LaRue County CES

County Emphasis:

Sustainability of Agricultural Enterprises and the Environment

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 4:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

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.

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.  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.

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.

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.

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.

Small farms play a vital role in the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economies, protecting and enhancing natural resources and the environment, and maintaining rural populations. Urban small scale farm production is an emerging and fast grow segment of farm economies. The development and sustainability of small farms is important in providing a nursery for new enterprises and marketing systems, which is crucial for innovation and diversification in agriculture. Small farm development can be hindered by access to capital, markets, and technology. Additionally, owners of small farms may lack the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable practices that could improve their economic viability and environmental stewardship.

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, and market opportunities.

The development of small farms is imperative for the health of Kentucky’s agricultural sector, rural communities and emerge urban agriculture.

 

Youth Focus

Kentucky’s youth should have access to education and life-skills in plant and 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.  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). 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.

County Situation:

Long-Term Outcomes:

                 

Small Farm-Long Term Outcomes

• Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets. 
• 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 ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected. 

 

Plant Production 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.  
• 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.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive framework for disaster readiness and climate adaptation that includes advanced forecasting, crop selection, and management practices to prepare for extreme weather events.
• 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 farm productivity because of a reduction in yield and quality losses due to diseases
• Increased competitiveness for U.S. farmers and the agricultural industry
• Achieve long-term sustainability and resilience in agricultural practices through the widespread adoption of practices that enhance soil productivity, conserve water quality and quantity, and optimize resource use, leading to resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding economic and environmental fluctuations.
• Strengthening 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. Helping to maintain or increase domestic markets and increase export markets for grain crops and tobacco by improving quality of commodities compared to that of foreign competitors.  
• Helping to educate turfgrass managers on how to maintain surfaces that meet the needs of their desired uses while improving economic and environmental benefits of turfgrasses.
• Work with farmers and those interested in farming on generational succession in farms to improve sustainability of the farms for generations.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive framework for disaster readiness and climate adaptation that includes advanced forecasting, crop selection, and management practices to prepare for extreme weather events.

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.

 

Long-term Outcomes- Sustainability and Natural Resources

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.? 

 

Animal Production Long-term Outcomes

Adult

• 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. 
• Continually adoption of new technology and production practices.
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices by horse owners. 
• 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:

Small Farm 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 support for estate planning and farm transitions to ensure the longevity of small farms across generations. 
• Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies. 

 

Plant Production Intermediate 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.
• Explore the use of emerging production technologies to achieve increased adoption of technologies such as monitoring crop productivity, crop quality, soil health, and soil moisture levels across Kentucky's agricultural sectors.
• Adoption of improved pesticide safety practices
• Increased 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
• Expansion of Extension programming by broadening the scope of extension services to include more comprehensive support for grain crops, forages, tobacco, hemp, and turfgrass suited to Kentucky's changing climate and soil conditions.
• Explore the use of emerging production technologies to achieve increased adoption of technologies for such things as monitoring crop productivity, crop quality, soil health and soil moisture levels across Kentucky's agricultural sectors.
• 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 Production Intermediate Outcomes

Adult

• 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.  

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 and Natural Resources Intermediate Outcomes

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.

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