Mason County CES

County Emphasis:

Strengthening and Supporting the Local Food and Agriculture Industry

Concentration 1:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 2:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 3:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 4:

Plant Production and Management

Situation:

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. 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, youth programs and market opportunities.

With the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) aims to increase access to fresh food, as well as increase knowledge and awareness of how to select, store, safely prepare, process, and preserve these foods. CES prioritizes statewide partnership development that helps us meet our goals and objectives. We collaborate with statewide agencies including Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, KY Farm to School Network, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and others to help build statewide systems that increase access and usage of fresh fruits and vegetables. These programs benefit Kentuckians because they support food access policy, systems and environmental changes in communities and across the state. They increase knowledge of how to grow, prepare, and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables.

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.

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.

County Situation:

This agricultural focus aligns closely with the mission of the Mason County Extension Office, which works to support local farmers, families,youth and communities through research-based education and resources. As a largely rural county, Mason County benefits directly from initiatives that promote small farm development, sustainable livestock and crop production, and increased access to fresh, locally grown food. By partnering with statewide programs and offering hands-on guidance in areas like soil health, risk management, and nutrition education, the Extension office helps ensure that local producers are equipped to thrive economically while contributing to food security and environmental stewardship.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets. 
• Establish networks of urban farms that are integral to their local food systems, providing fresh produce and fostering urban-rural agricultural links. 
• Strive to have all participating small farms fully implement sustainable practices that protect and enhance natural resources. 
• Equip small farms to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of changing climate patterns, ensuring their sustainability and resilience. 
• Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected.
• Increase the quality and number of animals or pounds of milk 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.
• Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations. 
• 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. 
• 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.
• 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, community gardens, and community-supported agriculture programs that are well-integrated with urban horticulture initiatives.
• Increase the number of commercial applicator licenses.
• 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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects. 
• Support the establishment of new farm enterprises that can offer innovative products and practices, enhancing the economic resilience of the small farm sector. 
• Provide robust support for estate planning and farm transitions to ensure the longevity of small farms across generations. 
• Develop and disseminate advanced risk management tools and insurance products tailored for the unique needs of small farms. 
• Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies.
• Annually implement strategies and production methods that result in increased efficiency, and number of animals produced /maintained, and animals harvested or pounds of milk produced.? 
• Increased 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 evaluate how they care for and manage their horses using cost effective strategies. 
• Consider how they can use good biosecurity practices to ensure the health of their horses.  
• Individuals and families of all incomes levels have access 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.
• 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.
• 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.?

Initial Outcomes:

• Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners. 
• Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability for small farm owners. 
• Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales channels and improve income stability. 
• Implement trial programs for specialty crops that could be suitable for small farms, providing a new avenue for diversification and innovation in crop production. 
• Organize community events and workshops that foster networking among small farm owners and promote the sharing of best practices and innovations.
• 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.?
• 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 Homebased 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.).
• 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.
• Enhanced soil and water management programs by rolling out targeted extension programs that focus on soil health and water management techniques to immediately improve crop yield potentials.
• 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
• 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.?

Evaluation:

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 

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: 

• Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.
• Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Method: Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations.

Timeline: After program participation.

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

• Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 
• Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 
• Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 
• Number of commercial applicators licenses & careers opportunities
• Number of trained volunteers. 
• Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 
• Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Increased participation in Homebased Micro processing workshops. (initial)

Indicator: 

• Number of farms or food businesses who retained or expanded market opportunities and/or sales including locally produced foods. 
• Number of individuals who? Attended certificate-based training? On food safety, food preservation, food processing, liability, and/or marketing. (This includes: PBPT, Produce Safety Alliance Training, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, Value Chain Coordination Services Training, Farmers Market Sampling, Home-based Micro processing….). 

Method: HBM Post-Workshop Evaluation

Timeline: Annual (calendar year)

Outcome:

Youth develop agricultural knowledge, life skills, and interest in natural resource stewardship through participation in research-based 4-H and youth programs.

Indicator:

Number of people who participate in agriculture- and natural resource-focused 4-H programs. Demonstrate increased knowledge or skills in agriculture-related topics (e.g., gardening, environmental conservation, animal science). Express interest in agriculture careers or leadership roles in their communities. Complete a research-based curriculum such as Jr. Master Gardeners

Method:

Data Collection Tools: Pre- and post-program surveys, knowledge assessments, observation logs, attendance records. Frequency: Collected at the beginning and end of each program cycle (e.g., seasonal or annual) Responsible Parties: Educators, program staff, trained volunteers Data Disaggregation: By age, gender, geographic area, and program focus. Data Sources: 4-H Online system, Jr. Master Gardener records, volunteer and youth feedback, stakeholder interviews

Timeline: Annual (calendar year)

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

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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 and skill demonstration working with livestock

Timeline: Annually

 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Specialty Crop Growers 

Project or Activity: Programming for commercial or pre-commercial (training to be commercial growers) specialty crop production and management 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, governmental agencies (NRCS, FSA, etc.) 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals & Farmers

Project or Activity: Cook Wild

Content or Curriculum: Publications, trainings, recipes

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, non-profits, 4-H, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents and Youth 

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

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

Inputs: program materials, tests, publications

Dates: Ongoing

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: program materials, ID cards, publications

Date: Ongoing

 

Audience: Commercial applicators

Project or Activity: license for commercial applicators and continuing education.

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials, program delivery, and testing

Inputs: program materials, studying, and publications

Date: July-Sept 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H and  youth programs for agriculture and natural resources 

Content or Curriculum: National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources, Jr. Master Gardeners

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.
• Accredited volunteers in agriculture.
• Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system.
• 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.

Date: 4-H Program Year (September 1 – August 31)

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Clubwork (livestock, Poultry Science )

Content or Curriculum:

• Livestock: Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Resource Handbook, Kentucky 4-H Livestock Rules and Guidelines.
• Date: 4-H Program Year (September 1- August 31)

Evaluation:

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 

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: 

• Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.
• Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Method: Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations.

Timeline: After program participation.

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

• Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 
• Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 
• Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 
• Number of commercial applicators licenses & careers opportunities
• Number of trained volunteers. 
• Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 
• Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Increased participation in Homebased Micro processing workshops. (initial)

Indicator: 

• Number of farms or food businesses who retained or expanded market opportunities and/or sales including locally produced foods. 
• Number of individuals who? Attended certificate-based training? On food safety, food preservation, food processing, liability, and/or marketing. (This includes: PBPT, Produce Safety Alliance Training, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, Value Chain Coordination Services Training, Farmers Market Sampling, Home-based Micro processing….). 

Method: HBM Post-Workshop Evaluation

Timeline: Annual (calendar year)

Outcome:

Youth develop agricultural knowledge, life skills, and interest in natural resource stewardship through participation in research-based 4-H and youth programs.

Indicator:

Number of people who participate in agriculture- and natural resource-focused 4-H programs. Demonstrate increased knowledge or skills in agriculture-related topics (e.g., gardening, environmental conservation, animal science). Express interest in agriculture careers or leadership roles in their communities. Complete a research-based curriculum such as Jr. Master Gardeners

Method:

Data Collection Tools: Pre- and post-program surveys, knowledge assessments, observation logs, attendance records. Frequency: Collected at the beginning and end of each program cycle (e.g., seasonal or annual) Responsible Parties: Educators, program staff, trained volunteers Data Disaggregation: By age, gender, geographic area, and program focus. Data Sources: 4-H Online system, Jr. Master Gardener records, volunteer and youth feedback, stakeholder interviews

Timeline: Annual (calendar year)

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 and skill demonstration working with livestock

Timeline: Annually