Extension
It Starts With Us
Crop & Livestock Production
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Jones and Potter
Local Food Systems
Beef
Food Preparation and Preservation
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Kentucky has much to offer in the way of Agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), over 50% (12.9 million acres) is farmland (NASS, 2019). Rowan County is the home to 356 farms operating on 23.6% of land in Rowan County. Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top five agricultural commodities (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include broilers, all other animals and products, soybeans, corn, and cattle and calves (USDA ERS, 3030). The Rowan County Data Profile identified crop and livestock production as major components of the county agriculture production. To increase profits it is important for farms to be efficient and increase yield as well as diversify. It is also important that farm families are able to save money and add to the economy.
Forests cover 48% of Kentucky and are mostly privately owned. These forests provide numerous environmental benefits such as improved air, water, and wildlife habitat. Our forests also contribute significantly to our economy with a Kentucky forest industry who employs approximately 60,000 and contributes more than $13 billion annually to the Kentucky economy. Kentucky’s forests can be healthier and more productive by implementing sustainable forest management and utilization practices.
People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it’s important that we care for and respect these resources. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generations.
Youth and clientele need to learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, engineering and technology issues in Kentucky and globally. Through the Land Grant University and Extension system, 4-H can expand its impact and extend its reach in science, engineering and technology (4-H SET) by providing opportunities for hands-on scientific learning and discovery in 4-H clubs.
*Profits will be sustained during tough economic times and increased during strong markets. *Producers will get a premium price for their products.
*Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food productions.
*Rowan Countians will be able to market/sell locally produced garden products that have been safely preserved.
*Youth will increase STEM literacy in the general population.
*Youth will increase the number and diversity of individuals pursuing educational opportunities and careers in STEM related fields.
*Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources, conservation, protection and restoration.
*Youth will be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship.
*Youth and farmers will improve cow/calf operations by using better genetics, improved feed efficiencies, record keeping, and animal health.
* Adults will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food in the areas of animal science.
*Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life.
*Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations.
* Youth will apply STEM learning skills in contexts outside the 4-H Program.
*Youth will express interest and/or demonstrate aspirations toward STEM Careers.
*Youth and adults will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and sustainable food systems in the areas of plant science, horticulture and animal science.
*Youth will learn valuable skills including decision making, record-keeping and leadership skills.
*Rowan Counties will learn to safely and properly preserve food products.
*Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.
*Youth will increase their awareness of opportunities to contribute their STEM skills to society.
Initial Outcome: Youth will be engaged in STEM related activities.
Indicator: Youth complete a Science, Engineering and Technology project.
Method: 4-H Common Measure Survey
Timeline: Throughout the year
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects, clubs and life situations.
Indicator: Number of youth who indicated "yes or usually" to the Common Measures Experience SurveyQuestion #6 "Is 4-H a place where you get to figure out things for yourself?"
Method: 4-H Common Measure Survey
Timeline: March - October
Long-term Outcome: Youth and adults will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
Indicator: Number of youth and adults who gained an understanding of the role of agriculture in the production of food, fiber, and wood products.
Method: pre-post evaluations
Timeline: Throughout the year
Audience: Cow/Calf Operators
Project or Activity: East Ky. Beef IRM
Content or Curriculum: UK curriculum on beef production
Inputs: agent time, UK specialist time, and Ky. Beef Network
Evaluation Method: pre-post survey
Date: Winter
Audience: Women Farm Managers
Project or Activity: Farm School for Women
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Curriculum and USDA
Inputs: Agriculture Agent time, USDA office time, local farm businesses
Evaluation Method: pre-post survey
Date: Fall
Audience: Youth Livestock participants
Project or Activity: Livestock Program
Content or Curriculum: Acres of Adventures 1 and 2, Kentucky Farm to School, and Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit
Inputs: 4-H curriculum, club leader volunteer, volunteer time, 4-H agent time, KY 4-H Foundation and Agriculture agent time.
Evaluation Method: project completion
Date: Fall
Audience: Rowan County 4th graders
Project or Activity: Youth Field Day
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock Kit and curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent time, Ag. Agent time, FCS Agent time, Local farmers, Livestock project participants.
Evaluation Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey
Date: Fall
Audience: Rowan County Citizens
Project or Activity: Food Preservation workshop and Micro-processing workshop
Content or Curriculum: Extension Food Preservation curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agent time, UK Specialist, Preservation equipment and supplies, UK curriculum
Evaluation Method: end of training survey and product completion
Date: Summer
Audience: Youth & Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Program
Content or Curriculum: How to Make a Country Ham Publication; How to Cure a Country Ham Video
Inputs: Livestock Volunteer, 4-H Agent, State Specialist, and KY Farm Bureau
Evaluation Method: project completion
Date: January - August
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Dog Program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Dog publications and Helper’s Guide, Dog Resource Handbook and Dog Learning Lab Kit
Inputs: Dog Certification Kit, KY 4-H Foundation, 4-H Dog Volunteer and Rowan County 4-H Council
Evaluation Method: completion of project and survey
Date: September 1 – August 30
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Environmental Youth Days
Content or Curriculum: Project Wild, Project WET
Inputs: Rowan County Schools, volunteers, Rowan County District Board, Rowan County 4-H Council, and local business/agencies
Evaluation Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey
Date: September/October
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Butterfly Project
Content or Curriculum: Project Butterfly Wings Curriculum
Inputs: Rowan County Schools and 4-H agent
Evaluation Method: project completion survey
Date: April/May
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports
Content or Curriculum: Shooting Sports Curriculum
Inputs: Certified Shooting Sports Volunteers, 4-H agent and state shooting sports specialist
Evaluation Method: participation in competitions
Date: February – October
Audience: Youth/Adult
Project or Activity: Gardening
Content or Curriculum: Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! Junior Master Gardener
Inputs: Rowan County Schools, Morehead Parks & Recreation, Friends of Rodburn Park, 4-H Agent and Rowan County 4-H Council
Evaluation Method: pre-post survey
Date: March – September
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Robotics, Pro-bots, Ozobots
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Junk Drawer Robotics, and 4-H Robotics with EV3
Inputs: SET curriculum, KY 4-H Foundation, Rowan County 4-H Council, 4-H agent
Evaluation Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey
Date: throughout the school year
Author: Amanda Potter
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Kentucky is currently home to over 69,000 farms with the average farm size being 179 acres, with the national average being over 400 acres. The puts the amount of farmland in Kentucky at just under 50% of the total 25.4 million acres. It is this abundance of farm land and the growing desire to transition into a more self sufficient way of life, that has lead to a surge of people moving to Kentucky to begin homesteading. After having several calls regarding homesteading laws and the necessar
