Oldham County CES

County Emphasis:

Food Safety

Concentration 1:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 2:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Plant Production and Management

Situation:

The opportunities and resources available to support the health and well-being of adults and families in Kentucky vary widely. Disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure contribute to higher rates of chronic health conditions and lower quality of life. Prevention, early detection, and care are essential to maintain and/or improve quality of life. Yet, this burden is often placed on individuals to navigate the healthcare system and traditional public health entities. Additionally, for decades, little attention has been given to the external factors that undoubtedly affect health such as access to care, education, nutritious foods, and safe physical spaces. These same issues and concerns were echoed throughout the 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Assessment. Within the top 15 priority issues identified by Kentuckians, “ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious foods” was #4 and “reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise” was #8. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, UK Extension aims to become a critical public health partner for addressing disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure through comprehensive health, nutrition, and wellness programming that supports adult physical health and well-being.

Youth Focus

Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). According to Kentucky Kids Count Database (AECF, 2023) 41% of Kentucky teenagers are obese or overweight. Youth are also experiencing alarming levels of negativity about themselves, their confidence in the future, and their ability to find contentment in life (McKinsey & Company, 2022). 30% of youth are chronically absent (United States Department of Education, 2024). The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2024) identified key priorities issues related to health and wellbeing as need for improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources, reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise, minimizing bullying and/or school violence. To address these issues, Kentucky 4-H creates opportunities for youth in the five domains of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health and well-being.

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.

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.

County Situation:

The Oldham County Community Assessment has highlighted a critical need to improve access to nutritious foods for families and to recognize the vital role food plays in preventing diet-related chronic illnesses. This necessitates a multi-faceted approach encompassing practical education and support on topics directly addressing hunger and food insecurity. Key areas of focus include raising awareness and utilization of food banks and pantries, providing accessible nutrition education, and expanding access to healthy food options. Furthermore, empowering residents with the knowledge and skills to grow, preserve, and their own food can significantly contribute to long-term food security and healthier eating habits. The Oldham County Health Department's findings further reinforce this need, identifying healthier food choices as a priority and underscoring a specific concern regarding children's need for additional nutrition information. 

In addition, Oldham County is host to at least one Kentucky Proud Farmers market according to the Center for Crop Diversification. Producers wishing to sell products, produce, and meat at this market are required to take steps in ensuring safe, quality food. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Center for Crop Diversification, and extension have identified key certifications and educational resources that aid producers in providing their products. Certifications were created to ensure safe, humane handling of livestock, proper cleaning and storage of produce, proper methods of insect control, and safe food handling. Oldham County Extension continues this responsibility of providing education as farmers and local producers provide healthy, safe products to the residents of Oldham County. These findings collectively point to an urgent need for targeted interventions and community-based initiatives to improve food security and nutrition knowledge within Oldham County.

 

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Community environments that equitably support health-promoting behaviors where people live, learn, work, and playCopy and paste from the provided logic models that correspond to the concentrations

Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area.

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety.

4-H members will practice general wellness habits.

Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.

Initial Outcomes:

Increased awareness of community resources to support health-promoting behaviors.

Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  

Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.

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

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program/event 

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year 

Long-term Outcome:

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

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years

Intermediate 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.  

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

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

Indicator: 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: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Market Producers, Farmers, Landowners

Project or Activity: Produce Best Practices Training

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Materials

Inputs: Agriculture Agent

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Care & Assurance

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Materials

Inputs: Agriculture Agent

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Farmers & Landowners

Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Applicators Training

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Materials

Inputs: Agriculture Agent

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Market Producers & Farmers

Project or Activity: Market Scale Certification

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Materials

Inputs: Agriculture Agent, KY Department of Agriculture

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Residents

Project or Activity: Seasonal Vegetables of Kentucky

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Materials

Inputs: Agriculture Agent, Horticulture Assistant, NEP Assistant, CES Agent

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Community members

Project or Activity: Canning powerpoint, hands on classes, Digital Canning 

Content or Curriculum: Canning 101 powerpoint, publications, UK approved recipes

Inputs: FCS Agent 

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Community members 

Project or Activity: Food demonstrations at Extension and Library 

Content or Curriculum: Cooking through the calendar

Inputs: FCS Agent, NEP assistant, Program assistant 

Date: Monthly 2025-2026

Audience: Oldham County Drug Court Substance Abuse Participants 

Project or Activity: Nutrition Classes for Drug Court participants

Content or Curriculum: Healthy Choices for Recovering Bodies 

Inputs: FCS Agent, NEP Assistant 

Date: Monthly 2025-2026

Audience: Oldham County Limited Resource Families 

Project or Activity: Nutrition Classes/LEAP 

Content or Curriculum: NEP Calendar Recipes, NEP approved materials

Inputs: FCS Agent, NEP assistant, Program Assistant 

Date: 2025-2026 school year 

Audience: Elementary Age children and Caregivers

Project or Activity: Story Walk 

Content or Curriculum: UK approved materials, NEP and LEAP curriculum

Inputs: FCS agent, NEP assistant, Program assistant 

Date: Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Homemakers, Community Members

Project or Activity: Food Education

Content or Curriculum: Culinary Connections: Food Families

Inputs: FCS agent

Date: September-May 2025-2026

Audience:  Youth age 9 -18

Project or Activity: Passport Kitchen

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Staff, State 4-H Staff

Date: July 2025

Audience: Youth Age 9- 12

Project or Activity: Delicious Delights 4-H Club

Content or Curriculum:  4-H Food Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H staff, 4-H Volunteers

Date: July 2025 - June 2026

Audience:  Youth Age 12- 18

Project or Activity:  Teen Chef Club

Content or Curriculum:  4-H Food Curriculum, NEP Curriculum

Inputs:  4-H Staff, 4-H volunteers

Date:  July 2025- June 2026

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program/event 

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year 

Long-term Outcome:

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

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years

Intermediate 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.  

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

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

Indicator: 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: Survey

Timeline: End of program year