Caldwell County CES

County Emphasis:

Agriculture and Community Resilience and Sustainability

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 4:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

Small Farm Development: 

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. 

 Animal Production and Management: 

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. 

  

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. 

 

Plant Production and Management: 

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. 

  

Youth Focus  

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. 

 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access: 

It is proven that people who have access to and consume their daily dietary requirements of fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and have an increased quality of life. Having the knowledge and skills to prepare or preserve fresh fruits and vegetables presents an additional barrier beyond obtaining fresh food access. 

With the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) aims to increase access to fresh food, as well as increase knowledge and awareness of how to select, store, safely prepare, process, and preserve these foods. CES prioritizes statewide partnership development that helps us meet our goals and objectives. We collaborate with statewide agencies including Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, KY Farm to School Network, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and others to help build statewide systems that increase access and usage of fresh fruits and vegetables. These programs benefit Kentuckians because they support food access policy, systems and environmental changes in communities and across the state. They increase knowledge of how to grow, prepare, and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Youth Focus 

Kentucky faces significant health and economic challenges, with five of the top ten causes of death being nutrition-related. According to the Obesity Action Coalition the cost of obesity reached $36.31 billion. The rapidly changing social and economic landscape underscores the need for a healthy, productive, and engaged young people to contribute to a prepared workforce and engaged community to tackle these challenges. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System's 2023 Community Needs Assessment identifies critical priorities, including access to affordable nutritious food, reducing youth obesity through improved nutrition and exercise, and enhancing youth wellbeing through effective coping strategies. Kentucky 4-H plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by equipping young people with essential skills in nutrition, culinary arts, financial education, and entrepreneurship. 69% of youth reported that they learned about healthy food choices in 4-H. 4-H youth report an increase in preparing meals together as a family, increase in meals eaten as a family, and confidence in the kitchen. These programs not only foster healthier, more resilient individuals, but also contribute to the development of engaged citizens prepared to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. 

County Situation:

The 2023 University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment highlighted several agriculture-related priorities and areas for bolstering community resilience and sustainability, as identified by Caldwell County respondents. These included supporting the sustainability of family farms and strengthening the local food and agriculture industry. Respondents also emphasized the importance of aiding individuals, families, farmers, and businesses in recovering from and preparing for natural disasters. Preserving and managing agricultural land emerged as a key concern, alongside fostering market support for locally grown and produced foods and addressing issues affecting crops. Increasing market opportunities for farmers, assisting agricultural production and profitability, and tackling climate variations were additional areas of focus. Efforts to help producers create carbon-neutral businesses and promote youth agriculture and natural resource literacy were also underscored. Ensuring access to affordable, nutritious foods for individuals and families, as well as providing educational opportunities on healthy homes and food safety practices, were identified as critical needs. Collectively, these priorities reflect a desire to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural community. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

• 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. 

• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.??? 

• Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.?? 

• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods and species.?   

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home. 

• Increase in the number of farmers’ markets and local food retailers that accept one or more food benefits as payment. 

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

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Initial Outcomes:

• Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access. 

• Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.  

• Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods. 

• 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.? 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.  

Indicator: 

• Number of individuals reporting an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food including responsible hunting/fishing/foraging.  

• Number of policy, systems, and/or environmental changes implemented within communities and organizations to promote active living, and healthy eating, including local food production and/or hunting/foraging and consumption (e.g. local food pantry can accept fresh foods or local game; starting/revitalizing a school or community garden; starting a walking club, etc.).  

• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding nutrition and accessing healthy foods through Extension programs and resources.  

• Number of individuals who were introduced to healthy food access points (e.g. farmers’ markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) through Extension programs or resources.   

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation  

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)  

Initial Outcome: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. (initial)  

Indicator:  

• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.   

• Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting).  

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation;  

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)  

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  

Intermediate 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: Follow-up survey or records from individual consultations  

Timeline: 6 months   

Long-term 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.)  

Date: ongoing  

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 

Date:  Winter 2026  

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents  

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings  

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

Inputs:

Date: yearly  

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents  

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

Content or Curriculum: 

Inputs: Coordination with Kevin Laurent & Maggie Ginn  

Date: yearly  

Audience: Ag and Natural Resource Agents  

Project or Activity:  First Friday Equine Industry Update  

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery  

Inputs: UK Specialists  

Date: First Friday January – June, September - December  

Audience: Sheep Producers, Agents  

Project or Activity: Advanced Small Ruminant Profit School  

Content or Curriculum: Presentation materials  

Inputs: KY Sheep & Goat Development Office  

Date: On-line  

Audience: Livestock stakeholders (producers, lenders, government agencies, etc.)  

Project or Activity:  Marketing related programming  

Content or Curriculum: Market outlook, risk management, value-added marketing, etc.  

Inputs:  Extension faculty and staff, ANR Agents and industry support  

Date: ongoing  

Audience: Individuals & Farmers  

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education  

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Faithful Families, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Food as Health Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials, www.planeatmove.com, Super Star Chef, Farm to School, Hunger in Kentucky  

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organizations, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, 4-H, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farmers/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc.  

Date: Ongoing  

Audience: Individuals & Farmers  

Project or Activity: Home Based Micro Processing  

Content or Curriculum: HBMP Training 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.  

Date: Every other year  

Audience: Individuals & Farmers  

Project or Activity: Cook Wild  

Content or Curriculum: Publications, trainings, recipes  

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, non-profits, 4-H, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, etc.  

Date: Ongoing  

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.  

Date: Ongoing  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation  

Content or Curriculum: Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary Youth ( LEAP); Dr. Yum  

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, preschools  

Date: August - May  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Club work (Livestock 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

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.

Date: 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.?? 

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

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: General Agricultural Short Term Programs (School Enrichment, 4-H Camp, etc.)    

Content or Curriculum: General Agricultural Short Term Programs (School Enrichment, 4-H Camp, etc.)   

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.?? 

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

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.  

Indicator: 

• Number of individuals reporting an increased awareness of how to find and prepare local food including responsible hunting/fishing/foraging.  

• Number of policy, systems, and/or environmental changes implemented within communities and organizations to promote active living, and healthy eating, including local food production and/or hunting/foraging and consumption (e.g. local food pantry can accept fresh foods or local game; starting/revitalizing a school or community garden; starting a walking club, etc.).  

• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding nutrition and accessing healthy foods through Extension programs and resources.  

• Number of individuals who were introduced to healthy food access points (e.g. farmers’ markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) through Extension programs or resources.   

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation  

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)  

Initial Outcome: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. (initial)  

Indicator:  

• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.   

• Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting).  

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation;  

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)  

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  

Intermediate 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: Follow-up survey or records from individual consultations  

Timeline: 6 months   

Long-term Outcome: Long-Term  

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

Method: Survey  

Timeline: 1+ years