Harrison County CES

County Emphasis:

Sustaining family farms and maintaining affordable nutritious food

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:

Harrison County has approximately 30,000 head of cattle, 500 broiler chickens, 1,700 sheep and goats, 280 hogs and 1,300 horses as well as several other species of animals. Cattle numbers have increased from 21,000 to 30,000 in just the past 5 to 8 years and small ruminant numbers are on the rise as well.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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 will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities.

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.
• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.
• Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.

Initial Outcomes:

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. Horse owners will evaluate current practices and see where changes might be of benefit.  Youth will explore their spark in agriculture. Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture. Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life. Youth will expand life and work readiness skills in agriculture, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of agriculture.

Evaluation:

Outcome	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve sheep production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of best practices for managing/raising small ruminants.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediately after program participation

 

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 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

 

Outcome	Increased livestock management knowledge
Indicator	Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management.
Method	Program evaluation tools / surveys
Timeline	Ongoing

  

Outcome	Increased knowledge and awareness of management practices to improve poultry production efficiency and food safety
Indicator	Number of participants indicating an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of poultry production  Number of participants who demonstrated/reported improved eggs and/or poultry cooking skills. Number of participants who increased their knowledge of the equipment and methods used in meat processing. Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices. Number of participants indicating an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of poultry production.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At the program

 

Outcome	Increased youth involvement in livestock production and education
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	4-Hers and Volunteers
Project or Activity	Livestock Judging, Livestock Skillathon
Content or Curriculum	Animal Science resources, livestock certification kit, public speaking, selection and decision making, marketing, production agriculture
Inputs	4-H volunteers, 4-H staff, Extension Office, area and state contests, local farmers
Date(s)	September - May

Audience	4-Hers and Adult participants
Project or Activity	Country Ham Curing
Content or Curriculum	Production, food preservation, marketing, communication, UK Extension Specialists
Inputs	UK Extension Specialists, volunteers, 4-H Staff, Ham house, KY State Fair
Date(s)	January- August

Audience	4-H members
Project or Activity	Livestock Club and Shows
Content or Curriculum	Livestock Certification Kit, education, marketing, production, economics, showing professionals, ethics, quality assurance
Inputs	UK Specialists, volunteers, 4-H Staff, KDA, Harrison County Fairboard and fairgrounds, surrounding shows, KY State Fair, NAILE
Date(s)	All Year

Audience	4-Hers and Volunteer
Project or Activity	Horse Club
Content or Curriculum	Equine educational kit, promotion, marketing, production, economics.
Inputs	UK Extension Specialists, Volunteers, 4-H Staff, Harrison County Fairboard and fairgrounds
Date(s)	All Year

Audience	4-Hers and 4-H Program Assistant
Project or Activity	Poultry and Rabbit Clubs
Content or Curriculum	Extension educational resources, promotion, marketing, production, economics, public speaking
Inputs	4-H Staff, Extension Office, Harrison County Fairboard and fairgrounds, local competitions, KY State Fair
Date(s)	All Year

Audience	4-Hers and volunteers
Project or Activity	Dog Club
Content or Curriculum	Extension educational resources, grooming, health certificates, training
Inputs	4-H staff, local K9 unit, Harrison County Fairgrounds and Fairboard, Extension Office
Date(s)	September - May

Audience	Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity	Beef Quality and Care Assurance Program
Content or Curriculum	BQCA curriculum put together by beef specialists in KY
Inputs	Extension educational resources, hands-on training, farm signs, certifications, Harrison County Beef Cattle Assn. funds
Date(s)	Multiple times per year

Audience	Sheep & Goat Producers
Project or Activity	Small Ruminant Profitability School
Content or Curriculum	Sheep & Goat development office curriculum, UK Extension resources
Inputs	Extension educational resources, UK Extension specialists, sheep and goat development office resources
Date(s)	Spring & Fall

Audience	Beef Producers
Project or Activity	Central KY Beef Conference
Content or Curriculum	Industry Experts and UK Extension Specialists
Inputs	Central KY ANR Agents, Extension educational resources, industry partner resources
Date(s)	October

Audience	Homesteaders
Project or Activity	Homesteading Series
Content or Curriculum	Educational resources on a variety of topics including small animal, rabbit, poultry, beef, and beekeeping production
Inputs	UK Extension educational resources, Harrison County Extension office staff and resources
Date(s)	Winter

Audience	Community
Project or Activity	Annual Harrison County Beef Day
Content or Curriculum	Beef promotion and farmer thank you
Inputs	Industry sponsors, beef cattle association, KCA and KBN, Homemakers
Date(s)	May

Audience	Beef Producers
Project or Activity	Master Cattleman Program
Content or Curriculum	Master Cattleman Curriculum
Inputs	ANR Agents, UK Specialists
Date(s)	Every other year

Audience	Harrison County Producers
Project or Activity	Hay Testing
Content or Curriculum	Extension Resources
Inputs	Hay probe, sampling materials
Date(s)	All Year

Audience	Harrison County Residents
Project or Activity	Dead Animal Removal Program
Content or Curriculum	Removal of dead livestock from the county
Inputs	Soil Conservation funds, CAIP funds, Fiscal Court funds
Date(s)	All Year

Evaluation:

Outcome	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve sheep production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of best practices for managing/raising small ruminants.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediately after program participation

 

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 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

 

Outcome	Increased livestock management knowledge
Indicator	Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management.
Method	Program evaluation tools / surveys
Timeline	Ongoing

  

Outcome	Increased knowledge and awareness of management practices to improve poultry production efficiency and food safety
Indicator	Number of participants indicating an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of poultry production  Number of participants who demonstrated/reported improved eggs and/or poultry cooking skills. Number of participants who increased their knowledge of the equipment and methods used in meat processing. Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of egg and/or poultry food safety practices. Number of participants indicating an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of poultry production.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At the program

 

Outcome	Increased youth involvement in livestock production and education
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