Elliott County CES

County Emphasis:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

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.

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.

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:

There are approximately 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky and over one million head of beef cows. Kentucky is the eighth largest beef state in the U.S. and has the largest herd east of the Mississippi River. Kentucky ranks third for beef cattle density (cows per square mile) in the US. Cash receipts for beef cattle in Kentucky are approaching a billion dollars. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture and 2018 Kentucky Agriculture Statistics Survey there are 6,000 cattle and calves on 363 farms in Elliott County and generated $1,892.000 in revenue. With the decline in beef cattle prices over the past several years in the United States many cow/calf producers in Elliott County are looking for alternatives to maintain and sustain their current beef cattle operations.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• 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. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• 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.? 

1. Annually evaluate how they care for and manage their horses using cost effective strategies. 
2. Consider how they can use good biosecurity practices to ensure the health of their horses. 

Initial Outcomes:

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.? 

Evaluation:

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 

Initial Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Initial Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Initial Outcome: Increased livestock marketing knowledge 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who report increasing their knowledge of livestock marketing. 
• Number of individuals who implemented small ruminant financial management programs.

Method: Program evaluation tools/ surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Initial 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 

Initial 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

Intermeiate 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: On-going

Outcome: Long-term

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years

Learning Opportunities:

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)

 

 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Dog Program 

Content or Curriculum: 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.??? 

Dates: 

• Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31) 
• Kentucky 4-H Dog Skillathon (offered each August) 
• Kentucky 4-H Dog Show (offered each August) 
• Kentucky 4-H Dog Bowl (offered each August) 

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.??

Dates: 

• 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31) 
• Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Contest (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year) 

 

Audience: Sheep Producers 

Project or Activity: County-based sheep presentations 

Content or Curriculum: Presentation materials 

Inputs: KY Sheep & Goat Development Office 

Dates: Fall 2025

 

Audience: Sheep Producers, Agents 

Project or Activity: Small Ruminant Profit School 

Content or Curriculum: Presentation materials 

Inputs: KY Sheep & Goat Development Office 

Dates: On-line 

 

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

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

Inputs: 

Dates: Winter 2026

 

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: Master Cattleman 

Content or Curriculum: Master Cattleman curriculum 

Inputs: Coordination with Beef IRM coordinators & specialists 

Dates: Winter 2026

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: Bull Value Assessment Program (BVAP) 

Content or Curriculum: 

Inputs: KY Beef Network    

Dates: Spring 2026

Evaluation:

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 

Initial Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Initial Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Initial Outcome: Increased livestock marketing knowledge 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who report increasing their knowledge of livestock marketing. 
• Number of individuals who implemented small ruminant financial management programs.

Method: Program evaluation tools/ surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Initial 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 

Initial 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

Intermeiate 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: On-going

Outcome: Long-term

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years