Administration - Cooperative Extension Service

County Emphasis:

Sustainability of Family Farms

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

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.

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.

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.

County Situation:

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods leading to enhanced production efficiency and reductions in the carbon footprint.

Improved financial and economic well-being 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.?

Increased savings (e.g., as a result of budgeting, saving, reducing debt, spending wisely, stretching resources) 

Initial Outcomes:

Increase intentions to employ financially sound behavior regarding production methods, use of financial tools, health-focused care, and the human-animal interaction.?

Improved financial literacy knowledge

Evaluation:

Outcome: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of beef operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported making a change to improve their beef cattle management practices. 

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

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

Outcome: Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.) (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation 

Outcome: Increased sound financial decision making (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (e.g., regarding credit, budgeting, savings, debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: Master Cattleman 

Content or Curriculum: Master Cattleman curriculum 

Inputs: Coordination with Beef IRM coordinators & specialists 

Dates: TBD

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Estate Planning

Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning publication series; Transferring Cherished Possessions curriculum; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts;OneOp; Leader Lessons; farm succession and legacy building programs; etc.

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, farms, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Evaluation:

Outcome: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of beef operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported making a change to improve their beef cattle management practices. 

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

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

Outcome: Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.) (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation 

Outcome: Increased sound financial decision making (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (e.g., regarding credit, budgeting, savings, debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.