Rockcastle County CES

County Emphasis:

Pathways to Health: Bridging Mental Well-being, Nutrition, Substance Abuse Solutions, and Plant and Animal Health

Concentration 1:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 3:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 4:

Animal Production and Management

Situation:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

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.

Health and Wellbeing

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.

Plant and Animal Production and Management

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.

County Situation:

We are experiencing a decline in traditional farming, leading to increased reliance on processed and fast foods, which often lack essential nutrients.  According to Kentucky by the Numbers census of agriculture, the number of farms in Rockcastle County decreased by 96 from 2017 to 2022. We also frequently encounter "food deserts", where residents have limited access to grocery stores that stock fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In 2024, Rockcastle County lost one of its two grocery stores.  This lack of access contributes to poor dietary habits and higher incidences of diet related health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Plant and animal production and management play a crucial role in fostering healthier communities by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security. Through extension services, knowledge sharing, and community engagement, farmers and producers can adopt innovative techniques that improve crop yields and livestock health. This not only boosts local economies but also ensures access to nutritious food, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the community. By prioritizing education and collaboration, extension initiatives empower individuals to make informed decisions that lead to resilient and thriving agricultural systems.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth)

• Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.    
• Youth increase educational outcomes.  
• Youth decrease poor overall health. 

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)

• Kentucky 4-H members report decreased obesity.    
• Increased number of 4-Hers who pursue employment in the health and well-being field. 
• 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.
• Routinely meeting guidelines and recommendations for health behaviors that promote wellness and quality of life
• Community environments that equitably support health-promoting behaviors where people live, learn, work, and play
• Increased availability and accessibility to community-based health resources
• Reduced rate and burden of non-communicable chronic diseases and injury
• Decreased health disparity prevalence in Kentucky counties
• Improved quality of life

Plant Production and Management (Youth)

• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.???
• Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities.??
• Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.

Animal Production and Management (Youth)

• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.??? 
• Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities.?? 
• Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.?? 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult)

• Individuals and families of all incomes levels have acces to affordable and nutritious foods
• Family farms become economically viable.
• Kentucky’s local food and agriculture industry are thriving.
• Decrease in the number of Kentuckians with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
• More Kentuckians routinely met the guidelines for the consumption of (locally-grown) fresh fruits and vegetables.

Health and Wellbeing (Adult)

• Routinely meeting guidelines and recommendations for health behaviors that promote wellness and quality of life
• Community environments that equitably support health-promoting behaviors where people live, learn, work, and play
• Increased availability and accessibility to community-based health resources
• Reduced rate and burden of non-communicable chronic diseases and injury
• Decreased health disparity prevalence in Kentucky counties
• Improved quality of life

Plant and Animal Production (Adult)

• Continually implementing new technology and production practices.? 
• Improve the quality of life of animals and humans.
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods leading to enhanced production efficiency and reductions in the carbon footprint.
• Producers are routinely following Beef Quality Care & Assurance standards to produce healthy and high-quality beef. 
• Horse owners will be encouraged to apply best management practices for the care and management of their horses to help control cost of ownership. 
• 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.
• Reduced unnecessary pesticide exposure to farmers, agribusiness and the general public
• 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
• Work with farmers and those interested in farming on generational succession in farms to improve sustainability of the farms for generations.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth)

• Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  
• Youth will practice food safety.  
• Youth will access nutritious foods.  
• Youth will prepare nutritious foods.  
• Youth will eat a variety of healthy foods daily. 

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)

• 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.   
• Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to health and well-being among 4-Hers.  
• 4-H members will increase physical activity. 
• Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety
• Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health or safety issues
• Increased organizational/site/community support for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health or safety issues

Plant Production and Management (Youth)

• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.??
• Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.??
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.

Animal Production and Management (Youth)

• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.?? 
• Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.?? 
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.??

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult)

• Increase and/or strengthen statewide and regional partnership to address community food system issues.
• 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.
• Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
• Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses.

Health and Wellbeing (Adult)

• Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety
• Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health or safety issues
• Increased organizational/site/community support for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health or safety issues

Animal and Plant Production and Management (Adult)

• Increased biosecurity strategies that promote both animal and human health related behaviors for a safe food system.? 
• Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.? 
• Annually implement strategies and production methods that result in increased efficiency and number of animals produced /maintained, and animals harvested or pounds of mild produced. 
• 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.
• Adoption of improved pesticide safety practices
• Increased number of stakeholders who scout for diseases, monitor disease risk factors, and use research-based information
• Explore the use of emerging production technologies to achieve increased adoption of technologies for such things as monitoring crop productivity, crop quality, soil health and soil moisture levels across Kentucky's agricultural sectors.

Initial Outcomes:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth)

• Youth and Adults will demonstrate increased nutrition and food preparation skills.
• Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices.  
• Youth will learn the importance of food safety.  
• Youth learn how to access nutritious foods.  
• Youth will learn how to prepare nutritious foods.  
• Youth will aspire to eat a variety of healthy foods daily.

Health and Wellbeing (Youth)

• Increased knowledge of positive mental health practices 
• Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  
• Improved attitudes and beliefs towards healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  
• Increased knowledge of general wellness practices
• Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.
• Increased awareness of community resources to support health-promoting behaviors.
• Increased confidence in making decisions related to health-promoting behaviors.
• Improved skills related to health-promoting behaviors

Plant Production and Management (Youth)

• Youth will explore their spark in agriculture.???
• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.?
• Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life.??
• Youth will expand life and work readiness skills in agriculture, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of agriculture.

Animal Production and Management (Youth)

• Youth will explore their spark in agriculture.??? 
• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.? 
• Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life.?? 
• Youth will expand life and work readiness skills in agriculture, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of agriculture.

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Adult)

• Increased awareness of and use of Food Connection Programs: Value Chain Coordinators, TFC Learning Kitchen, and Cultivate KY resources.
• Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.
• Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.
• Increased participation in Home-based Microprocessing workshops.
• Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.
• Increase the number of partnerships and/or coalitions involved in promoting awareness of local food systems, healthy eating, and active living (e.g. Program councils, Health Advisory Boards, etc.).

Health and Wellbeing (Adult)

• Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.
• Increased awareness of community resources to support health-promoting behaviors.
• Increased confidence in making decisions related to health-promoting behaviors.
• Improved skills related to health-promoting behaviors

Animal and Plant Production and Management (Adult)

• Increase knowledge about sustainable and economically viable management practices.? 
• Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species
• Increase confidence in making decisions related to promoting animal health-related behavior.?
• Increase intentions to employ financially sound behavior regarding production methods, use of financial tools, health-focused care, and the human-animal interaction.
• 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.
• Stakeholders have access to timely diagnostics to avoid or reduce the impact of disease outbreaks
• Enhanced soil and water management programs by rolling out targeted extension programs that focus on soil and water management techniques to immediately improve crop yield potentials and promote environmentally favorable practices.

Evaluation:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth) 

Initial Outcome

Indicator:

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

Method: Evaluation provided by Super Star Chef cooking program

Timeline: Immediate post program

Intermediate Outcome

Indicator: 

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

- 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 and consumer sciences: survey

Timeline: End of the program year

Long-term Outcome

Indicator: 

- Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the national 4-H index study

Method: standard evaluation tool for family and consumer sciences: survey

Timeline: 1 year or more

Plant Production and Management (Youth)

Initial Outcome

Indicator:

-Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.
- Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management.
- Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.
- 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: Immediately following program

Intermediate Outcome

Indicator:

- Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions. 

- Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project.

- 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: survey

Timeline: End of club year

Long-term Outcome

Indicator:

- Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index study

Method: survey

Timeline: End of program year or several years

Animal Production and Management (Youth)

Initial Outcome

Indicator:

- Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life. 

- Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production. 

- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest.   

- Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas.

- Number of adults in the county 4-H country ham program.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Intermediate Outcome

Indicator:

- Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions. 

- 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.  

- Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or skills gained in animal production to complete a project. 

- Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices.  

Method: survey

Timeline: End of program year

Long term Outcome

Indicator:

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years

Health and Well-being (Youth)

Initial Outcome

Indicator:

- Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community. 

- Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.  

- Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active  

- Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health 

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

- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.  

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 knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.   

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

- Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.

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

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Afterschool enrichment cooking clubs

Content or Curriculum: FSP, Plan Eat Move, Plate it Up, 4-H Cooking 101, 201, 301, 401

Inputs: FCS Agent & 4-H Agent

Date: Fall semester at MVES and BES, Spring semester at MVES and RES

Audience: Food Preservation Series

Project or Activity: Hands-on Canning, Freezing and Drying classes

Content or Curriculum: UK Canning Guidelines

Inputs: FCS agent

Date: Spring and Early Summer

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Afterschool enrichment running clubs

Content or Curriculum: Eat Smart to Play Hard curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent

Date: Fall semester at RES

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Afterschool enrichment self-care club

Content or Curriculum: Publications about hobbies as self-care; curriculum exploring different hobbies, including cooking, crochet, movement, and gardening

Inputs: 4-H Agent

Date: Spring semester at RCHS

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Homeschool Club

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: 4-H Agent

Date: September through May

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Plant and Soil Science Programs ( 4-H land Judging contest, 4-H Homesite Evaluation contest)

Content or Curriculum: Land Judging and Homesite Evaluation manual and publications

Inputs: 4-H Agent, certified 4-H volunteer

Date: Bi-weekly club meetings May through August

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: KY 4-H Livestock Program

Content or Curriculum: KY Livestock Volunteer Certification curriculum, KY 4-H Livestock program overview, KY 4-H Livestock rules and guidelines

Inputs: 4-H Agent, Certified 4-H Livestock volunteers

Date:

- Monthly club meetings: September through May

- 4-H Livestock Shows: May through August 

Audience: Sheep Producers 

Project or Activity: County-based sheep presentations 

Content or Curriculum: Presentation materials 

Inputs:ANR agent

Dates: Spring Field Days

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

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

Inputs: ANR agent

Dates: Fall and Spring

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: Adult Horse Owners  

Project or Activity: Horses and Horsemen  

Content or Curriculum: Seminars on Best management practices   

Inputs: UK Specialist, ANR Agents Industry Professionals   

Dates: TBD 

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

Project or Activity: Marketing related programming 

Content or Curriculum: Market outlook, risk management, value-added marketing, etc. 

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

Dates:

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:

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: 

Date: 

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: 

Date: 

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: 

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: 

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: Forage and livestock producers

Project or Activity: Grazing Schools, Fencing Schools, Statewide Grazing Conferences, Statewide Hay and Stored Forage Conferences, Regional Forage Tours, Novel Endophyte Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials including proceedings, manuals, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and on-line materials including webpages, social media, and videos.

Inputs: UK Forage Extension Specialists (2), UK Master Grazer Coordinator (1), UK Master Grazer Interns (2), UK Forage Technicians and Research Associates (4)

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

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

Project or Activity: Weed identification and management of grain and forage crops. Grain crops include corn, sorghum, soybean, small grains, and canola.

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 Extension Specialists, research and extension funding

Date: Annual

Evaluation:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access (Youth) 

Initial Outcome

Indicator:

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

Method: Evaluation provided by Super Star Chef cooking program

Timeline: Immediate post program

Intermediate Outcome

Indicator: 

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

- 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 and consumer sciences: survey

Timeline: End of the program year

Long-term Outcome

Indicator: 

- Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the national 4-H index study

Method: standard evaluation tool for family and consumer sciences: survey

Timeline: 1 year or more

Plant Production and Management (Youth)

Initial Outcome

Indicator:

-Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.
- Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management.
- Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.
- 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: Immediately following program

Intermediate Outcome

Indicator:

- Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions. 

- Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project.

- 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: survey

Timeline: End of club year

Long-term Outcome

Indicator:

- Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index study

Method: survey

Timeline: End of program year or several years

Animal Production and Management (Youth)

Initial Outcome

Indicator:

- Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life. 

- Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production. 

- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest.   

- Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas.

- Number of adults in the county 4-H country ham program.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Intermediate Outcome

Indicator:

- Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions. 

- 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.  

- Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or skills gained in animal production to complete a project. 

- Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices.  

Method: survey

Timeline: End of program year

Long term Outcome

Indicator:

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years

Health and Well-being (Youth)

Initial Outcome

Indicator:

- Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community. 

- Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.  

- Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active  

- Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health 

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

- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.  

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 knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.   

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

- Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.

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