Jackson County CES

County Emphasis:

Sustainability of Family Farms

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 3:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 4:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

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.

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.

County Situation:

Jackson County, Kentucky, is home to 13,000 head of beef cattle, with a population of just over 12,000; there are more beef cattle in the county than there are people. Educating producers on beef sustainability through research-based practices is essential for sustained production. The Agriculture Development Council continues to provide funding opportunities for these practices through the CAIP investment program. Advising this program and educating producers will be essential for success. Programs will also focus on sustainable living through farmers' markets, grower trainings, small ruminant production, and equine.

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. 
• 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.

  • 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.
• 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. 
• 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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• 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.

  • 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.
• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.
• Increase and/or strengthen statewide and regional partnership to address community food system issues.
• Increased production of Kentucky-grown food and increased market opportunities for those products.
• Increase in the number of farmers’ markets and local food retailers that accept one or more food benefits as payment.
• Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
• Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses.

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.
• 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 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.).

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: 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: Increased Horse Management Knowledge 

Indicator: 

• Number of horse owners using Body Condition scoring to manage their horses. 
• Number of horse owners changing practices to reduce feed waste. 
• Number of horse owners using hay selection and use based on forage testing evaluation 

Method: Evaluation results and/or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: ongoing 

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

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Sheep Producers 

Project or Activity: County-based sheep presentations 

Content or Curriculum: Presentation materials 

Inputs:ANR Agent

Dates:Early Spring

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

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

Inputs: ANR Agent

Dates: three times yearly

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: Bull Value Assessment Program (BVAP) 

Content or Curriculum: EPD program and Mock Auction

Inputs: Area ANR Agents

Dates: Every Other Year

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: Post-weaning Value Assessment Program (PVAP) 

Content or Curriculum: Send Producer Owned cattle to feedlot for retained ownership and data collection

Inputs: Coordination with Kevin Laurent & Maggie Ginn 

Dates: Producers are eligible to sign up yearly

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners

Project or Activity: Artificial Insemination School 

Content or Curriculum: Learn to AI 3 day course

Inputs: local facilities and cattle

Dates: Every other Fall

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners

Project or Activity: New Farmer Program 

Content or Curriculum: Basic Beef Management, Farm Visits

Inputs:ANR Agent

Dates:Ongoing Yearly

Audience: Adult Horse Owners  

Project or Activity: Horses and Horsemen  

Content or Curriculum: Seminars on Best management practices   

Inputs: UK Specialist, ANR Agents Industry Professionals   

Dates: April Yearly

Audience: Non-commercial urban and community gardeners 

Project or Activity: Programming for specialty crop production and management that is non-commercial 

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, community advocacy and faith-based groups, schools 

Dates: Ongoing

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 

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.??

Kentucky 4-H Livestock Judging Contest 

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: University of Kentucky materials 

Date: Ongoing as needed

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Audience: Agricultural producers

Project or Activity: IPM Programs

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery

Inputs: EIP Grant, UK Specialists, commodity grants

Date: Spring

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Plant and Soil Science Programs (e.g., 4-H Land Judging Contest, 4-H Homesite Evaluation Contest, 4-H Horticulture Contest)

Content or Curriculum: National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources (e.g., Land Judging and Homesite Evaluation Publication, National Junior Horticulture Association Contest Manual)

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

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Farmers’ Market Toolkit

Content or Curriculum: Farmers’ Market Toolkit

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health department, non-profits, schools, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, farmers, farmers’ markets, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation

Content or Curriculum: International Foods, Passport Kitchen, Global Table

Inputs: 

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
• Four residential camping facilities.  
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
• Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Dates: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Individuals & Farmers

Project or Activity: Food Preservation (Canning, Dehydrating, etc)

Content or Curriculum: Food Preservation materials

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health department, State of Kentucky, KDA, non-profits, schools, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, farmers, farmers’ markets, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

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: 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: Increased Horse Management Knowledge 

Indicator: 

• Number of horse owners using Body Condition scoring to manage their horses. 
• Number of horse owners changing practices to reduce feed waste. 
• Number of horse owners using hay selection and use based on forage testing evaluation 

Method: Evaluation results and/or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: ongoing 

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