Butler County CES

County Emphasis:

Sustainable farms and local food industry

Concentration 1:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Animal Production and Management

Situation:

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.

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.

County Situation:

Butler County is a very rural community in South Central Kentucky.  The animal agriculture is mainly poultry (broiler production), beef cattle, emerging sheep and goat, and several hobby horses.  Crop production is mainly corn and soybeans.  Butler County's clay soils and wet nature have prevented wheat from becoming a major economic cash crop.  Forage crops are mostly cool season grasses and legumes.  There is a small, but growing, amount of farmer's market crop production.  The local farmers market is administered by the City of Morgantown.   There are 172,711 acres of farmland.  634 family farms.  350 farms had sales of less than $5,000.  443 farms had less than 180 acres.  These numbers demonstrate the need for supporting small farms and the potential to develop the local food industry.  These have been priorities of local leadership groups for years.   

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.  . 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  Work with farmers and those interested in farming on generational succession in farms to improve sustainability of the farms for generations.    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. Animals Adult ?  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.   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.   Increase the quality of small ruminants annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of small ruminant operations.   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.??

Intermediate Outcomes:

Medium-term Outcomes

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.  Adoption of improved pesticide safety practices 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, crop consultants, and pesticide applicators 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.   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

Medium-term Outcomes

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 evaluate how they care for and manage their horses using cost effective strategies.    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.??

 

 

Initial Outcomes:

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.  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.  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 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, sustainability, and yield improvements.  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.  Support for diverse crop trials by initiating pilot projects that support the planting of diverse crops.  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.    Youth 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. Animals 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.?    Horses are kept primarily for sport and recreation. The majority of CES clientele can be placed in one of three general categories: 1) the new or first-time owner. These owners may have recently purchased a horse or have taken over full-time care of their horse, 2) Horse owners that have experience but are looking to validate what they do to make sure they are on the right track, and 3) the long time horse owner who is looking to improve management of their horses.  New horse owners can implement the management practices that fit their needs as new horse owners.      Improve management skills to improve sustainability and reduce cost of ownership.   Youth 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.

Evaluation:

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	Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research
Indicator	Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders.
Method	Primarily surveys, records from consultations
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Early identification of potential disease outbreaks
Indicator	Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with disease identification and management.  Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.
Method	Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists
Timeline	Annual

 

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

 

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

Youth

Outcome	Short-Term
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	Administered immediately following program/activity

 

Outcome	Medium-Term
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	Administered at end of program year/club year

 

Outcome	Long Term
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	Survey
Timeline	End of program year or several years.

 

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge and / or awareness of management practices to improve sheep production efficiency.

Indicator: Number of participants who reported and increase in knowledge or awareness of best practices for small ruminants.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program

Intermediate Outcome: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of small ruminant operation.  

Indicator: Number of participants that have made changes to improve management of their small ruminant operation.  

Method: Survey

Timeline: after program

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	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At the program

 

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

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.
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
Timeline

 

Outcome	Long-term
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	Survey
Timeline	1+ years

Long-term Outcome:  Livestock Operations are sustainable and profitable

Indicator: number of livestock operations that continue or begin holds steady or increases.

Method: Observation

Timeline: note disbursements throughout year.  

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Grain Crops Mgt.

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

Inputs: Agent and Specialist time, Cooperator Resources

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Pesticide Applicators

Project or Activity: PSEP certification for private applicators and continuing education for commercial applicators

Content or Curriculum: Educational Materials and Coordination with KDA.

Inputs:  Agent time, office facilities, PSEP resources, 

Date: Feb. and March 2026

Audience: Farmers and the public

Project or Activity: pest and disease identification

Content or Curriculum: Clinical diagnosis and trainings

Inputs: diagnostic lab

Date: April - October 2025

Audience: Grain Crop Producers

Project or Activity: Grain Crops Mgt. including corn, soybean, wheat, bbarley, rye, canola, and others.

Content or Curriculum: Plant and Soil Science Grain Crop Specialists.

Inputs: specialists with crop responsibilities

Date: frequent programs annually

Audience: Forage and Livestock Producers

Project or Activity:  Grazing Schools, Fencing Schools, Grazing and other forage conferences, 

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials, manuals, hands on projects, demonstrations, and webpages

Inputs: UK forage specialists and extension associates

Date: programs provided across the state by UK.

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H plant and soil science projects.   

Content or Curriculum: National and state level vetted publications, curricula, and resources.

Inputs: 4-H programs in agriculture, accredited volunteers, funding from KY 4-H, funding from state, federal, and local sources, stakeholder support

Date: 4-H program year.

Audience: Sheep producers

Project or Activity: Ewe Profit School

Content or Curriculum: Ewe Profit Curriculum

Inputs: UK Sheep Facilities, AFS Personnel, and Specialists

Date: TBD

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry Reps.

Project or Activity: BQCA Trainings

Content or Curriculum: BCQA Trainings and Chute Side Trainings

Inputs: Ext. Office Facilities, Agent Time

Date: November 2025

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry Reps.

Project or Activity: Master Cattleman

Content or Curriculum: Master Cattleman Statewide Curriculum

Inputs: UK Specialists and Beef IRM coordinators

Date: TBD

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry Reps

Project or Activity: Beef Bash

Content or Curriculum: UK Research Field Day

Inputs: UK Specialists and Facilities, County Van, Agent Time

Date: Fall 2025

Audience Youth

Project or Activity: KY 4-H Dog Program

Content or Curriculum: Various Dog curriculum, much from OSU

Inputs: Volunteers, funding, stakeholder support

Date: 4-H Program Year

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.??
Date(s)	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)

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Clubwork (Livestock, Dairy, Horse, Poultry, Rabbit, Dog, and Vet Science)
Content or Curriculum	Livestock: 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  Dairy: 4-H Livestock Discovery, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Holstein Foundation Study Questions  Horse: Ohio State University (OSU) Horse Learning Lab Kit, Kentucky Horse Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Horse Reference Manual (Alberta 4-H), 4-H Horse Academy, Kentucky 4-H Horse Website  Poultry: Kentucky 4-H Avian Bowl Manual, National 4-H Poultry Judging Manual published by Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, Evaluating Egg Laying Hens (University of Kentucky), Standards for Scoring Placing Classes (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Giving Oral Reasons (University of Kentucky), Notesheet for Poultry Reasons (University of Kentucky), Criteria for Evaluating Oral Reasons (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Grading RTC Poultry (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Grading Eggs (University of Kentucky), Examples of Different Grades of Broken Out Eggs (University of Kentucky), The Egg and I, Chick Incubation  Rabbit: Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Project Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Learning Lab Kit, National 4-H Rabbit Curriculum Levels 1-3 and Helper’s Guide, American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) Standard of Perfection, Kentucky 4-H Rabbit Program Guide and Rule Book, 4-H Rabbit Program Overview  Dog: Kentucky Dog Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Learning Lab Kit, National 4-H Dog Curriculum Levels 1-3 and Helper’s Guide, American Kennel Club Website, Kentucky 4-H Dog Program Rule Book, Kentucky 4-H Dog Program Overview
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.???
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Kentucky 4-H Country Ham 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, Country Ham Meat Lesson Kit (University of Kentucky)
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.??
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)  Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Contest (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year)

 

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.??
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)

 

Audience: 

Project or Activity: 

Content or Curriculum: 

Inputs: 

Date: 

Audience: 

Project or Activity: 

Content or Curriculum: 

Inputs: 

Date: 

Evaluation:

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	Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research
Indicator	Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders.
Method	Primarily surveys, records from consultations
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Early identification of potential disease outbreaks
Indicator	Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with disease identification and management.  Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.
Method	Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists
Timeline	Annual

 

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

 

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

Youth

Outcome	Short-Term
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	Administered immediately following program/activity

 

Outcome	Medium-Term
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	Administered at end of program year/club year

 

Outcome	Long Term
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	Survey
Timeline	End of program year or several years.

 

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge and / or awareness of management practices to improve sheep production efficiency.

Indicator: Number of participants who reported and increase in knowledge or awareness of best practices for small ruminants.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program

Intermediate Outcome: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of small ruminant operation.  

Indicator: Number of participants that have made changes to improve management of their small ruminant operation.  

Method: Survey

Timeline: after program

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	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At the program

 

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

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.
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
Timeline

 

Outcome	Long-term
Indicator	Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method	Survey
Timeline	1+ years

Long-term Outcome:  Livestock Operations are sustainable and profitable

Indicator: number of livestock operations that continue or begin holds steady or increases.

Method: Observation

Timeline: note disbursements throughout year.