Breckinridge County CES

County Emphasis:

Strenghten Farms, Food Systems and families

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 4:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

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. 

Youth Focus

In Kentucky, economic uncertainty due to job market fluctuations and agricultural shifts impacts youth through unstable family environments and limited resources. Hospitality, retail, and tourism generated over $10 billion in 2023, with job growth in culinary arts, tourism, and hobby industries. The unemployment rate increased by 4.7% from July 2023 to July 2024. According to the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023), priorities include building financial literacy and resource management skills, youth life skill training (e.g., leadership and communication), strengthening youth workforce readiness (e.g., entrepreneurship, business development), and engaging diverse and non-traditional youth audiences. America’s future relies on a ready workforce and engaged communities to tackle major challenges. Kentucky 4-H develops youth potential for lifelong success through essential skills in communication, leadership, and civic engagement. 80% of 4-Hers reported that 4-H helped them explore career options and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at, and 50% reported 4-H helped them with college decision-making. 4-H programs equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in their personal lives, family lives, and communities.

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:

Loss of farms in Breckinridge County has reached an all time high at a rate of  13% in 20 years.  Those left are in a position where they need to be a better farmer and business person.  As farms divide there will be opportunities for small farms to increase their footprint in the county.  As farms divide and families move to the county in search of farms to raise their families, we need to be positioned to assist with the transitioning.  

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.
• 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.
• 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 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.

Youth will have increased economic security.  

Youth will make sound financial decisions. 

Youth will have an increased rate of savings. 

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants.   

Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being.

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:

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.? 
• 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.
• Fulfillment of annual GAP Training requirements for GAP Certification of tobacco producers.
• 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 will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management. 

Youth will aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions. 

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:

Initial Outcome:  Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops

Indicator:  Number of producers who reported increase yeilds

Method:  Farmer Market Survey

Timeline: Summer and Fall 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased attendance at meetings

Indicator:  Increased broad range of participants

Method:  sign in sheets

Timeline:

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

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.  

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: Specialty Crop Growers 

Project or Activity: Programming for commercial or pre-commercial (training to be commercial growers) specialty crop production and management 

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, governmental agencies (NRCS, FSA, etc.) 

Dates:

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:

Audience:  Local crop and livestock farmers

Project or Activity:  County meetings

Content or Curriculum:  Important topics related to crops and livestock

Inputs:  UK Specialists

Date: fall and winter 

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 Poultry Program 

Content or Curriculum: Pullet Project Guide (university of Kentucky), 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) 

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 Poultry Showmanship (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year) 

Kentucky 4-H Avian Bowl (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year) 

Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year) 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Rabbit Program 

Content or Curriculum: 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 

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 Rabbit Show (offered Kentucky State Fair - August 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 

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 

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) 

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: 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.?? 

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

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops

Indicator:  Number of producers who reported increase yeilds

Method:  Farmer Market Survey

Timeline: Summer and Fall 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased attendance at meetings

Indicator:  Increased broad range of participants

Method:  sign in sheets

Timeline:

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

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.  

Outcome: Long-term

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years