Montgomery County CES

County Emphasis:

Sustainability of Family Farms

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Health and Wellbeing

Situation:

Agriculture & Natural Resources Programming Priorities / Horticulture Programming Priorities 

Animal Production and Management

Kentucky’s animal production and management strategies emphasize sustainability, animal health, and economic viability across all species, making a significant contribution to the state’s agricultural economy. Beef cattle production plays a pivotal role in transforming over 7 million acres of Kentucky’s pasture and forage into marketable agricultural products.

The Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to enhancing sustainable grazing practices and optimizing the use of natural resources such as land and water. To better serve Kentucky’s diverse animal producers, CES will expand need-based education and producer-focused programming across species. Current and future initiatives will address:

• Improved animal management systems

• Integration of emerging technologies

• Adoption of innovative production systems

• Strategies for enhanced efficiency and profitability

Plant, Crop, and Forage Production

Optimizing plant, crop, and forage productivity is essential as Kentucky producers face growing pressures from economic challenges, climate variability, and changing consumer demands. Key challenges include:

• Rising costs of inputs (seed, fertilizer, machinery)

• Market fluctuations in crop prices

• Soil health knowledge gaps

• Water access and management for sustainable yields

To address these needs, CES agents and specialists will:

• Disseminate research-based recommendations

• Host workshops, field days, and virtual learning opportunities

• Support local food systems, including farmers markets, community gardens, CSA models, and urban horticulture initiatives

---

Family & Consumer Sciences Programming Priorities

1. Food Insecurity

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in Kentucky, particularly in rural and Appalachian regions.

• Kentucky:

  • ~14% overall food insecurity (among the highest in the U.S.)

  • Elevated rates of child food insecurity

  • Eastern Kentucky counties among the most affected

• U.S. Context:

  • ~12.8% food insecurity nationally in 2022 (USDA)

  • ~17% child food insecurity

  • Pandemic recovery efforts offered short-term relief, but inflation and access issues continue to impact families

2. Mental Health

Mental and behavioral health outcomes in Kentucky are among the most concerning in the nation.

• Kentucky:

  • Ranked among the bottom 10 states for mental health (Mental Health America, 2023)

  • High incidence of depression, anxiety, and frequent poor mental health days

  • Rural counties face limited access to behavioral health services

• U.S. Context:

  • Increasing national mental health concerns, especially post-pandemic

  • Rural areas experience a shortage of mental health professionals

  • Growth in community-based and alternative wellness programs

3. Substance Use Prevention & Recovery

Kentucky continues to be deeply affected by the opioid epidemic.

• Kentucky:

  • Among the highest opioid overdose rates in the country

  • Central and Eastern Kentucky report high neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) rates and kinship care arrangements

  • Strong prevention coalitions exist, but sustainable recovery resources are limited

• U.S. Context:

  • Over 100,000 annual overdose deaths nationwide

  • Rural communities particularly impacted due to limited infrastructure

  • Family-based prevention programs are nationally recognized but underutilized

County Situation:

Agriculture & Natural Resources Priorities / Horticulture Priorities

Montgomery County farmers rely heavily on livestock, hay, pasture, and grain crop income. However, they continue to face management challenges related to:

• Production efficiency and profitability

• Soil fertility and crop yields

• Marketing strategies and commodity pricing

To address these challenges, Montgomery County Extension works closely with County Agricultural Councils, Commodity Groups, and Farm Organizations. These partners have been instrumental in identifying local needs and shaping the current Plan of Work. Program efforts will focus on:

• Promoting sustainable production systems

• Enhancing nutrient and soil management practices

• Offering educational programs and on-farm demonstrations

• Supporting decision-making through timely, research-based information

---

Family & Consumer Sciences Programming Priorities

Montgomery County continues to experience a variety of community-wide challenges that impact families, particularly in the areas of food insecurity, mental health, child development, and substance misuse. These issues are often interconnected and require a holistic, family-centered approach.

1. Food Insecurity

• Estimated local rate: 16–18% (higher than state and national averages)

• Particularly high among families with children and in rural areas with limited transportation and food access

• Contributing factors include inflation, food costs, and access to grocery stores or food pantries

Extension Response:
Programs will focus on nutrition education, budgeting, meal planning, and local food access through farmers markets, community gardens, and SNAP-Ed programming.

---

2. Mental Health & Social Isolation

• High reported levels of stress among caregivers, older adults, and low-income households

• Lack of access to licensed mental health providers within the county

• Informal social networks — such as Extension clubs, Homemakers, and skill-building programs — provide emotional and social support

Extension Response:
FCS programs will expand informal wellness supports, promote healthy coping strategies, reduce stigma, and build connections through activities like sewing groups, leadership clubs, and intergenerational events.

---

3. Drug Misuse Prevention & Community Impact

• Substance misuse — especially opioids — continues to impact families, children, and the workforce

• Growing number of children living in kinship or recovery-impacted households

• Ongoing trauma contributes to cycles of poverty, instability, and health disparities

Extension Response:
FCS will provide prevention education, youth-focused programming, trauma-informed practices, and partnerships with local coalitions to address the root causes and support recovery.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Agriculture & Natural Resources Program Priorities / Horticulture Program Priorities 

Beef Cattle Production

Goal: Increase the quality and market value of beef cattle produced annually

• Enhance genetics, nutrition, and herd health

• Support producer profitability and long-term financial stability

• Promote rotational grazing and pasture management to extend forage availability and reduce input costs

Crop Sustainability & Profitability

Goal: Improve environmental stewardship and farm profitability through adoption of best practices

• Promote soil health, nutrient management, and pest control strategies

• Reduce environmental impact while increasing crop yields and input efficiency

• Equip producers with tools to adapt to market demands and climate variability

Sustainable Market Gardening (Small Farm Focus)

Goal: Support small farms with viable, sustainable market gardening operations

• Increase local food access and income opportunities for small producers

• Promote water conservation, cover cropping, and season extension

• Strengthen Kentucky’s rural economies and food systems through localized production

On-Farm Value-Added Production & Food Business Startups

Goal: Foster economic resilience through food entrepreneurship

• Help farmers diversify income by launching food products or processing services

• Provide training on regulatory compliance, food safety, and marketing

• Encourage business planning, branding, and connection to regional markets

---

Family & Consumer Sciences Program Focus: Sustained Impact and Systemic Change

The Montgomery County FCS program aims to create long-lasting change by addressing root causes, strengthening community support networks, and fostering resilience in youth and families.

Priority Outcomes:

• Decreased Food Insecurity:
  Measurable improvements in nutrition, budgeting, and food access through targeted education and outreach.

• Improved School Readiness:
  Early childhood education efforts support developmental milestones, parent engagement, and community collaboration.

• Expanded Access to Support Services:
  Extension acts as a trusted connector between families and local resources.

• Mental Health and Substance Use Awareness:
  Programs reduce stigma and increase public understanding of behavioral health and recovery.

• Youth and Family Resilience:
  Evidence-based programs (e.g., Cooking Through Recovery, Sewing for Sanity) provide therapeutic support and life skills.

• Community-Driven Prevention:
  Partnerships with coalitions and local organizations allow for sustainable, grant-supported prevention models.

• Cultural Shift Toward Wellness:
  Extension programming promotes a county-wide movement toward prevention, whole-family health, and positive behavior change.

• Recognition and Replication:
  Montgomery County is positioned as a model for innovative, FCS-led community engagement in Kentucky and beyond.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Livestock: Sustainable Management and Industry Collaboration

Goal: Enhance sustainable practices and economic viability across all livestock sectors

• Strengthen partnerships with commodity groups to collaboratively address livestock health, welfare, and profitability

• Promote sustainable herd management, improved genetics, and health-focused care strategies

• Expand educational efforts targeting financial planning and market resilience for livestock operations

Agronomic and Horticultural Crops & Forages

Goal: Broaden Extension's impact by supporting a wider range of crops and production systems

• Provide comprehensive technical support for crops suited to Kentucky's climate and soils

• Promote the use of best management practices to improve soil health, reduce input costs, and boost yields

• Encourage diversification and integrated systems that align with climate-smart agriculture principles

Sustainable Market Gardening for Small Farms

Goal: Support small-scale producers with tools for economic and environmental success

• Promote farm income diversification and risk management

• Increase access to local and regional markets (e.g., CSAs, online platforms, farmers markets)

• Strengthen community food systems through local production and distribution

On-Farm Value-Added Production & Food Business Startups

Goal: Support entrepreneurial efforts that grow local food economies

• Help producers launch food-based businesses that utilize farm products

• Provide guidance on food safety, processing, marketing, and licensing

• Expand availability of Kentucky-grown and -processed foods in the local marketplace

---

Family & Consumer Sciences Program Focus

Behavior Change, Program Expansion, and Environmental Shifts

Targeted Outcomes:

• Healthier Eating Behaviors:
  Families adopt low-cost, nutritious meal habits through practical, hands-on nutrition programs

• Improved Mental and Emotional Wellbeing:
  Participants report reduced isolation and stress through programs like sewing circles, mindfulness groups, and community support efforts

• Stronger Parenting and School Readiness:
  Caregivers demonstrate increased knowledge of child development and kindergarten readiness markers

• Greater Access for At-Risk Families:
  More families impacted by substance misuse or in recovery actively engage in FCS programs and access wraparound support

• Integrated Prevention Efforts:
  Drug misuse prevention becomes a natural part of community events such as school, church, and family nights

• Positive Cultural Shifts:
  Community norms begin to reflect stronger support for mental health care, family resilience, and prevention efforts

• Policy and Systems-Level Change:
  Local leaders and institutions consider or adopt supportive policies, such as:

  • School wellness and nutrition policies

  • Food recovery and donation programs

  • Trauma-informed practices and training for educators and service providers

Initial Outcomes:

Agriculture & Natural Resources Program / Horticulture Program

Focus: Livestock and Plant Production Efficiency

Goal: Increase skills and knowledge related to efficient and sustainable production methods across all livestock and plant species

• Train producers on best practices for herd management, crop rotation, and integrated pest management

• Promote technologies and systems that increase production efficiency and reduce input costs

• Facilitate workshops and field days to demonstrate practical, research-based methods

Focus: Sustainable Market Gardening for Small Farms

Goal: Support small farms in adopting sustainable practices for long-term viability

• Increased farmer knowledge of soil health, irrigation, and season extension

• Adoption of low-input, climate-resilient gardening methods

• Expanded production for local markets and community food systems

Focus: On-Farm Value-Added Production & Food Business Startups

Goal: Encourage entrepreneurship and economic diversification on Kentucky farms

• Increased producer confidence in launching value-added products

• Improved understanding of food safety regulations, licensing, and product labeling

• Support provided for marketing, packaging, and connecting with regional markets

---

Family & Consumer Sciences Program

Focus: Awareness, Engagement, and Capacity Building

Goal: Build stronger communities through increased awareness and program engagement around key family and health issues

Key Outcomes:

• Increased Community Awareness of food insecurity, mental health, child development, and substance misuse through Extension-led assessments, forums, and outreach

• Higher Participation in educational programs like Sewing for Sanity, Cooking Through Recovery, and Readiness Rocks!

• Stronger Partnerships formed with schools, health providers, pantries, recovery centers, and coalitions

• Expanded Knowledge among participants related to:

  • Healthy, low-cost eating habits

  • Stress management and mental health strategies

  • Child development milestones and early learning readiness

  • Drug misuse prevention for families and youth

• Volunteer & Peer Leader Development:

  • Community members trained to assist with wellness programming, parenting support, and skill-building workshops

Evaluation:

Agriculture & Natural Resources Program / Horticulture Program 

Crop, Forage, and Livestock Production

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Increased knowledge and skills related to crop, forage, and livestock production	Number of producers reporting increased knowledge of production and/or sustainable practices	Surveys	Ongoing
Intermediate Outcome	Increased adoption of sustainable crop, forage, and livestock practices	Number of producers adopting recommended practices	Surveys	Ongoing
Long-term Outcome	Economic and/or environmental benefits achieved from practice adoption	Number of producers reporting efficiency gains, cost savings, or increased profitability	Surveys	Ongoing

---

Sustainable Market Gardening for Small Farms

Outcome Level	Evaluation Methods	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Pre- and post-workshop surveys assessing knowledge (soil, irrigation, planning)	Before/after each event
Intermediate Outcome	Adoption surveys at 6-month intervals	6 months post-training
Long-term Outcome	Farm record audits tracking input use, yield, and income changes	6–12 months post-training
Qualitative Data	Focus groups evaluating perceived value and relevance	Annual or post-season

---

On-Farm Value-Added Production & Food Business Startups

Outcome Level	Evaluation Methods	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Pre- and post-tests on food safety and marketing topics	During workshops
Intermediate Outcome	Recipe approval data and product development tracking via HBM records	Throughout HBM process
Long-term Outcome	Follow-up surveys/interviews assessing business launch or expansion	6 months post-program
Other Methods	Sales tracking at local events, consumer satisfaction surveys	Seasonal/quarterly

---

Family & Consumer Sciences Program

Food Access & Nutrition

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Participants increase knowledge of healthy food choices and meal planning	% reporting improved nutrition knowledge	Pre/post survey (SNAP-Ed tools)	Before/after each workshop
Initial Outcome	Families gain skills to prepare healthy meals on a budget	# demonstrating cooking or budgeting skills	Class observation + follow-up	End of class + 1–3 month check

---

Mental Health & Resilience (Sewing, Support Groups, etc.)

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Participants feel less isolated and more socially connected	% reporting reduced stress or improved mood	Weekly mood logs, reflection journals	Ongoing; final program evaluation

---

Drug Misuse Prevention

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Families improve communication about substance use prevention	% reporting confidence discussing drug issues	Post-program survey/reflection	End of each session or series
Initial Outcome	Youth gain refusal and decision-making skills	% naming 2+ coping/refusal strategies	Pre/post quiz (Health Rocks! etc.)	Start and end of youth series

---

Community Engagement

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Community members recognize FCS as a wellness and prevention resource	# of return participants or referrals	Registration logs, attendance, interviews	Tracked quarterly

Learning Opportunities:

Beef Cattle Programming

• Audience: Beef cattle owners

• Projects/Activities: BQCA Trainings, Master Cattlemen Class, Freezer Beef Short Course

• Content/Curriculum:

  • Kentucky BQCA videos

  • Master Cattleman Curriculum

  • Freezer Beef Short Course Curriculum

• Inputs: Collaboration with Beef IRM Coordinators & UK Specialists

• Date: TBA

---

Field Crop & Forage Programming

• Audience: Grain, field crop, and forage producers

• Projects/Activities: Grain and Forage Crop Management Education

• Content/Curriculum:

  • UK publications, fact sheets, field days, workshops, county/regional meetings, phone/email consultations

• Inputs: UK Specialists, diagnostic labs and services

• Date: Ongoing

---

Sustainable Market Gardening for Small Farms

• Audience: Small-scale farmers, beginning farmers, transitioning producers, veteran growers

• Projects/Activities:

  • Seasonal workshops (soil health, irrigation, planning)

  • On-farm field days (cover crops, high tunnels)

  • Business clinics (budgeting, CSA, market strategy)

  • Demonstrations (drip irrigation, composting)

  • Enterprise budget and planning tool development

• Content/Curriculum:

  • AGR-204: Soil Management for Vegetable Production

  • HO-110: Irrigation Techniques for Small Farms

  • ID-36: Vegetable Production Guide

  • KY MarketReady Training Program

  • Sustainable Vegetable Production in Kentucky

• Inputs:

  • UK Extension horticulture & ag econ specialists

  • NRCS soil and water conservation staff

  • Grow Appalachia, Community Farm Alliance

  • Local farmers’ markets, CSA networks

• Outputs:

  • 4–6 workshops/year

  • Demo site established

  • 50+ farmers trained

  • 15 producers adopt sustainable practices

  • 5 growers expand CSA/direct marketing

• Date: Year-Round

Evaluation:

Agriculture & Natural Resources Program / Horticulture Program 

Crop, Forage, and Livestock Production

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Increased knowledge and skills related to crop, forage, and livestock production	Number of producers reporting increased knowledge of production and/or sustainable practices	Surveys	Ongoing
Intermediate Outcome	Increased adoption of sustainable crop, forage, and livestock practices	Number of producers adopting recommended practices	Surveys	Ongoing
Long-term Outcome	Economic and/or environmental benefits achieved from practice adoption	Number of producers reporting efficiency gains, cost savings, or increased profitability	Surveys	Ongoing

---

Sustainable Market Gardening for Small Farms

Outcome Level	Evaluation Methods	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Pre- and post-workshop surveys assessing knowledge (soil, irrigation, planning)	Before/after each event
Intermediate Outcome	Adoption surveys at 6-month intervals	6 months post-training
Long-term Outcome	Farm record audits tracking input use, yield, and income changes	6–12 months post-training
Qualitative Data	Focus groups evaluating perceived value and relevance	Annual or post-season

---

On-Farm Value-Added Production & Food Business Startups

Outcome Level	Evaluation Methods	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Pre- and post-tests on food safety and marketing topics	During workshops
Intermediate Outcome	Recipe approval data and product development tracking via HBM records	Throughout HBM process
Long-term Outcome	Follow-up surveys/interviews assessing business launch or expansion	6 months post-program
Other Methods	Sales tracking at local events, consumer satisfaction surveys	Seasonal/quarterly

---

Family & Consumer Sciences Program

Food Access & Nutrition

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Participants increase knowledge of healthy food choices and meal planning	% reporting improved nutrition knowledge	Pre/post survey (SNAP-Ed tools)	Before/after each workshop
Initial Outcome	Families gain skills to prepare healthy meals on a budget	# demonstrating cooking or budgeting skills	Class observation + follow-up	End of class + 1–3 month check

---

Mental Health & Resilience (Sewing, Support Groups, etc.)

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Participants feel less isolated and more socially connected	% reporting reduced stress or improved mood	Weekly mood logs, reflection journals	Ongoing; final program evaluation

---

Drug Misuse Prevention

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Families improve communication about substance use prevention	% reporting confidence discussing drug issues	Post-program survey/reflection	End of each session or series
Initial Outcome	Youth gain refusal and decision-making skills	% naming 2+ coping/refusal strategies	Pre/post quiz (Health Rocks! etc.)	Start and end of youth series

---

Community Engagement

Outcome Level	Outcome Statement	Indicator	Method	Timeline
Initial Outcome	Community members recognize FCS as a wellness and prevention resource	# of return participants or referrals	Registration logs, attendance, interviews	Tracked quarterly