Webster County CES

County Emphasis:

Utilizing resources for family and farm.

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 3:

Plant Production and Management

Situation:

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.

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.

 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.

Increased production of Kentucky-grown food and increased market opportunities for those products.

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

 

 

County Situation:

The economy is affecting families in Webster County. Soybeans and corn cover nearly 117,000 acres. Other crops include forage, wheat, and tobacco. Poultry leads the livestock sector, with cattle also playing a significant role.Young farmers and women are increasing in number, though they remain a small percentage. The 2022 Census of Agriculture shows the market value of agricultural products sold reached $258.96 million, higher than in 2017. However, crop input costs have risen, reducing farm net income.Basic management practices can improve farm profitability and sustainability. Webster County has an active farmers' market where producers sell locally grown products. Families can buy fresh produce and meat, knowing where their food comes from.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increase the quality and number of animals or pounds of milk produced annually contributing to the increased and more stable financial position for producers. 

Producers routinely follow Beef Quality Care & Assurance standards to produce healthy and high-quality beef. 

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.
 

Individuals and families of all incomes levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods

Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities.?

Intermediate Outcomes:

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 number of stakeholders who scout for diseases, monitor disease risk factors, and use research-based information

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.

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

 

Initial Outcomes:

Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species

Increase knowledge about sustainable and economically viable management practices

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.

Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation

Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access

Evaluation:

Short-term 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: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. 

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.  

Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting). 

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Champion Food Volunteer, Food Preservation;

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)

Intermediate Outcome: Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At the program 

Intermediate Outcome: Improved adoption of best management practices and compliance with state regulations

Indicator: Number new applicator licenses awarded

Method: Survey and results from the KDA

Timeline: 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 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Webster County Beef Producers

Project or Activity:  Annual Beef Meeting

Content or Curriculum: Based on current beef and livestock issues 

Inputs:  UK specialists, Agents, Webster County Cattlemen's Association, KBN

Date:  January -March timeframe each year

Audience:  Bell Boys Beef Farms

Project or Activity:  Back to Basic Program

Content or Curriculum:  UK Publications and recommendations

Inputs: Extension Specialist in the UK Beef Group, Agents

Date: on-going project since 2023 

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Farm Visits

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs:  ANR agents, Specialist, NRCS 

Date:  Throughout year 

Audience:  Women producers

Project of Activity: 35% Women in Agriculture Conference

Content or Curriculum:  UK publications and recommendations

Inputs: UK Extension specialists, agents, local producers, local businesses

Date:  January – March timeframe

Audience:  Farmers, homeowners, anyone

Activity:  KY Ag Matters podcast

Content:  UK publications, KDA, Farm Bureau, KSP, Etc.

Inputs:  ANR agents in Mclean, Lyon and Webster county, UK specialists, local guest

Date:  weekly (every Monday morning)

Audience:  Webster County Farmers' Market Vendors

Project or Activity:  Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs Training

Content or Curriculum:  Provided materials from KDA

Inputs:  Agents and KDA

Date:  Annually

Audience:  Webster Grain Farmers and Landowners

Project or Activity:  Grower meetings

Content or Curriculum:  based upon producer needs and requests

Inputs:  Extension Specialists, Agents

Date:  During winter months

Audience:  Webster County Farmers and Landowners

Project or Activity:  Private Pesticide Certification Training

Content or Curriculum:  UK Pesticide Safety and Education Resources

Inputs:  Specialist, agents, local businesses

Date:  February each year

Audience:  Farmers, Elected Officials, Citizens

Project or Activity:  Webster County Farm City Tour

Content or Curriculum: Local farmers and businesses ag story

Inputs: Webster County Farmers, elected officials, ag advisory council members

Date:  July annually

Audience: Webster County Families

Project or Activity: Estate Planning

Content or Curriculum: MITT, UK specialist

Inputs: UK specialist, local attorney

Date: Winter 2025/2026

Audience: Agents 

Project or Activity: In-service updates / trainings 

Content or Curriculum: Online series, in-person trainings developed as needed 

Inputs: Coordination by IRM coordinators and Specialists 

Dates: TBD

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

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

Inputs: ANR agents, Extension Specialist

Dates:  Winter months

Audience: West 3/4 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: January and Feb. 2026

Audience: Webster County Grain Producers

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: ANR agents, extension specialist, NRCS staff, local agribusinesses

Date: winter months

Audience: Agricultural producers and the public

Project or Activity: Pest and disease identification

Content or Curriculum: Clinical diagnoses, farm visits and trainings

Inputs: Diagnostic labs and services

Date: Ongoing 

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 Progam

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Grain crop, forage, tobacco, and hemp producers, agribusiness and government agencies

Project or Activity: Programs that support soil fertility and soil management practices to improve crop production, reduce negative environmental impacts, and enhance overall profitability in a sustainable manner.

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials to include Publications, Fact Sheets, Newsletters, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, TV and Radio Broadcasts, Videos, Field Visits, emails and phone calls

Inputs: UK Soil and Crops Specialists, experts and interested parties

Date: Frequently to annual

Audience: Tobacco growers

Project or Activity: Tobacco production and research update and GAP meetings, field days, phone calls, and other consultations

Content or Curriculum: Program delivery, educational materials. GAP Connections

Inputs: UK tobacco specialists, Gap Connections

Date: annual

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) 

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: Communities

Project or Activity: School, Community or Recovery Gardens

Content or Curriculum: NEP “Grow your own” publications, Hort. Dept. publications, youth gardening curriculum, Recovery Garden Toolkit

Inputs: Gardening materials, paid staff, community partners, 4-H, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, schools, recovery centers, Nutrition Education Program

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals & Farmers

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Faithful Families, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Food as Health Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials, www.planeatmove.com, Super Star Chef, Farm to School, Hunger in Kentucky

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, 4-H, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farmers/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

Evaluation:

Short-term 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: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. 

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.  

Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting). 

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Champion Food Volunteer, Food Preservation;

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)

Intermediate Outcome: Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At the program 

Intermediate Outcome: Improved adoption of best management practices and compliance with state regulations

Indicator: Number new applicator licenses awarded

Method: Survey and results from the KDA

Timeline: 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