Hardin County CES

County Emphasis:

Supporting Access to Affordable, Nutritious Food

Concentration 1:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 4:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

     It is proven that people who have access to and consume their daily dietary requirements of fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and have an increased quality of life. Having the knowledge and skills to prepare or preserve fresh fruits and vegetables presents an additional barrier beyond obtaining fresh food access.  With the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) aims to increase access to fresh food, as well as increase knowledge and awareness of how to select, store, safely prepare, process, and preserve these foods. CES prioritizes statewide partnership development that helps us meet our goals and objectives. We collaborate with statewide agencies including Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, KY Farm to School Network, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and others to help build statewide systems that increase access and usage of fresh fruits and vegetables. These programs benefit Kentuckians because they support food access policy, systems and environmental changes in communities and across the state. They increase knowledge of how to grow, prepare, and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables.

     Optimizing plant, crop and forage production is paramount as Kentucky producers navigate the challenges of economics, climate variability, and evolving consumer demands. Key challenges and strategies to enhance sustainable practices across various agricultural domains include:  rising input costs (seeds, fertilizers, machinery), crop price fluctuations, knowledge of soil health, and water management to produce high yielding crops for long-term productivity.  Producers use data-driven approaches for efficient resource utilization while exploring new crop varieties for pest resistance and yield improvement. As technology advances, producers will need to adopt remote sensing technologies to monitor soil health, moisture, and other parameters to increase efficiency. Implementing conservation practices that protect soil and water resources will ensure the long-term sustainability of Kentucky farmland and improve resilience to climate variability.  Current and continuing practices involve cover crops to reduce erosion resulting in enhanced soil health as well as rotating crops to break pest cycles, improve soil fertility, and reduce disease pressure. Extension programming will encourage diverse crops and horticulture species to reduce risk and explore specialty crops, such as berries, herbs, and ornamental plants. Extension Specialists continue to educate farmers on forage species selection for hay production and livestock nutrition, advise on implementing integrated pest management and organic production practices (to minimize chemical inputs while still effectively managing pests), select climate-adapted crop varieties, and prepare for extreme weather events through adaptation and disaster readiness programs.  To meet the needs of producers, agents and specialists will continue to disseminate research-based information, offer workshops, field days, online resources, support local farmer’s markets, community gardens, community supported agriculture, and urban horticulture initiatives.

     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 is renowned as the Horse Capital of the World and is home to a diverse equine population, including thoroughbreds, stock horses, standardbreds, and other breeds. Kentucky’s horse industry focuses on breeding excellence. Many commercial swine farms operate in the state, focusing on efficient growth and high-quality pork. Swine farmers implement strict biosecurity protocols to prevent disease transmission and minimize stress. Kentucky’s small ruminant producers raise various sheep and goat breeds for meat, fiber, and dairy purposes. Small ruminants thrive on pasture-based systems, utilizing natural forage with a priority on health management, including vaccinations, parasite control, and nutrition. Poultry is the number one agricultural industry in the state, contributing significantly to the economy. The poultry sector contains thriving broiler industry for meat production and laying hens for egg production. Many small flock owners raise chickens for personal consumption or local markets. Implementing conservation practices that protect soil and water resources will ensure the long-term sustainability of Kentucky farmland and improve resilience to climate variability. To meet the needs of Kentucky animal producers CES Extension will create or expand its efforts to offer need-based education and producer-focused programming for all species. Current/future activities include introducing programs to address and improve specific management systems and introduce new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems for increased efficiency and profitability.

     A disproportionate number of Kentuckians live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentuckians, compared to 15% nationally). Further, most Kentucky households are concerned with financially sustaining a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive in an economically challenged society. From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support.  In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state.

Youth Focus

     Kentucky faces significant health and economic challenges, with five of the top ten causes of death being nutrition-related. According to the Obesity Action Coalition the cost of obesity reached $36.31 billion. The rapidly changing social and economic landscape underscores the need for a healthy, productive, and engaged young people to contribute to a prepared workforce and engaged community to tackle these challenges. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System's 2023 Community Needs Assessment identifies critical priorities, including access to affordable nutritious food, reducing youth obesity through improved nutrition and exercise, and enhancing youth wellbeing through effective coping strategies. Kentucky 4-H plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by equipping young people with essential skills in nutrition, culinary arts, financial education, and entrepreneurship. 69% of youth reported that they learned about healthy food choices in 4-H. 4-H youth report an increase in preparing meals together as a family, increase in meals eaten as a family, and confidence in the kitchen. These programs not only foster healthier, more resilient individuals, but also contribute to the development of engaged citizens prepared to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

     Educating youth about plant production and soil science is crucial for the future of agriculture, empowering them to innovate and address current and future agricultural challenges. The National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey revealed that 83% of youth enjoy science, 66% view it as a tool for problem-solving, and 62% are interested in science-related careers. The 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture highlights trends in Kentucky, such as a decrease in the number of farms, reduced agricultural land, an aging producer population, and larger farm sizes. Key priority issues identified by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) include youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, access to affordable, nutritious food, support for the local agriculture industry, and promoting youth agriculture literacy. 4-H projects in plant production and soil science can help young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about these fields through horticulture, plant science, and soil science projects and programs.

     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. 

     In Kentucky, economic uncertainty due to job market fluctuations and agricultural shifts impacts youth through unstable family environments and limited resources. Hospitality, retail, and tourism generated over $10 billion in 2023, with job growth in culinary arts, tourism, and hobby industries. The unemployment rate increased by 4.7% from July 2023 to July 2024. According to the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023), priorities include building financial literacy and resource management skills, youth life skill training (e.g., leadership and communication), strengthening youth workforce readiness (e.g., entrepreneurship, business development), and engaging diverse and non-traditional youth audiences. America’s future relies on a ready workforce and engaged communities to tackle major challenges. Kentucky 4-H develops youth potential for lifelong success through essential skills in communication, leadership, and civic engagement. 80% of 4-Hers reported that 4-H helped them explore career options and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at, and 50% reported 4-H helped them with college decision-making. 4-H programs equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in their personal lives, family lives, and communities. 

County Situation:

While a portion of the state's 4th largest county by area is urban, a large portion of Hardin County is still rural or very rural. With an average commute of 23 minutes and an obesity rate of almost 40%, coupled with a poverty rate that is above the state and national average (14.3%), Hardin County citizens are in need of affordable, accessible fresh foods.9.9% of our county is considered limited access, meaning they do not have easy access to a grocery store. However, the statistics fail to mention that some of those accessible "grocery" stores do not offer fresh fruits and vegetables. Meaning an even higher percentage of our population would consider nutritious foods inaccessible. 

According to the Lincoln Trail District Health Department's 2022-2026 quantitative findings, 14% of houses receive SNAP benefits, 58% of our students are eligible for free lunch, and we have almost double the statewide rate of preventable hospital stays. Twenty one percent of our students are living in poverty, and our county has a whole has a walkability rating of only 6.1. With limited ways to get physical activity in, especially with the closing of the largest locally owned swim and fitness center in 2025, Hardin County residents need the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables and other nutritious foods now more than ever. 

The Extension Statewide community needs assessment identified increasing the shelf life of foods, food insecurity and nutrition and food preservation education as needs in Hardin County. The Health Department, school advisory councils, wellness coalitions and others have expressed a need in Hardin County for more true grocery stores that stock fresh fruits and vegetables and more education on how to prepare and preserve those foods once accessed. The need, and want, for a full grocery store on the south side of town has been expressed over and over again to city and county officials. Extension can offer classes for how to preserve and increase the shelf life of any fresh fruits and vegetables citizens can get when at a grocery store or farmers market. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

ADULT

• Individuals and families of all incomes levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods
• More Kentuckians routinely met the guidelines for the consumption of (locally-grown) fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Strengthen local economies through the continuous support of farmer’s markets, community gardens, and community-supported agriculture programs that are well-integrated with urban horticulture initiatives.
• Reduced unnecessary pesticide exposure to farmers, agribusiness and the general public.
• Producers are routinely implementing guidelines and recommendations for efficient and financially sound production demonstrating sustainable behavior change.
• Improve the quality of life of animals and humans.

YOUTH

• Youth decrease poor overall health. 
• Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities.??
• Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.

Intermediate Outcomes:

ADULT

• Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
• Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses.
• Continue development and dissemination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by specialists and agents to educate producers and promote IPM practices and/or organic practices that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining crop health and productivity.
• Proper implementation of technologies to help farmers, crop consultants, and pesticide applicators monitor, document, plant, harvest, and manage crops and forages. Technologies can include, but are not limited to, global navigation systems, section controls, applicator maps, soil sampling maps, yield maps, unmanned aerial vehicles, genetic traits, data analysis, etc.
• Annually implement strategies and production methods that result in increased efficiency, and number of animals produced /maintained, and animals harvested or pounds of milk produced.? 
• Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.? 

YOUTH

• Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  
• Youth will practice food safety.  
• Youth will access and prepare nutritious foods.
• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.?
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.

Initial Outcomes:

ADULT

• Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.
• Increased participation in Homebased Microprocessing workshops.
• Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.
• Enhanced soil and water management programs by rolling out targeted extension programs that focus on soil health and water management techniques to immediately improve crop yield potentials.
• Assisting farmers who need to document specific climate objectives and/or management practices of grain and tobacco buyers.
• Increase intentions to employ financially sound behavior regarding production methods, use of financial tools, health-focused care, and the human-animal interaction.? 
• Increase confidence in making decisions related to promoting animal health-related behavior.? 

YOUTH

• Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  
• Youth will practice food safety.  
• Youth will access and prepare nutritious foods.
• Youth will aspire to eat a variety of healthy foods daily.
• 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.

Evaluation:

4-H Youth Development

Long-Term Outcome: Decrease in number of overweight children, youth, adults and elderly.

Indicator: County population will increase average consumption of fruits and vegetables by one or more servings per day. Citizens improve food management skills and healthy eating habits.

Method: Evaluation throughout program participation.

Timeline: Beginning through end of program.

 

Long Term Outcome: Youth will maintain positive health habits

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they learned about healthy food choices through 4-H

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025- June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increase in consumption of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables

Indicator: Of the total number of families reached with information on accessing healthy foods the number of families reached that gained knowledge about eating more healthy foods.

Method: Featured Program questions

Timeline: September 2025 -  May 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased adoption and mastery of healthy behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming?(PRACTICE)

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025- June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Improved perceived stress and ability to cope and practice refusal skills

Indicator: Number of youths who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming (PRACTICE)

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 - June 2026

Long-Term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.

Indicator: Number of youth who report personal contributions to self, family and community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community.

Indicator: Number of youth who report applying skills learned in 4-H in other venues such as home, school and the community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices

Indicator: The number of youth reporting putting into practice healthy eating and food preparation choices and skills learned as a result of program participation.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth plan and implement a communication and expressive arts project (speech, demonstration, art, photography, e)

Indicator: Youth complete a communication and expressive arts project

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Initial Outcome: Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H.

Indicator: Number of youth who report learning and developing life skills through 4-H activities/events/project work.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Initial Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices

Indicator: The number of youth reporting making healthier eating and food preparation choices as a result of program participation.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture and food systems (including local).
Indicator: Student participation levels, knowledge of food sources, and reported interest in agriculture careers.
Method: Teacher feedback, classroom quizzes, youth surveys.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture, animal husbandry, animal production, and agricultural based careers
Indicator: Club member participation levels, contest participation, workshop/clinic participation, and reported interest in agriculture careers.
Method: Lead volunteer feedback, returning members, observations, contest outcomes.
Timeline: on-going

 

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.

Indicator: Views on videos

Method: count

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses.

Indicator: number of new chicken farms

Method: survey tied to videos

Timeline: 12 months

Longterm Outcome: Individuals and families of all income levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods

Indicator: number of new backyard layer families

Method: survey tied to videos

Timeline: 12 months

 

Initial Outcome: Increase knowledge of safe pesticide use and regulations.
Indicator: Number of participants receiving certification; self-reported behavior change.
Method: Certification test results, attendance records, follow-up surveys.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase awareness of pest and disease management strategies.
Indicator: Number of accurate diagnoses and successful management outcomes.
Method: Tracking service logs, follow-up communication.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Improve client knowledge of best management practices in livestock and crop operations.
Indicator: Number of clients implementing recommended practices.
Method: Client interviews, farm visits, follow-up calls.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Raise awareness and adoption of current IPM strategies and new technologies.
Indicator: Number of participants implementing new strategies.
Method: Participant surveys, observation, follow-up interviews.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Improve knowledge of grain production trends and technologies.
Indicator: Number of farmers adopting new research-based recommendations.
Method: Surveys, program evaluations, informal follow-up discussions.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase understanding of farm financial planning and risk management.
Indicator: Number of attendees reporting greater knowledge of farm economics.
Method: Pre/post program surveys, case studies, participant testimonials.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Improve decision-making related to grain marketing and pricing strategies.
Indicator: Number of producers using marketing tools and strategies learned.
Method: Participant surveys, yield or sales reports, follow-up interviews.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Improve producer understanding of crop variety performance and research data.
Indicator: Number of producers adjusting seed selection based on trial data.
Method: Field day evaluations, adoption surveys, farmer feedback.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture and food systems.
Indicator: Student participation levels and reported interest in agriculture careers.
Method: Teacher feedback, classroom quizzes, youth surveys.
Timeline: on-going

Family & Consumer Sciences

Initial Outcome: Learn to grow, prepare and preserve food

Indicator: An increase in knowledge and skills of how to grow, prepare and preserve food. An increase in number of participants who choose to have a garden, cook, and preserve harvest. Increase in number of meals eaten and prepared at home. 

Method: Evaluations from packaged curricula, an increase in number of gardens, report of number of meals eaten at home, increase revenue for Farmers' market vendors 

Timeline: 0-6 months after education

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increase in number of individuals who apply improved food preparation skills, food management skills, food safety, and healthy eating habits

Indicator: Reports of participants who feel more comfortable and confident in their ability, increase consumptions of fruits and vegetables, Number of individuals who reported: preparing more home-cooked meals; modifying ingredients and/or preparation techniques to improve nutrition

Method: Follow up evaluation, 

Timeline: 6-12 months after education

 

Long-term Outcome: Increase fruit and vegetable consumption by 1 per day

Indicator: Reports, increase in Farmers Market sales

Method: Follow up evaluation, Farmers Market sales

Timeline: 12-18 months after education

Family and Consumer Sciences (CD) 

Initial Outcome: Will identify techniques on how to prepare healthier meals for families.

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding nutrition and accessing healthy foods through Extension programs and resources. 

Method: Pre and Post evaluations/surveys, Testimonials, Follow up Evaluations

Timeline: 3-6 months after education

Cross-Program Efforts

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline:

Learning Opportunities:

4-H Youth Development

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Cooking School

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Foods Projects, Cooking 101-104, Teen Cuisine, Put It Up!, Food Science: What’s on Your Plate?

Inputs:  4-H members, FRYSC, community sponsors, extension facilities, extension staff , volunteers

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Middle and High School Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Cuisine Club

Content or Curriculum: Cooking 101-104, Teen Cuisine, 4-H Foods Projects, PIate it Up!, Food Science: What’s on Your Plate

Inputs: extension staff, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel, local volunteers

Date: Spring 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Youth & Families

Project or Activity: 4-H Horticulture Programs

Content or Curriculum: Junior Master Gardener Curricula; 4-H Gardening Levels A, B, C, D, and Helper’s Guide; Learn, Grow, Eat & GO! Curriculum

Inputs: Volunteers, parents, extension staff, extension specialists, Hardin County Schools, Elizabethtown Independent Schools, local horticulture growers or businesses

Date: July 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR, AA

Audience: Hardin County and Elizabethtown Independent School Personnel

Project or Activity:  HCS & EIS teacher professional development day training

Content or Curriculum:  JMG Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! classroom curriculum (elementary level)

Inputs: Master Gardeners, extension staff, Hardin County Schools & Elizabethtown Independent Schools elementary school personnel

Date: July 2025 (training day) - May 2026 (program implementation final dates)

Agents: DKR, AA

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Mental Health Programs

Content or Curriculum:

Mindful Me, Centering on me, Cloverbud 

Inputs: extension staff, volunteers, school personnel

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Addiction Prevention Programs

Content or Curriculum: Health Rocks!

Inputs: extension staff, volunteers, parents, school personnel

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Physical Health Programs

Content or Curriculum: Keeping Fit & Healthy, SPARK, Steps to a Healthy Teen, Outdoor Adventures

Inputs: extension staff, volunteers, parents, school personnel, Fort Knox staff/volunteers

Date: September 2025 - May 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

Project or Activity: 4-H Day Camp Series

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for science, engineering & technology; foods; food preservation; natural resources; arts; home environment; needlework; photography; Cloverbud; woodworking and 4-H trends projects.

Inputs: extension staff, 4-H Intern, local volunteers

Date: July 2025 - June 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

Project or Activity: 4-H Visual Arts - Creative Arts Club

Content or Curriculum: Portfolio Pathways, Sketchbook Crossroads, KET Toolkit Visual Arts, Photography Level 1: Photography Basics, Photography Level 2: Next Level Photography, Photography Level 3: Mastering Photography, Getting Started in Art

Inputs: extension staff, 4-H Agent, local volunteers

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

Audience: Middle School Youth

Project or Activity: It’s Your Reality

Content or Curriculum: It’s Your Reality program curriculum

Inputs: extension staff, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel, local businesses, local volunteers

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

Audience: Hardin County Youth

Project or Activity: Agriculture outreach programs in schools including Local Food Systems

Content or Curriculum: KY Ag in the Classroom, Food, Farms, and Community Curriculum 

Inputs: County Agents, volunteers, school personnel, local businesses

Date: Monthly, August 2025-May 2026

Agents: JK

Audience: Hardin County Youth

Project or Activity: Community Based Organized 4-H Clubs involving animal science and agriculture

Content or Curriculum: Various animal science based curriculum to include cows, poultry, goats, hogs, sheep, rabbits, water fowl, dogs, and horses

Inputs: County Agents, volunteers, school personnel, local businesses, extension staff

Date: Monthly, during 4-H program year

Agents: JK

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Audience: Homeowners and renters in the rural parts of the community

Project or Activity: beginners in backyard poultry

Content or Curriculum: Videos demonstrations posted about hen and broiler raising, starting from hatchling to cone, on grass, and using what you have on hand.

Input: County Agent may involve specialists down the road.

Dates: Year-round, summer-winter

Agents: JP, AN

Audience: Farmers, Gardeners, Homeowners, Extension Master Gardeners

Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT)

Content or Curriculum: UK PAT Program/Videos

Inputs: UK Research, Specialists, PAT Videos

Date: Annually in the winter/spring

Agents: AN, JP, AA

 

Audience: Phone calls, Emails, Walk-in Clients

Project or Activity: Identify diseases, insects, and/or weeds and educating clientele on proper prevention control methods.

Content or Curriculum: Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, UK Weeds specialists, UK entomology specialists, and appropriate publications.

Inputs: UK Research, UK and Industry Specialists, Agent experiences

Date: Weekly

Agents: AN, JP, AA

 

Audience: Phone calls, Emails, Walk-in Clients

Project or Activity: Educate clients on proper management of their operations (both livestock and crop)

Content or Curriculum: UK Specialists, UK and other University Publications, Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, UK Weeds specialists, UK entomology specialists, and appropriate publications.

Inputs: UK Research, UK and Industry Specialists, Agent experiences

Date: Weekly

Agents: AN, JP, AA

 

Audience: Farmers, Ag Retailers, Crop Consultants

Project or Activity: Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Resistant weeds and pests, new pesticide/chemical technology, IPM strategies

Inputs: UK Research, UK and Industry Specialists, Agents, Farmers

Date: Annually every summer

Agents: AN, JP

 

Audience: Farmers, Ag Retailers, Crop Consultants

Project or Activity: Winter Grain Meeting

Content or Curriculum: UK Research, Recommendations, Current Events/Technology

Inputs: UK Research, UK Specialists, agents

Date: Annually every Winter

Agents: AN, JP

 

Audience: Farmers, Ag Retailers, Crop Consultants

Project or Activity: Agriculture Economic Programs

Content or Curriculum: UK Research, Recommendations, Current Events/Technology

Inputs: UK Research, UK Specialists, Agents

Date: Annually every fall or winter

Agents: AN, JP

 

Audience: Farmers, Ag Businesses

Project or Activity: Grain Marketing Programs and Field Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: UK Recommendations, Grain marketing newsletters/fact sheets

Inputs: UK specialists, Industry Specialists agents

Date: Annually

Agents: AN, JP

 

Audience: Farmers, Seed Retailers, Crop Consultants

Project or Activity: Variety Trials and Various Research Plots

Content or Curriculum: UK Research, UK Recommendations

Inputs: Industry Specialists, UK Specialists, Farmers, County Agents

Date: Annually

Agents: AN, JP

 

Audience: Hardin County Youth

Project or Activity: Agriculture outreach programs in schools

Content or Curriculum: KY Ag in the Classroom, Agent made curriculum

Inputs: County Agents

Date: Monthly

Agents: AN, JP

Family & Consumer Sciences

Audience: SNAP-eligible, low income families and individuals

Project or Activity: Healthy Kids, Super Supper Series, Physical Activity based programs 

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, Wellness in Kentucky, Get Moving Kentucky

Inputs: CES agents, SNAP-Ed Nutrition Assistant, CES resources and publications, CES NEP resources and publications

Date: March - August each year (2020-2024)

Audience: General Audience

Project or Activity: Cooking classes, Meats 101 classes, food safety programs, Farmers' Market promotion, Hook and Cook classes

Content or Curriculum: Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud, Weight The Reality Series, etc...

Inputs: CES Agents, specialists and volunteers,

Date: March - November (2020-2024)

Audience: General Population

Project or Activity: food preservation programs

Content or Curriculum: Homebased Micro processing, Food Preservation curriculum

Inputs: CES agents and specialists, CES resources and publications, NCHFP at UGA, So Easy to Preserve, Farmers Market vendors

Date: April - July (2020-2024)

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity:  Farmers Market Outreach

Content or Curriculum: POP Club, Cooking programs, Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud resources, Farmers Market Toolkit, Super Star Chef, MG@FM

Inputs: Nutrition Education Program (NEP), paid staff, grant funds, facilities, Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Date: April – October/Growing seasons yearly (2025-2030)

Agents:  DF, AA, 

Family and Consumer Sciences (CD)

Audience: General Audience (Adults)

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education (Cooking programs) 

Content or Curriculum: 

Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Faithful Families, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Food as Health Toolkit, USDA publications, www.planeatmove.com, Food Preservation, Hunger in Kentucky, Healthy Outdoor Cooking Series (Cast Iron Skillet)

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, Volunteers, Community organizations, Lincoln Trail Health department, Non-profits organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, community centers, senior centers, hospitals, clinics, farmers’ markets, etc.

Dates:  

August 1 2025-August 2026, Aug. 2026-Dec. 2026,

Feb. 2027-July 2027, Aug. 2027-July 2030

Agents: CD

Cross-Program Efforts

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Agents:

Evaluation:

4-H Youth Development

Long-Term Outcome: Decrease in number of overweight children, youth, adults and elderly.

Indicator: County population will increase average consumption of fruits and vegetables by one or more servings per day. Citizens improve food management skills and healthy eating habits.

Method: Evaluation throughout program participation.

Timeline: Beginning through end of program.

 

Long Term Outcome: Youth will maintain positive health habits

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they learned about healthy food choices through 4-H

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025- June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increase in consumption of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables

Indicator: Of the total number of families reached with information on accessing healthy foods the number of families reached that gained knowledge about eating more healthy foods.

Method: Featured Program questions

Timeline: September 2025 -  May 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased adoption and mastery of healthy behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming?(PRACTICE)

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025- June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Improved perceived stress and ability to cope and practice refusal skills

Indicator: Number of youths who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming (PRACTICE)

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 - June 2026

Long-Term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.

Indicator: Number of youth who report personal contributions to self, family and community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community.

Indicator: Number of youth who report applying skills learned in 4-H in other venues such as home, school and the community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices

Indicator: The number of youth reporting putting into practice healthy eating and food preparation choices and skills learned as a result of program participation.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth plan and implement a communication and expressive arts project (speech, demonstration, art, photography, e)

Indicator: Youth complete a communication and expressive arts project

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Initial Outcome: Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H.

Indicator: Number of youth who report learning and developing life skills through 4-H activities/events/project work.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Initial Outcome: Youth will practice healthy eating and food preparation choices

Indicator: The number of youth reporting making healthier eating and food preparation choices as a result of program participation.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture and food systems (including local).
Indicator: Student participation levels, knowledge of food sources, and reported interest in agriculture careers.
Method: Teacher feedback, classroom quizzes, youth surveys.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture, animal husbandry, animal production, and agricultural based careers
Indicator: Club member participation levels, contest participation, workshop/clinic participation, and reported interest in agriculture careers.
Method: Lead volunteer feedback, returning members, observations, contest outcomes.
Timeline: on-going

 

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.

Indicator: Views on videos

Method: count

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses.

Indicator: number of new chicken farms

Method: survey tied to videos

Timeline: 12 months

Longterm Outcome: Individuals and families of all income levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods

Indicator: number of new backyard layer families

Method: survey tied to videos

Timeline: 12 months

 

Initial Outcome: Increase knowledge of safe pesticide use and regulations.
Indicator: Number of participants receiving certification; self-reported behavior change.
Method: Certification test results, attendance records, follow-up surveys.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase awareness of pest and disease management strategies.
Indicator: Number of accurate diagnoses and successful management outcomes.
Method: Tracking service logs, follow-up communication.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Improve client knowledge of best management practices in livestock and crop operations.
Indicator: Number of clients implementing recommended practices.
Method: Client interviews, farm visits, follow-up calls.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Raise awareness and adoption of current IPM strategies and new technologies.
Indicator: Number of participants implementing new strategies.
Method: Participant surveys, observation, follow-up interviews.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Improve knowledge of grain production trends and technologies.
Indicator: Number of farmers adopting new research-based recommendations.
Method: Surveys, program evaluations, informal follow-up discussions.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase understanding of farm financial planning and risk management.
Indicator: Number of attendees reporting greater knowledge of farm economics.
Method: Pre/post program surveys, case studies, participant testimonials.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Improve decision-making related to grain marketing and pricing strategies.
Indicator: Number of producers using marketing tools and strategies learned.
Method: Participant surveys, yield or sales reports, follow-up interviews.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Improve producer understanding of crop variety performance and research data.
Indicator: Number of producers adjusting seed selection based on trial data.
Method: Field day evaluations, adoption surveys, farmer feedback.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture and food systems.
Indicator: Student participation levels and reported interest in agriculture careers.
Method: Teacher feedback, classroom quizzes, youth surveys.
Timeline: on-going

Family & Consumer Sciences

Initial Outcome: Learn to grow, prepare and preserve food

Indicator: An increase in knowledge and skills of how to grow, prepare and preserve food. An increase in number of participants who choose to have a garden, cook, and preserve harvest. Increase in number of meals eaten and prepared at home. 

Method: Evaluations from packaged curricula, an increase in number of gardens, report of number of meals eaten at home, increase revenue for Farmers' market vendors 

Timeline: 0-6 months after education

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increase in number of individuals who apply improved food preparation skills, food management skills, food safety, and healthy eating habits

Indicator: Reports of participants who feel more comfortable and confident in their ability, increase consumptions of fruits and vegetables, Number of individuals who reported: preparing more home-cooked meals; modifying ingredients and/or preparation techniques to improve nutrition

Method: Follow up evaluation, 

Timeline: 6-12 months after education

 

Long-term Outcome: Increase fruit and vegetable consumption by 1 per day

Indicator: Reports, increase in Farmers Market sales

Method: Follow up evaluation, Farmers Market sales

Timeline: 12-18 months after education

Family and Consumer Sciences (CD) 

Initial Outcome: Will identify techniques on how to prepare healthier meals for families.

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding nutrition and accessing healthy foods through Extension programs and resources. 

Method: Pre and Post evaluations/surveys, Testimonials, Follow up Evaluations

Timeline: 3-6 months after education

Cross-Program Efforts

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline: