Bath County CES

County Emphasis:

Ag Sustainability

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

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.   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.   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.   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.   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. 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.   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:

Bath County's 3 major commodities are Beef Cattle, Forages and Grain. Other minor commodities include vegetables, fruit, chickens, eggs, horses and goats. Tobacco once served as the number one cash crop in Bath County, but the number of farms relying on tobacco has decreased to well within the single digits.  Bath County currently has 626 farms in the county which encompasses 124,643 acres making the average size farm 199 acres. In 2022 the total cash receipts for Bath County's agricultural products was $25,205,000 compared to $19,261,000 in 2012,. Total crop sales made a value of $12,447,000 with Tobacco accounting for less than 4%, Grain crops making up 53% of crop sales and all other crops including hay 36%. Total livestock sales made a value of $12,758,000 with Cattle & Calves accounting for nearly 90% of total livestock sales with the remainder coming from Poultry and Eggs, Sheep&Goats and All Other including breed/stud fees. 

Comparing statistics from 2017 to 2022. The total Cattle & Calve numbers have decreased by 14% to 26,239 head. Corn acreage is at 2179 acres. Soybean acreage stands at 6,483 acres. Overall, total livestock related income makes up 51% of the counties total farm income and crop related income stands at 49%. 

Bath County has the following non-traditional operations in place: one wholesale nursery business, fall mum producers, one commercial vineyard, black berry producers, bee keepers and Farmer's Market and Produce Auction.  In addition, we have five large scale egg producers located in Bath County, each with 10,000 laying hens. 

There are some weaknesses that need to be addressed including:  

Hesitation of farmer to try different crops because of past experiences, profitability, lack of available market and resources. 

Age of farmers and the lack youth interested in production agriculture.  

Labor Issues (Dependability and Scarcity) 

A lack of ag/producer involvement with local associations and community groups and activities is also a weakness in the county. 

Some opportunities for agriculture in the county that can be addressed by extension include: 

Improved marketing assistance 

 Improved production and management of livestock 

 Improved pasture and forage utilization 

 Development of value-added opportunities based on facilities located in the   county (Example Commercial Kitchen). 

increase youth involvement in production agriculture 

Hunting leases and other land uses 

More promotion of the market pavilion 

Broaden the opportunity for community to experience production agriculture 

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Family farms become economically viable.
2. Kentucky’s local food and agriculture industry are thriving.
3. Producers are routinely implementing guidelines and recommendations for efficient and financially sound production demonstrating sustainable behavior change.
4. Producers are routinely following Beef Quality Care & Assurance standards to produce healthy and high-quality beef. 
5. Continually adoption of new technology and production practices.
6. Continually implementing new technology and production practices.
7. Increase the quality of small ruminants annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of small ruminant operations. 
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.    
12. Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities.   
13. Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.  
14. Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.    
15. Youth increase educational outcomes.  
16. Youth decrease poor overall health.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Increased production of Kentucky-grown food and increased market opportunities for those products.
2. Increase in the number of farmers’ markets and local food retailers that accept one or more food benefits as payment.
3. 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.
4. Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.
5. 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.
6. Adoption of improved pesticide safety practices
7. 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.
8. Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.   
9. Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.  
10. Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.
11. Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  
12. Youth will practice food safety.  
13. Youth will access nutritious foods.  
14. Youth will prepare nutritious foods.  
15. Youth will eat a variety of healthy foods daily.

Initial Outcomes:

            1.Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.

            2.  Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.

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

           4.  Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species.

           5.  Increase confidence in implementing new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems.

           6.  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.  

           7.  Initial and continuing education opportunities for certified pesticide applicators

           8.  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

           9.  Stakeholders are more aware of current and new and/or emerging disease issues

          10.  Stakeholders have access to timely diagnostics to avoid or reduce the impact of disease outbreaks

          11.  Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research and resources

          12.  Fulfillment of annual GAP Training requirements for GAP Certification of tobacco producers.

          13.  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.

          14.  Youth will explore their spark in agriculture.    

          15.  Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.  

          16.  Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life.   

          17.  Youth will expand life and work readiness skills in agriculture, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of agriculture

          18.  Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices.  

          19.  Youth will learn the importance of food safety.  

          20.  Youth learn how to access nutritious foods.  

          21.  Youth will learn how to prepare nutritious foods.  

          22.  Youth will aspire to eat a variety of healthy foods daily.

Evaluation:

Short-Term Outcome:

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: Number of producers who reported increased knowledge of crop and forage production, fertility management, varieties, pest control, and/or sustainable practices.

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Annual

Long-Term Outcome:

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: increase profitability

Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Method: Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations.

Timeline: After program participation.

Short-Term Outcome

Outcome: Early identification of potential disease outbreaks

Indicator: Increase on number of farmers using extension services

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

Intermediate Outcome

Outcome:   Increased awareness of and use of Food Connection Programs: Value Chain Coordinators, TFC Learning Kitchen, and Cultivate KY resources. (initial)

Indicator:  Number of farms or food businesses who retained or expanded market opportunities and/or sales including locally produced foods. Number of individuals who attended certificate-based training on food safety, food preservation, food processing, liability, and/or marketing. (This includes: PBPT, Produce Safety Alliance Training, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, Value Chain Coordination Services Training, Farmers Market Sampling, Home-based Microprocessing….).

Method:    Agent Tool level from The Food Connection (being developed);

Timeline:    Annual: Food System Impact Survey (federal fiscal year); The Food Connection (calendar year); HBMP (annual calendar year)

Intermediate Outcome

Outcome    Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices

Indicator    Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications

Method    Post-program test

Timeline    After program participation or online

Short-Term Outcome

Outcome    Increased livestock management knowledge

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

Method    Program evaluation tools / surveys

Timeline    Ongoing

Long-Term Outcome

Outcome: Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs

Indicator: Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Plant Production and Management-related Extension programs.

Method: Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback

Timeline: Frequently to annual

Long-Term Outcome

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 

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand the importance and concepts of animal agriculture.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life.  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest.    
4. Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas. 

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth can apply learned concepts relating to animal agriculture to contribute to or produce a project or experience.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions. 
2. 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.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or skills gained in animal production to complete a project. 
4. Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices.  

Method: Surveys, Agent Observation

Timeline: Throughout Program Year

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand the importance and concepts of plant agriculture.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.
2. Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management. 
3. Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.
4. 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

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth can apply learned concepts relating to plant agriculture to contribute to or produce a project or experience.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions. 
2. Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project.
3. 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: Surveys, Agent Observation

Timeline: Throughout Program Year

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand the importance and concepts of nutrition and food preparation.

Indicator:

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

Method: Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth can apply learned concepts relating to nutrition and food preparation to contribute to or produce a project or experience.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.  
2. Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety. 
4. 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 Program Year

Long-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit confidence in being work-ready, healthy, productive, and engaged citizens

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Grain Crops Management, including Corn, Soybean, Wheat, Barley, Rye, Canola and others

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls

Inputs: Specialists and agents

Date:yearly

Audience: Pesticide applicators

Project or Activity: PSEP certification for private applicators and continuing education for commercial applicators

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery

Inputs: Agent and PSEP program material

Date: January/February

Audience: Agricultural producers and the public

Project or Activity: Pest and disease identification

Content or Curriculum: Clinical diagnoses and trainings

Inputs: Diagnostic labs and services

Date: yearly

Audience: Specialty crop growers

Project or Activity: Programming for specialty crop production and management

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations

Date: yearly

Audience: Home owners and consumers

Project or Activity: Programming for home gardening and landscape management

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, emails and phone calls

Inputs: Extension Specialists, USDA funding, county agents, KDA, Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program

Date:   summer 

Audience: Agricultural producers and the public

Project or Activity: Pest and disease identification

Content or Curriculum: Clinical diagnoses and trainings

Inputs: PSS extension specialists assistance to diagnostic labs diagnostic services

Date: Frequently throughout the year

Audience: Agricultural stakeholders (producers, industry, others)

Project or Activity: Disease identification and management of horticulture and specialty crops. Crops include tree and berry fruits, hemp, field and high tunnel vegetables, greenhouse floriculture, landscapes and urban forests, and home horticulture

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Live and virtual trainings, online videos, workshops, field days, county meetings, regional and national meetings, field visits, emails and phone calls

Inputs: UK Plant Pathology Extension Specialists, research and extension funding

Date: Annual

 

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

Content or Curriculum: State BQCA videos and chute-side trainings 

Inputs: Agents and BQCA training material

Dates: annual

Audience: Livestock stakeholders (producers, lenders, government agencies, etc.) 

Project or Activity: Management / profitability related programming 

Content or Curriculum: Managing cost of production and risk, long term decision making, production efficiency, etc. 

Inputs: Extension faculty and staff, ANR Agents and industry support   

Dates: annual

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: Fall and winter

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Farmers’ Market Toolkit

Content or Curriculum: Farmers’ Market Toolkit

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health department, non-profits, schools, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, farmers, farmers’ markets, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Equine

Content or Curriculum: Ohio State University (OSU) Horse Learning Lab Kit, Kentucky Horse Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Horse Reference Manual (Alberta 4-H), 4-H Horse Academy, Kentucky 4-H Horse Website 

 Inputs:

1. 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.   
2. Certified volunteers in animal sciences (horse).  
3. Accredited volunteers in agriculture.  
4. Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system.  
5. Funding opportunities from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
6. Funding from local, state, and federal sources, and grants.  
7. Engagement of volunteers and youth in delivering the programs and leading clubs.  
8. Engagement of communities in identifying and implementing programming based on meeting local needs.   
9. External stakeholder engagement and support such as commodity groups and agriculturalist organizations.   

Dates: 

1. Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31) 
2. Kentucky 4-H Horse Contest (offered June each year) 
3. Kentucky 4-H Horse Show (offered August each year)

Audience: Youth

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

Content or Curriculum: 

1. Any 4-H Curriculum 
2. Kentucky Ag and Environment in the Classroom, Inc. (KyAEC) https://www.teachkyag.org/ 
3. Kentucky Food and Farm Facts https://www.kyfoodandfarm.info/  
4. Kids Sonder: Agriculture Unboxed https://www.mommassonder.com/  
5. National Ag Day https://www.agday.org/  
6. National Ag and Environment in the Classroom https://agclassroom.org/ 

Inputs:

1. 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.   
2. Certified volunteers in animal sciences (livestock, horse, poultry, rabbit, and dog).  
3. Accredited volunteers in agriculture.  
4. Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system.  
5. Funding opportunities from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
6. Funding from local, state, and federal sources, and grants.  
7. Engagement of volunteers and youth in delivering the programs and leading clubs.  
8. Engagement of communities in identifying and implementing programming based on meeting local needs.   
9. External stakeholder engagement and support such as commodity groups and agriculturalist organizations.   

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

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: 

1.  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.   
2. Accredited volunteers in agriculture.  
3. Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system.  
4. Funding opportunities from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
5. Funding from local, state, and federal sources, and grants.  
6. Engagement of volunteers and youth in delivering the programs and leading clubs.  
7. Engagement of communities in identifying and implementing programming based on meeting local needs.   
8. External stakeholder engagement and support such as commodity groups and agriculturalist organizations.

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

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation 

Content or Curriculum: Super Star Chef, Recipes for Life, Professor Popcorn

Inputs: 

1. 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.  
2. Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
3. Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
4. Four residential camping facilities.  
5. Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
6. Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
7. Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
8. Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
9. Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
10. Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  
11. Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.

Dates: September 1 – August 30

Evaluation:

Short-Term Outcome:

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: Number of producers who reported increased knowledge of crop and forage production, fertility management, varieties, pest control, and/or sustainable practices.

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Annual

Long-Term Outcome:

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: increase profitability

Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Method: Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations.

Timeline: After program participation.

Short-Term Outcome

Outcome: Early identification of potential disease outbreaks

Indicator: Increase on number of farmers using extension services

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

Intermediate Outcome

Outcome:   Increased awareness of and use of Food Connection Programs: Value Chain Coordinators, TFC Learning Kitchen, and Cultivate KY resources. (initial)

Indicator:  Number of farms or food businesses who retained or expanded market opportunities and/or sales including locally produced foods. Number of individuals who attended certificate-based training on food safety, food preservation, food processing, liability, and/or marketing. (This includes: PBPT, Produce Safety Alliance Training, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, Value Chain Coordination Services Training, Farmers Market Sampling, Home-based Microprocessing….).

Method:    Agent Tool level from The Food Connection (being developed);

Timeline:    Annual: Food System Impact Survey (federal fiscal year); The Food Connection (calendar year); HBMP (annual calendar year)

Intermediate Outcome

Outcome    Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices

Indicator    Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications

Method    Post-program test

Timeline    After program participation or online

Short-Term Outcome

Outcome    Increased livestock management knowledge

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

Method    Program evaluation tools / surveys

Timeline    Ongoing

Long-Term Outcome

Outcome: Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs

Indicator: Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Plant Production and Management-related Extension programs.

Method: Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback

Timeline: Frequently to annual

Long-Term Outcome

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 

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand the importance and concepts of animal agriculture.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life.  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest.    
4. Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas. 

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth can apply learned concepts relating to animal agriculture to contribute to or produce a project or experience.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions. 
2. 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.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or skills gained in animal production to complete a project. 
4. Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices.  

Method: Surveys, Agent Observation

Timeline: Throughout Program Year

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand the importance and concepts of plant agriculture.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.
2. Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management. 
3. Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.
4. 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

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth can apply learned concepts relating to plant agriculture to contribute to or produce a project or experience.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions. 
2. Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project.
3. 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: Surveys, Agent Observation

Timeline: Throughout Program Year

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand the importance and concepts of nutrition and food preparation.

Indicator:

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

Method: Evaluation Provided by Animal Food Sciences Department

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth can apply learned concepts relating to nutrition and food preparation to contribute to or produce a project or experience.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.  
2. Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety. 
4. 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 Program Year

Long-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit confidence in being work-ready, healthy, productive, and engaged citizens

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years