  Number of participants who report making changes in ag production or conservation practices

Method:  Survey (post-program) or records from individual consultations

Timeline:  6 - 12 months after completion of programs

Long-Term Outcome: Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs

Indicator: Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Extension agriculture production programs.

Method: Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback

Timeline: Frequently to annual

YOUTH

Initial Outcome:  Youth

Indicator:  

• Number of youth who reported that they have realized?the impact animal production has in daily life. 

• Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production. 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest. 

• Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas. 

Method:  End of program evaluation

Timeline:  4-H Program Year

Intermediate Outcome:  Youth

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions. 

• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in animal production based on their interests. 

• Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or?skills gained in animal production to complete a project. 

• Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices. 

Method:  End of program with follow-up focus groups

Timeline:  6 months post program

Long-term Outcome:  Youth

Indicator:  Number of youth and/or number of participants who reported an improvement in their quality of life because of implementing the ag management skills/practices learned from UK Extension

Method:  Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Timeline:  1 year post program

Learning Opportunities:

ADULT

Audience:  Beef Cattle Owners, Industry Representatives

Project or Activity:  Master Cattleman

Content or Curriculum:  Master Cattleman Curriculum

Inputs:  Coordination with Beef IRM Coordinators and Specialists

Date:  Winter 2025-2026

Audience:  Beef Cattle Owners, Industry Representatives

Project or Activity:  BQCA Trainings

Content or Curriculum:  State BQCA Videos and Materials

Inputs:  Coordination by ANR Agent

Date:  September 2025 and April 2026

Audience:  Beef Cattle Owners, Industry Representatives

Project or Activity:  Todd County Cattlemen's Association Meetings

Content or Curriculum:  UK Extension Beef Resources

Inputs:  ANR Agent, UK Beef Specialists

Date:  Winter 2025-2026

Audience:  Sheep & Goat Owners (Adult & Youth)

Project or Activity:  Forages for Sheep & Goats

Content or Curriculum:  UK Extension Forage Resources

Inputs:  ANR Agent

Date:  Fall 2025

Audience:  Commercial Vegetable Growers

Project or Activity:  Commercial Horticulture Conference

Content or Curriculum:  UK Extension Resources; Grower Panel

Inputs:  Coordination with Produce Auction, UK Specialists, and Growers

Date:  December 2025

Audience:  Commercial Vegetable Growers

Project or Activity:  Farm Twilight Tour

Content or Curriculum:  UK Extension Resources

Inputs:  Coordination with Produce Auction, UK Specialists and ANR Agent, and Growers

Date:  June 2026

Audience:  Tobacco Growers

Project or Activity:  Tobacco Production Meeting

Content or Curriculum:  UK Extension Resources

Inputs:  Coordination with UK Tobacco Specialist

Date:  January 2026

Audience:  Grain Growers, Ag Industry Representatives

Project or Activity:  KY-TN Grain Day

Content or Curriculum:  UK and UT Extension Resources

Inputs:  Coordination with UK & UT Extension Agents and Specialists

Date:  February 2026

Audience:  Farmers

Project or Activity:  IPM & Pesticide Programs

Content or Curriculum:  UK Extension educational materials

Inputs:  ANR Agent and UK Specialists

Date:  January, February, March 2026

Audience:   Agricultural producers and the public

Project or Activity:    Soil Testing, Pest and Disease identification

Content or Curriculum:    Clinical diagnoses and trainings

Inputs:  Diagnostic labs and services

Date:  Ongoing

YOUTH

Audience:  Youth

Project or Activity:  4-H Livestock and Horse Programming; General Agricultural Short-Term Programs (School Enrichment)

Content or Curriculum:  Ohio State University Horse and Livestock Learning Lab Kits; Kentucky Horse & Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum; Kentucky 4-H Horse Website and Animal Sciences Website; Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website; Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program Overview; Kentucky 4-H Livestock Rules and Guidelines; UK Pullet Project Guide; National 4-H Poultry Judging Manual (published by Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service); and Evaluating Egg Laying Hens (University of Kentucky)

Inputs:  

• 4-H programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, develop relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful

• Certified volunteers in animal sciences (livestock, horse, poultry, and rabbit)

• Accredited volunteers in agriculture

• Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system

• Funding opportunities from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc 

• Funding from local, state, and federal sources, and grants

• Engagement of volunteers and youth in delivering the programs and leading clubs

• Engagement of communities in identifying and implementing programming based on meeting local needs

• External stakeholder engagement and support such as commodity groups and agricultural organizations

• Provide livestock and horse judging opportunities to 4-H youth  

• Provide showmanship workshops for club members 

• Provide livestock shows and agriculture exhibits for youth at the 4-H Fair in July

• Provide a SET program at summer 4-H camp and in the Fall

• Teach Earth Day lessons at South Todd and North Todd to celebrate Earth Day

• Provide opportunities for students to learn about new technology through after school clubs

• Provide an Agriculture Day for 6th grade students in the spring 

Date:  4-H Program Year

Evaluation:

ADULT

Initial Outcome:  Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices that improve ag production and/or conservation practices

Indicator:  Number of participants who report an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of ag production and conservation practices

Method:  Survey

Timeline:  At the end of each program

Intermediate Outcome:  Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained in ag production or conservation practices; using soil test results to apply correct type and amount of soil amendments

Indicator:  Number of participants who report making changes in ag production or conservation practices

Method:  Survey (post-program) or records from individual consultations

Timeline:  6 - 12 months after completion of programs

Long-Term Outcome: Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs

Indicator: Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Extension agriculture production programs.

Method: Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback

Timeline: Frequently to annual

YOUTH

Initial Outcome:  Youth

Indicator:  

• Number of youth who reported that they have realized?the impact animal production has in daily life. 

• Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production. 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest. 

• Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas. 

Method:  End of program evaluation

Timeline:  4-H Program Year

Intermediate Outcome:  Youth

Indicator:

• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions. 

• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in animal production based on their interests. 

• Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or?skills gained in animal production to complete a project. 

• Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices. 

Method:  End of program with follow-up focus groups

Timeline:  6 months post program

Long-term Outcome:  Youth

Indicator:  Number of youth and/or number of participants who reported an improvement in their quality of life because of implementing the ag management skills/practices learned from UK Extension

Method:  Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Timeline:  1 year post program