Union County CES

County Emphasis:

Strengthening/supporting the local food and agriculture industry

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Situation:

Copy and paste state situations that correspond to concentrations

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.

Youth Focus

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.

Concentration 2

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.

Youth Focus

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.

Concentration 3

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.

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.

County Situation:

With Union County being a rural county and poverty being 14.5% (U.S. Census Bureau Information), having a strong/support for local food and ag is important for this county. The CEC and Ag development board has discuss the importance of having programs that will help people understand more about ag, how to grow their own food or support their local farmers and buy local food items for their family. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Copy and paste from the provided logic models that correspond to the concentrations

Adult

• Increase the quality and number of animals or pounds of milk produced annually contributing to the increased and more stable financial position for producers.? 
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods and species.? 
• Producers are routinely implementing guidelines and recommendations for efficient and financially sound production demonstrating sustainable behavior change.? 
• Continually implementing new technology and production practices.? 
• Improve the quality of life of animals and humans.
• Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations. 
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods leading to enhanced production efficiency and reductions in the carbon footprint. 
• Producers are routinely following Beef Quality Care & Assurance standards to produce healthy and high-quality beef. 
• Continually adoption of new technology and production practices.
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices by horse owners.  
• Horse owners will be encouraged to apply best management practices for the care and management of their horses to help control cost of ownership.  
• Increase the quality of small ruminants annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of small ruminant operations.
  Youth

• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
• 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.

Concentration 2

Adult

• Achieve long-term sustainability and resilience through the widespread adoption of practices that enhance soil productivity, conserve water, and optimize resource use, leading to resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding economic and environmental fluctuations.
• 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.  
• 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.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive framework for disaster readiness and climate adaptation that includes advanced forecasting, crop selection, and management practices to prepare for extreme weather events.
• Improved crop sustainability, increased farm profitability and reduced environmental impact using best disease management practices
• Reduced unnecessary pesticide exposure to farmers, agribusiness and the general public
• Increased farm productivity because of a reduction in yield and quality losses due to diseases
• Increased competitiveness for U.S. farmers and the agricultural industry
• Achieve long-term sustainability and resilience in agricultural practices through the widespread adoption of practices that enhance soil productivity, conserve water quality and quantity, and optimize resource use, leading to resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding economic and environmental fluctuations.
• Strengthening 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. Helping to maintain or increase domestic markets and increase export markets for grain crops and tobacco by improving quality of commodities compared to that of foreign competitors.  
• Helping to educate turfgrass managers on how to maintain surfaces that meet the needs of their desired uses while improving economic and environmental benefits of turfgrasses.
• Work with farmers and those interested in farming on generational succession in farms to improve sustainability of the farms for generations.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive framework for disaster readiness and climate adaptation that includes advanced forecasting, crop selection, and management practices to prepare for extreme weather events.

Youth 

• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
• 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.

Concentration 3

Adult

• Individuals and families of all incomes levels have acces to affordable and nutritious foods
• Family farms become economically viable.
• Kentucky’s local food and agriculture industry are thriving.
• Decrease in the number of Kentuckians with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
• More Kentuckians routinely met the guidelines for the consumption of (locally-grown) fresh fruits and vegetables.

Youth

• Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition. 
• Youth increase educational outcomes.  
• Youth decrease poor overall health. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Copy and paste from the provided logic models that correspond to the concentrations

Adult

• 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.? 
• Increased biosecurity strategies that promote both animal and human health related behaviors for a safe food system.? 
• Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.? 
• Annually evaluate how they care for and manage their horses using cost effective strategies. 
• Consider how they can use good biosecurity practices to ensure the health of their horses.  

Youth

• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.
• Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community. 

Concentration 2

Adult

• 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.
• 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.
• Explore the use of emerging production technologies to achieve increased adoption of technologies such as monitoring crop productivity, crop quality, soil health, and soil moisture levels across Kentucky's agricultural sectors.
• Adoption of improved pesticide safety practices
• Increased adoption of effective crop protection (i.e. IPM) methods by stakeholders to manage diseases
• Increased number of stakeholders who scout for diseases, monitor disease risk factors, and use research-based information
• Early identification of potential disease outbreaks and awareness of disease trends
• Judicious use of pesticide-based disease management
• Expansion of Extension programming by broadening the scope of extension services to include more comprehensive support for grain crops, forages, tobacco, hemp, and turfgrass suited to Kentucky's changing climate and soil conditions.
• Explore the use of emerging production technologies to achieve increased adoption of technologies for such things as monitoring crop productivity, crop quality, soil health and soil moisture levels across Kentucky's agricultural sectors.
• Adoption of improved pesticide application practices.  Improve understanding and compliance with state pesticide applicator regulations.
• 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.

Youth

• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.
• Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.

Concentration 3

Adult

• Increase and/or strengthen statewide and regional partnership to address community food system issues.
• Increased production of Kentucky-grown food and increased market opportunities for those products.
• Increase in the number of farmers’ markets and local food retailers that accept one or more food benefits as payment.
• 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.

Youth

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

Initial Outcomes:

Copy and paste from the provided logic models that correspond to the concentrations

Adult

Animal production and management strategies encompass but are not limited to sustainable practices, health-focused care, and economic viability across all species. Activities will include programs to address and improve specific management systems and introduce new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems for increased efficiency and profitability.? 

• 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.? 
• Increase confidence in making decisions related to promoting animal health-related behavior.? 
• Increase intentions to employ financially sound behavior regarding production methods, use of financial tools, health-focused care, and the human-animal interaction.? 

Horses are kept primarily for sport and recreation. The majority of CES clientele can be placed in one of three general categories: 1) the new or first-time owner. These owners may have recently purchased a horse or have taken over full-time care of their horse, 2) Horse owners that have experience but are looking to validate what they do to make sure they are on the right track, and 3) the long time horse owner who is looking to improve management of their horses. 

Horse owners will evaluate current practices and see where changes might be of benefit.

 New horse owners can implement the management practices that fit their needs as new horse owners.  

Long time horse owners can see the new technologies and management practices that may benefit their horse operations.  

Improve management skills to improve sustainability and reduce cost of ownership.

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.

Concentration 2

Adult

• Increase adoption of data-driven practices through immediate trainings, workshops, and field visits to educate producers on the latest data-driven agricultural technologies, focusing on efficient resource utilization, pest resistance, and yield improvements.
• 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.
• Support for crop trials by initiating pilot projects that support the planting of diverse crops and horticultural species, such as vegetables, small fruit, tree fruit, herbs, and ornamental plants to assess short-term viability and consumer interest.
• Initial and continuing education opportunities for certified pesticide applicators
• Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and to understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation
• Stakeholders are more aware of current and new and/or emerging disease issues
• Stakeholders have access to timely diagnostics to avoid or reduce the impact of disease outbreaks
• Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research and resources
• Increase adoption of data-driven practices through immediate trainings, workshops, and field visits to educate producers on the latest data-driven agricultural technologies, focusing on efficient resource utilization, pest resistance, sustainability, and yield improvements.
• Enhanced soil and water management programs by rolling out targeted extension programs that focus on soil and water management techniques to immediately improve crop yield potentials and promote environmentally favorable practices.
• Support for diverse crop trials by initiating pilot projects that support the planting of diverse crops.
• Fulfillment of annual GAP Training requirements for GAP Certification of tobacco producers.
• Facilitate trainings to provide necessary knowledge to support those desiring to obtain commercial and non-commercial applicator licenses and maintain CEUs from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in the turf and ornamental category.
• Assisting farmers who need to document specific climate objectives and/or management practices of grain and tobacco buyers.

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.

Concentration 3

Adult

• Increased awareness of and use of Food Connection Programs: Value Chain Coordinators, TFC Learning Kitchen, and Cultivate KY resources.
• Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.
• 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.
• Increase the number of partnerships and/or coalitions involved in promoting awareness of local food systems, healthy eating, and active living (e.g. Program councils, Health Advisory Boards, etc.).

Youth

• Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices.  
• Youth will learn the importance of food safety.  
• Youth learn how to access nutritious foods.  
• Youth will learn how to prepare nutritious foods.  
• Youth will aspire to eat a variety of healthy foods daily.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased livestock marketing knowledge 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who report increasing their knowledge of livestock marketing. 
• Number of individuals who implemented small ruminant financial management programs.

Method: Program evaluation tools/ surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

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Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

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Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of safe/effective pesticide application methods 

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators earning continuing education credit. 
• Number of participants reporting an increase in knowledge on integrated pest management techniques.  
• Number of participants reporting an increase in their use of risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application.  

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline:  As needed 

Outcome: Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research

Indicator: Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders.

Method: Primarily surveys, records from consultations

Timeline: Annual

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Outcome: Early identification of potential disease outbreaks

Indicator: 

• Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with disease identification and management.
• Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.

Method: Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: New Audience for Gardening Programs 

Indicator: 

• Number of home or community gardeners who reported that they implemented environmental stewardship (pollinator gardens, rain catchment, etc.)
• Number of non-commercial growers who reported adoption of improved management practices (soil sampling, reduced pesticide applications, integrated pest management, etc.)
• Number of community members using or participating in public or community gardens
• Amount of produce donated from community gardens

Method: Surveys 

Timeline: As needed 

Outcome: Youth will explore their SPARK in Agriculture

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.
• Number of adults in the county 4-H country ham program.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

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Outcome: Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agriculture projects and clubs. 

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: 

Timeline:

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Outcome: Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.?? 

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years

Youth

Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.?

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.
• Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management. 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in plant production and management that fits their interest

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

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Outcome:  Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs. ?

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project.
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in plant production based on their interests.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year

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Outcome: 

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

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year or several years.

Youth

Outcome:  Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices/Youth will learn how to prepare nutritious foods.  

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks. 
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in Family Consumer Sciences. 
• Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices.
• Number of youth who demonstrated/reported improved egg and/or poultry cooking skills.

Method: Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

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Outcome: Youth will learn the importance of food safety/Youth learn how to access nutritious foods.  

 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills   and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of the program year

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Outcome: Youth increase educational outcomes.  

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

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey 

Timeline: 1 or more years  

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Pre-K Students 

Project or Activity: Dairy Cattle, Gardening, corn, pumpkins, turkeys

Content or Curriculum: Ag in the Classroom 

Inputs: Ag Agent 

Date: School year 

Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Bull Sale 

Content or Curriculum: EPD Information 

Inputs: Ag Agent 

Date: Feb 

Audience: Adults/FFA Students

Project or Activity: BQCA 

Content or Curriculum: BQCA training materials 

Inputs: Ag Agent 

Date: Fall/Spring 

Audience: Anyone 

Project or Activity: Seed giveaway 

Content or Curriculum: Hort publish items 

Inputs: Ag Agent 

Date: Spring 

Audience: Anyone 

Project or Activity: Garden programs 

Content or Curriculum: Hort publish items 

Inputs: Ag Agent 

Date: winter/spring/summer/fall

Audience: Anyone 

Project or Activity: Farmers Market having a booth set up to pass out publish items and have hands on programs 

Content or Curriculum: Hort publish items 

Inputs: Ag agent 

Date: Summer 

Audience: Livestock/Forage producers 

Project or Activity: Educational Meetings and hay/forage testing 

Content or Curriculum: Ag agent

Inputs: UK publications and specialist and Agribusiness 

Date: Summer/Winter 

Audience: Grain Producers 

Project or Activity: Marketing programs/ Field days/Demonstrations/Yield contest 

Content or Curriculum: Agent, UK publications, UK specialists 

Inputs: Ag Agent, UK specialist, Agribusiness 

Date: Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall 

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Food Preservation/Canning

Content or Curriculum: UK publications, UK specialist

Inputs: FCS Agent, UK specialist

Date: Late Summer

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Cook Wild 

Content or Curriculum: UK publications, UK specialist

Inputs: FCS Agent, UK specialist. Ag Agent 

Date: Fall, Winter 

Audience: Women 

Project or Activity: Women in Ag 

Content or Curriculum: UK publications, UK specialist, local leaders

Inputs:  UK specialist. Ag Agents 

Date: Fall, Winter, Spring

Youth (C1)

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Learning Lab Kits, National 4-H Project Books and Helper’s Guide, Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program Overview, Kentucky 4-H Livestock Rules and Guidelines 

Inputs: 4-H programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful.?? 

Certified volunteers in animal sciences (livestock, horse, poultry, rabbit, and dog).? 

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 agriculturalist organizations.?? 

Dates: 

Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31) 

Kentucky 4-H Livestock Judging Contest (offered June each year) 

Kentucky 4-H Livestock Skillathon and Quiz Bowl Contest (offered each year) 

Kentucky 4-H Livestock Shows (offered each year) 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Program 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Learning Lab Kits, National 4-H Project Books and Helper’s Guide, Country Ham Meat Lesson Kit (University of Kentucky)

Inputs: 4-H programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful.?? 

Certified volunteers in animal sciences (livestock, horse, poultry, rabbit, and dog).? 

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 agriculturalist organizations.??

Dates: 

4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31) 

Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Contest (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year) 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: General Agricultural Short Term Programs (School Enrichment, 4-H Camp, etc.) 

Content or Curriculum: Any 4-H Curriculum 

Kentucky Ag and Environment in the Classroom, Inc. (KyAEC) https://www.teachkyag.org/ 

Kentucky Food and Farm Facts https://www.kyfoodandfarm.info/  

Kids Sonder: Agriculture Unboxed https://www.mommassonder.com/  

National Ag Day https://www.agday.org/  

National Ag and Environment in the Classroom https://agclassroom.org/ 

Inputs: 4-H programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful.?? 

Certified volunteers in animal sciences (livestock, horse, poultry, rabbit, and dog).? 

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 agriculturalist organizations.?? 

Dates: 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31) 

Youth (C2)

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Plant and Soil Science Projects?(e.g., fair displays and exhibit entries)

Content or Curriculum: National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources (e.g., Junior Master Gardener, National 4-H Gardening Series, 4-H State Fair Exhibit Factsheets, Extension Publications)?

Inputs: 

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

•    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 agriculturalist organizations.

Date: 4-H Program Year (September 1 – August 31)

Youth (C3)

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Cooking: 101, 201, 301, 401 

Inputs: 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Dates: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation

Content or Curriculum: International Foods, Passport Kitchen, Global Table

Inputs: 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Dates: September 1 – August 30 

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased livestock marketing knowledge 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who report increasing their knowledge of livestock marketing. 
• Number of individuals who implemented small ruminant financial management programs.

Method: Program evaluation tools/ surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

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Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

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Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of safe/effective pesticide application methods 

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators earning continuing education credit. 
• Number of participants reporting an increase in knowledge on integrated pest management techniques.  
• Number of participants reporting an increase in their use of risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application.  

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline:  As needed 

Outcome: Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research

Indicator: Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders.

Method: Primarily surveys, records from consultations

Timeline: Annual

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Outcome: Early identification of potential disease outbreaks

Indicator: 

• Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with disease identification and management.
• Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.

Method: Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: New Audience for Gardening Programs 

Indicator: 

• Number of home or community gardeners who reported that they implemented environmental stewardship (pollinator gardens, rain catchment, etc.)
• Number of non-commercial growers who reported adoption of improved management practices (soil sampling, reduced pesticide applications, integrated pest management, etc.)
• Number of community members using or participating in public or community gardens
• Amount of produce donated from community gardens

Method: Surveys 

Timeline: As needed 

Outcome: Youth will explore their SPARK in Agriculture

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.
• Number of adults in the county 4-H country ham program.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

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Outcome: Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agriculture projects and clubs. 

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: 

Timeline:

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Outcome: Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.?? 

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years

Youth

Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.?

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.
• Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management. 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in plant production and management that fits their interest

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

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Outcome:  Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs. ?

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project.
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in plant production based on their interests.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year

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Outcome: 

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

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year or several years.

Youth

Outcome:  Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices/Youth will learn how to prepare nutritious foods.  

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy snacks. 
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they learned about kitchen safety.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in Family Consumer Sciences. 
• Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices.
• Number of youth who demonstrated/reported improved egg and/or poultry cooking skills.

Method: Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

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Outcome: Youth will learn the importance of food safety/Youth learn how to access nutritious foods.  

 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
• Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills   and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of the program year

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Outcome: Youth increase educational outcomes.  

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

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey 

Timeline: 1 or more years