Menifee County CES

County Emphasis:

Promoting Agriculture and Natural Resources

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 4:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

Small farm development is a crucial aspect of the Kentucky agricultural sector, especially in supporting rural economies and ensuring food security. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) defines a small farm as an operation with a gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less. These farms are typically family-owned and operated, representing more than 90 percent of farms in the U.S. These farms face challenges such as urbanization, an aging farmer population, farm consolidation, new and beginning farmers, and changing climate patterns.

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. CES focuses on sustainable grazing practices and ensuring optimal use of natural resources like land and water.  Optimizing plant, crop, and forage production is paramount to Kentucky farms. 

Kentucky’s youth should have access to education and life skills in animal production, crop production, natural resources, and farm 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. 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 agriculture production and management can help young people develop life skills, learn about responsibility, and gain content knowledge about agriculture's different influences on their lives.  

 

County Situation:

Menifee County, with its rural charm and population of 6200, might seem like a place where everyone knows where their food comes from. However, the reality is different. In 2011, according to Ag Daily, 72% of the United States' population knew little or nothing about farming and ranching.  These statistics underscore the urgent need for Ag education, even in rural counties like ours. The importance of Ag education cannot be overstated, and it is a vital part of our country's future.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

-Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods and species.? 

-Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services 

-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 

-The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved. 

-Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Annually evaluate how they care for and manage their animals using cost-effective strategies 

-Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.?

-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.

-Youth will aspire to explore careers in natural resources and environmental sciences. 

-Develop and disseminate advanced risk management tools and insurance products tailored for the unique needs of small farms. 

Initial Outcomes:

-Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species.? 

-Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.? 

-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. 

-Youth will expand life and work readiness skills, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of natural resources.? 

-Organize community events and workshops that foster networking among small farm owners and promote the sharing of best practices and innovations. 

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

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

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing

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

Outcome: Improving forage and livestock management

Indicator: Number of participants that indicate high likelihood of implementation of improved forage and livestock management practices.

Method: Schools, workshops, conferences, and field days.  Information from these events will also be pushed out through KY Forages YouTube Channel and Master Grazer Facebook page.

Timeline: Programs are provided one or more times annually at multiple locations throughout Kentucky

Outcome: Short

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.
• Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.
• Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following the program/activity 

Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops 

Indicators: 

• Number of producers who reported increased yield.  
• Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers. 
• Number of producers who reported improved produce quality. 
• Number of trained volunteers.
• Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
• Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
• Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliage sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.

Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

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: 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, develop relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in meaningful opportunities.
• 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)

Audience: Agricultural stakeholders (farmers, certified crop advisors, industry, others)

Project or Activity: Weed identification and management of forage crops. 

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 Weed Science and forage Extension Specialists, research, and extension funding

Date: Annual

Audience: 4-H Members 

Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Natural Resources  

Content or Curriculum: Water, Entomology, Forestry, Wildlife; Curriculum - National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources (e.g., Project WET, Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, Project Underground, Leopold Education Project)

Inputs: 

• 4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, develop relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful to them.
• Accredited volunteers in natural resources.
• 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 staff, volunteers, and youth in delivering the program.

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

Audience: 4-H Members 

Project or Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports Program 

Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Shooting Sports Training Curriculum

Inputs: 

• 4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, develop relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful to them.
• Accredited volunteers in 4-H Shooting Sports. 
• 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 staff, volunteers, and youth in delivering the program.

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

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

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

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing

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

Outcome: Improving forage and livestock management

Indicator: Number of participants that indicate high likelihood of implementation of improved forage and livestock management practices.

Method: Schools, workshops, conferences, and field days.  Information from these events will also be pushed out through KY Forages YouTube Channel and Master Grazer Facebook page.

Timeline: Programs are provided one or more times annually at multiple locations throughout Kentucky

Outcome: Short

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.
• Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.
• Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following the program/activity 

Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops 

Indicators: 

• Number of producers who reported increased yield.  
• Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers. 
• Number of producers who reported improved produce quality. 
• Number of trained volunteers.
• Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
• Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
• Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliage sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.

Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing