Carter County CES

County Emphasis:

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

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.

Youth Focus - 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.

Plant Production and Management

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.

Youth Focus - 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.

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Ensuring the sustainability of Kentucky woodlands and natural resources, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, faces many challenges. Many landowners struggle to implement sustainable practices due to economic pressures, lack of access to technology, and workforce. The situation is exacerbated by development and the increasing demand for food, which often leads to the overuse of land and water resources, contributing to soil degradation, deforestation, and water scarcity.

Kentucky is blessed with a rich array of natural resources, including vast forests, abundant waterways, and wildlife. With woodlands in each of the 120 counties and forest industries in 110 counties, Kentuckians in both rural and urban areas all derive benefits from woodlands. Hardwood forests cover 50% of Kentucky and 473,000 individuals own 88% of the 12.4 million forested acres in the state. Forests stimulate the Kentucky economy through employment and production to the tune of $13 billion annually and there are over 28,000 jobs in Kentucky’s forest sector. Forests provide recreational opportunities and are a powerful tool in efforts to promote sustainability and support native diversity. Wildlife management programs assist landowners through both urban and rural wildlife management and damage control initiatives.

However, Kentucky’s forests and natural areas face growing risks. Threats from climate change are increasing as evidenced by some of the warmest and wettest years on record during the past decade and Kentucky is ranked as the ninth most vulnerable state in the country by long-term climate change impacts. Extreme weather events, such as the December 2021 tornado in Western Kentucky and the 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky are becoming more frequent and severe. In addition, a wide range of invasive species (including insects, pathogens, animals, and plants) can cause problems in woodlands, forests and other natural areas, threatening management and long-term sustainability.

Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to developing adaptive management strategies for the critical issues facing the sustainability of farms, natural areas, and forests for today and in the future. Implementing soil and water conservation practices in both urban and rural watersheds is critical to the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s natural resources.

Youth Focus - Educating youth about natural resources and environmental sciences is crucial for our future, as it empowers them to become proactive stewards of our planet. The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program aims to boost environmental literacy among youth, addressing a significant gap in environmental knowledge revealed by surveys from the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. America’s prosperity is inseparably linked to the health of our environment. A healthy environment is an essential component of the quality of life of humans and all living organisms (USDA, 2024). Optimistically, the National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey found that 83% of youth enjoy science, 66% see it as a problem-solving tool, and 62% are interested in science-related careers. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System’s 2023 assessment identified key priorities such as youth life skill training, workforce readiness, and promoting natural resource literacy. Through 4-H projects in natural resources and environmental sciences, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources through various projects and programs.

County Situation:

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Carter County has 681 farms that cover over 82,000 acres. Of that acreage 21,309 is devoted to cropland, 20,906 to pastureland, and 33,127 to woodlands.  

Top ag commodities by sales include:  

• Beef Cattle - $2.7 million
• Forages - $2.1 million 
• Equine - $1.1 million 
• Grain Crops - $1.1 million 
• Vegetables - $259,000 
• Tobacco - $76,000

Long-Term Outcomes:

Animal Production and Management

Adult

• Increase the quality and number of animals produced annually contributing to the increased and more stable financial position for producers. 
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods and species.
• Producers are routinely implementing guidelines and recommendations for efficient and financially sound production demonstrating sustainable behavior change.
• Continually implementing new technology and production practices.
• Improve the quality of life of animals and humans.
• Producers are routinely following Beef Quality Care & Assurance standards to produce healthy and high-quality beef. 

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.

Plant Production and Management 

Adult

• Achieve long-term sustainability and resilience through the widespread adoption of practices that enhance soil productivity, conserve water, and optimize resource use, leading to resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding economic and environmental fluctuations.
• Strengthen 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.  
• 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.
• Improved crop sustainability, increased farm profitability and reduced environmental impact using best disease management practices.
• Reduced unnecessary pesticide exposure to farmers, agribusiness and the general public.
• Increased competitiveness for U.S. farmers and the agricultural industry.

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.

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Adult

• Economic, social, physical, or environmental situations that will change because individuals or communities adopted new (or improved existing) actions, practices, and behaviors (these also take time to mature). 
• Forests ecosystem and economic values are enhanced, resulting in healthier forests, improved water quality, and increased revenue.  
• Wildlife habitat is increased and improved. 
• The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved.

Youth

• Youth will advocate for natural resources in their communities.
• Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the natural resources community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced natural resources practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the natural resources community.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Animal Production and Management

Adult

• Annually evaluate and implement strategies and production methods that result in increased efficiency, and number of animals produced /maintained, and animals harvested. 
• 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.

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.

Plant Production and Management 

Adult

• Continue development and dissemination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by specialists and agents to educate producers and promote IPM practices and/or organic practices that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining crop health and productivity.
• 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.
• 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.
• Increased adoption of effective crop protection (i.e. IPM) methods by stakeholders to manage diseases
• Increased number of stakeholders who scout for diseases, monitor disease risk factors, and use research-based information
• Early identification of potential disease outbreaks and awareness of disease trends
• Judicious use of pesticide-based disease management
• Adoption of improved pesticide application practices.  Improve understanding and compliance with state pesticide applicator regulations.
• Proper implementation of technologies to help farmers monitor, document, plant, harvest, and manage crops and forages. Technologies can include, but are not limited to, global navigation systems, section controls, applicator maps, soil sampling maps, yield maps, unmanned aerial vehicles, genetic traits, data analysis, etc.
• Grower's have quality products to sell at the Farmer's Market.  

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.

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Adult

• New or improved practices, behaviors, or choices that will occur in participants or communities because of the knowledge or awareness they gained from their contact with Extension (these are behavior change outcomes that are typically measured in follow-up evaluations because they require time to mature.) 
• Actively install and use resource monitoring technology to assist in data-driven decision to monitor their forest’s health forest health, water resources, and land usage.  
• Increase the number of Woodland owners that participate in economic incentives programs adopting sustainable forestry, water conservation, and soil management practices.  
• Implement climate resilience strategies to withstand the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, sustainable water management, and adapting wildlife management to preserve biodiversity under changing climate conditions.

Youth

• Youth will take responsible action in natural resources conservation.?? 
• Youth will aspire to explore careers in natural resources and environmental sciences.?? 
• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H natural resources projects and clubs.??? 
• Youth will communicate natural resources ideas and concepts more effectively.

Initial Outcomes:

Animal Production and Management

Adult

Animal production and management strategies encompass but are not limited to sustainable practices, health-focused care, and economic viability across all species. Activities will include programs to address and improve specific management systems and introduce new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems for increased efficiency and profitability.

• Increase knowledge about sustainable and economically viable management practices.
• Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species.
• Increase confidence in implementing new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems.
• 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.

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. 

Plant Production and Management

Adult

• 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.
• Support for crop trials by initiating pilot projects that support the planting of diverse crops and horticultural species, such as vegetables, small fruit, tree fruit, herbs, and ornamental plants to assess short-term viability and consumer interest.
• Initial and continuing education opportunities for certified pesticide applicators
• Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and to understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation
• Stakeholders are more aware of current and new and/or emerging disease issues
• Stakeholders have access to timely diagnostics to avoid or reduce the impact of disease outbreaks
• Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research and resources
• 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.
• Fulfillment of annual GAP Training requirements for GAP Certification of tobacco producers.
• Facilitate trainings to provide necessary knowledge to support those desiring to obtain commercial and non-commercial applicator licenses and maintain CEUs from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in the turf and ornamental category.
• Assisting farmers who need to document specific climate objectives and/or management practices of grain and tobacco buyers.

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.

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Adult

• Increase the awareness of sustainable forest management practices, economic pressures and technological barriers facing woodland owners and other interested individuals.  
• Increase knowledge and skills of individuals in both urban and rural settings to address immediate wildlife-related challenges and enhance biodiversity.  
• Develop the skills and ability of Woodland owners and Ag producers to actively manage wildlife-related damage and nuisance. 
• Develop emergency preparedness and response strategies focusing on preserving their Woodlands and mitigating immediate damage from events such as floods and tornadoes.

Youth

• Youth will explore their spark in natural resources.
• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in natural resources and environmental sciences.
• Youth will understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.
• Youth will set goals to become good stewards of natural resources.
• Youth will expand life and work readiness skills, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of natural resources. 

Evaluation:

Animal Production and Management

Initial 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 

Intermediate 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 

Long-term Outcome: Increased farm profits 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased farm profits on their livestock operations.   

Method: Survey (post program) or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: 12 months after program 

Youth

Outcome: Short-term

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

Outcome: Medium-term

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: The upcoming years

Plant Production and Management

Initial 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

Intermediate 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

Long-term Outcome: Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs

Indicator: Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Plant Production and Management-related Extension programs.

Method: Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback

Timeline: Frequently to annual

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife. 
• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry. 
• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.  

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains) 

Timeline: At program 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased management to address resources concerns 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they developed new management plans. 
• Number of participants who reported an increase in the acres managed. 
• Number of participants (or state agencies) who reported that they implemented wildlife damage management practices  

Method: Follow-up Survey (Survey previous participants) and tracking number of management plans implemented by state agencies 

Timeline: Annually 

Youth

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 have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.?

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

Outcome: Medium

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that have applied the skills they learned in natural resources to other areas of their life, including at home, school and other programs.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to conserve natural resources.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used their skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a natural resources project.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year 

Learning Opportunities:

Animal Production and Management

Audience: Livestock Producers 

Project or Activity: Northeast Area Livestock Association, Livestock Workshops, Field Day  

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: UK Specialists, Industry Professionals, NEALA Officer Team  

Date: October - April 

Audience: Livestock Producers 

Project or Activity: BQCA, SRQA  

Content or Curriculum: BQCA & SRQA Videos & Publications 

Inputs: UK Specialists, Industry Professionals, KY Sheep & Goat Development Office, KY Beef Network  

Date: January - March 

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, 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) 

Audience: Youth

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)

Plant Production and Management

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: PSEP Videos & Publications 

Date: January - March 

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: Ongoing 

Audience: Forage Producers 

Project or Activity: East KY Hay Contest 

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications 

Inputs: UK Specialists, Diagnostic labs and services

Date: July-November 

Audience:  Farmer's Market & Home Gardeners 

Project or Activity: Rootstock & Berry Plant Sales 

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: Nursery Producers, County Agents 

Date: January - April 

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Audience: Landowners 

Project or Activity: Hike & Learn 

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: UK Specialists, Park Naturalists 

Date: March - October 

Audience: Beekeepers

Project or Activity: Little Sandy Beekeepers Association 

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: UK Specialists, Industry Professionals, LSB Officer Team  

Date: Monthly 

Audience: 4-H Members 

Project or Activity: 4-H Natural Resources Projects?(e.g., insect collections, leaf collections, leaf print collections, wood science projects, rock, mineral, and/or fossil collections)

Content or Curriculum: Entomology, Forestry, Wood Science, Geology; Curriculum - National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources? 

Inputs: 

• 4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental 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 Natural Resources Programs (e.g., 4-H Forestry Field Days, 4-H Senior 4-H Forestry Judging Contest, 4-H Wildlife Challenge) 

Content or Curriculum: Forestry, Wildlife, Entomology, Water; Curriculum - National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources? 

Inputs: 

• 4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental 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)

Evaluation:

Animal Production and Management

Initial 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 

Intermediate 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 

Long-term Outcome: Increased farm profits 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased farm profits on their livestock operations.   

Method: Survey (post program) or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: 12 months after program 

Youth

Outcome: Short-term

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

Outcome: Medium-term

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: The upcoming years

Plant Production and Management

Initial 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

Intermediate 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

Long-term Outcome: Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs

Indicator: Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Plant Production and Management-related Extension programs.

Method: Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback

Timeline: Frequently to annual

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife. 
• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry. 
• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.  

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains) 

Timeline: At program 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased management to address resources concerns 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they developed new management plans. 
• Number of participants who reported an increase in the acres managed. 
• Number of participants (or state agencies) who reported that they implemented wildlife damage management practices  

Method: Follow-up Survey (Survey previous participants) and tracking number of management plans implemented by state agencies 

Timeline: Annually 

Youth

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 have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.?

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

Outcome: Medium

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that have applied the skills they learned in natural resources to other areas of their life, including at home, school and other programs.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to conserve natural resources.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used their skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a natural resources project.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year