Spencer County CES

County Emphasis:

Agriculture

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 4:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

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.

 

Small farm development is a crucial aspect of the Kentucky agricultural sector, especially in the context of 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, and they represent 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. Small farms play a vital role in the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economies, protecting and enhancing natural resources and the environment, and maintaining rural populations. Urban small scale farm production is an emerging and fast grow segment of farm economies. The development and sustainability of small farms is important in providing a nursery for new enterprises and marketing systems, which is crucial for innovation and diversification in agriculture. Small farm development can be hindered by access to capital, markets, and technology. Additionally, owners of small farms may lack the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable practices that could improve their economic viability and environmental stewardship. Kentucky Cooperative Extension will continue to aid small farm owners by providing educational opportunities and increasing awareness of resources offered through various programs and online platforms. This includes developing new and improved practices to reduce production costs, protect and improve soil and water resources, and offer options for specialty crop production. Extension personnel will also promote whole farm plans, estate planning, farm transitions, risk management, and market opportunities. The development of small farms is imperative for the health of Kentucky’s agricultural sector, rural communities and emerge urban agriculture.

County Situation:

Spencer County's agricultural sector remains vital, despite continued housing growth and loss of farmland, with local farmers contributing to Kentucky's $8 billion agricultural economy. Despite these challenges, the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service continues to support sustainable practices and resilience in agriculture and natural resources. We are noticing an increase in modern-age agriculture, including both sustainable and non-traditional farming. Therefore, the Spencer County Extension Council and Agents realize there is a definite need for programs and resources dealing with all types of agriculture.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Producers will increase profits from agricultural endeavors by incorporating new and improved production techniques.
2. All residents of Spencer County will employ farm safety practices and procedures in their lives.
3. Small farms will become more sustainable and resilient, contributing to food security, rural economic stability, and agricultural innovation.
4. Youth involved in agriculture programs will be better prepared for careers in agricultural sciences and related industries, strengthening Kentucky's future workforce.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will begin using improved varieties of fruits and vegetables and adopt new watering techniques. Producers will expand their use of new marketing outlets for agricultural products. Families and youth will begin to use farm and equipment safety practices. Youth participants will show increased engagement in science-based agriculture projects, including livestock, dairy, and plant science activities.

Initial Outcomes:

1. Producers will learn how to properly grow and select varieties of fruits and vegetables.
2. Youth will be able to identify proper animal husbandry and animal well-being practices.
3. Producers will gain knowledge and apply proper skills in pesticide application through trainings.
4. Youth will develop awareness of soil science, plant production, and agriculture through school-based programs like Windowsill Gardens and Ag Day.

Evaluation:

Outcome	Farmers market participants will increase their net income.
Indicator	Increase in sales at local farmer’s market.
Method	End of market survey.
Timeline	November – January.

 

Outcome	Youth will practice and recognize proper animal husbandry techniques.
Indicator	Increase number of youth participating in livestock, dairy, and animal science programs.
Method	Observation.
Timeline	July - June.

 

Outcome	Producers will gain knowledge and apply proper skills in pesticide application.
Indicator	Pre/Post Test.
Method	Observation.
Timeline	November – February.

 

Outcome	Youth and adults gain knowledge in areas of nutrition, gardening and youth development.
Indicator	Increase in participation and awareness of Farmers Market.
Method	Observation and number of volunteers, including 4-H and KEHA Members.
Timeline	July-October, April-June.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience    Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families

Project or Activity    Farmers Market (BR, EM, MT)

Content or Curriculum    Produce Best Practices Training, Farmer’s market materials, Food sampling.

Inputs    Farm Bureau, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farmer’s Market Committee, Spencer County Health Department, and Community and Extension Volunteers.

Date(s)    July 2025 - June 2026.

Audience    Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families

Project or Activity    Vegetable Gardening (BR, EM, MT)

Content or Curriculum    Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky, Container Gardening

Inputs    Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Volunteers, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County Library.

Date(s)    March 2026 - June 2026

Audience    Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families

Project or Activity    Pesticide Application Training (BR)

Content or Curriculum    Private application training and commercial applicator training. 

Inputs    Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Volunteers.

Date(s)    February 2026.

Audience    Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families

Project or Activity    Agriculture Field Day (BR)

Content or Curriculum    Production Methods, UK publications.  

Inputs    Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Community Volunteers, University of Kentucky CES, Spencer Co. Soil Conservation.

Date(s)    August 2025 – September 2025.

Audience    Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families

Project or Activity    Beginning Producer Sessions (BR)

Content or Curriculum    Various topics picked by participants.

Inputs    University of Kentucky Specialists, Bullitt and Spencer Co Agriculture Agents.

Date(s)    September 2025 - May 2026.

Audience    Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families

Project or Activity    Farmer’s Dinner Theatre (EM, BR, MT)

Content or Curriculum    Farmer’s Dinner Theatre Curriculum and Supporting Materials. 

Inputs    County Extension Council, Local Producers, Louisville Area Cattleman’s, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Spencer County Schools, Spencer County Chamber of Commerce.

Date(s)    January 2026 - February 2026.

Audience    Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families

Project or Activity    Master Gardner Activities/Class (EM, BR, MT)

Content or Curriculum    Master Gardner Materials, University of Kentucky gardening resources, University of Kentucky Marketing resources. 

Inputs    Master Gardner Volunteers, local Farmer's Market Committee, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture. 

Date(s)    July 2025 - June 2026.

Audience    Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families

Project or Activity    Spencer County Beekeepers Association (BR)

Content or Curriculum    University of Kentucky beekeepers and pollinator resources, University of Kentucky Marketing resources. 

Inputs    University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, local producers.

Date(s)    July 2025 - June 2026.

Audience    Youth 

Project or Activity    Livestock, Country Hams, and Dairy (MT)

Content or Curriculum    Animal science materials and approved curriculum.

Inputs    Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farmer’s Market Committee, Spencer County FFA, Certified 4-H Livestock Club Leaders, Community Volunteers.

Date(s)    July 2025 - June 2026.

Audience    Youth 

Project or Activity    Farm Safety (MT)

Content or Curriculum    Small and large tractor safety materials, classes, and contests.

Inputs    Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Volunteers.

Date(s)    July 2025 - June 2026.

Audience    Youth 

Project or Activity    School Aged Windowsill Gardens (EM, BR, MT)

Content or Curriculum    Windowsill Garden Curriculum.

Inputs    Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Local Producers, Master Gardner Volunteers, Farmer’s Market Committee, Community Volunteers.

Date(s)    April 2026 - June 2026.

Audience    Youth

Project or Activity    Elementary Ag Day (EM, BR, MT)

Content or Curriculum    Teaching youth about local and Kentucky agriculture.

Inputs    Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Farm Bureau, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Beef Council, Kentucky Soybean Board, Master Gardner Volunteers, Farmer’s Market Committee, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Spencer County FFA, Certified 4-H Livestock Club Leaders, 4-H Members, Community Volunteers.

Date(s)    September 2025 - October 2025.

Audience    Youth 

Project or Activity    Early Elementary Grow It Learn It (EM, BR, MT)

Content or Curriculum    University of Kentucky Extension Curriculum.

Inputs    Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Farm Bureau, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Master Gardner Volunteers, Farmer’s Market Committee, Community Volunteers.

Date(s)    January 2026 - June 2026.

Evaluation:

Outcome	Farmers market participants will increase their net income.
Indicator	Increase in sales at local farmer’s market.
Method	End of market survey.
Timeline	November – January.

 

Outcome	Youth will practice and recognize proper animal husbandry techniques.
Indicator	Increase number of youth participating in livestock, dairy, and animal science programs.
Method	Observation.
Timeline	July - June.

 

Outcome	Producers will gain knowledge and apply proper skills in pesticide application.
Indicator	Pre/Post Test.
Method	Observation.
Timeline	November – February.

 

Outcome	Youth and adults gain knowledge in areas of nutrition, gardening and youth development.
Indicator	Increase in participation and awareness of Farmers Market.
Method	Observation and number of volunteers, including 4-H and KEHA Members.
Timeline	July-October, April-June.