Lawrence County CES

County Emphasis:

Strengthening Family Farms and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

Kentucky’s animal production and management strategies encompass sustainable practices, health-focused care, and economic viability across all species. Beef cattle play a crucial role in converting Kentucky’s 7 million acres of pasture and forage into valuable products. Kentucky is renowned as the Horse Capital of the World and is home to a diverse equine population. Poultry is the number one agricultural industry in the state, contributing significantly to the economy. 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. 4-H projects in animal production and management help young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about animals.

Optimizing plant, crop, and forage production is paramount as Kentucky producers face rising input costs, price fluctuations, and climate variability. Extension Specialists educate farmers on forage species selection, integrated pest management, climate-adapted crop varieties, and disaster readiness. 4-H plant and soil science projects help youth develop life skills and knowledge in horticulture, plant science, and soil science.

Small farms play a vital role in the sustainability of rural economies and natural resource protection. Kentucky Cooperative Extension aids small farm owners by providing educational opportunities and developing improved practices to reduce production costs, protect soil and water resources, and offer specialty crop options.

County Situation:

Lawrence County, Kentucky, is a rural Appalachian community where agriculture plays a vital role in the local economy. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the average farm size in Lawrence County is 179 acres, with 93.71% of farms operated by families or individuals. The average age of principal farm operators is 59 years, highlighting the need for engaging younger generations in agriculture. Livestock, poultry, and their products account for 42.01% of the total market value of agricultural products sold in the county. The average value of agricultural products sold per farm is $5,636, while the average total farm production expenses per farm are $5,383.

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service's 2023 Community Needs Assessment identified key agricultural priorities for Lawrence County, including youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, support for the local agriculture industry, and promoting youth agriculture literacy.  These findings underscore the importance of programs that support small farms, promote sustainable practices, and engage youth in agriculture to ensure the long-term viability of family farms in the county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

 

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.? 

  

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 the continuous support of farmer’s markets, community gardens, and community-supported agriculture programs that are well-integrated with urban horticulture initiatives.

 

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.

 

Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets.

 

 

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.? 

 

Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.

 

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, and yield improvements.

 

Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects.

 

Initial Outcomes:

Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.? 

 

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.? 

 

Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners. 

Evaluation:

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: 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: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of beef operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported making a change to improve their beef cattle management practices. 

Method: Survey (post program) or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

 

 

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Method: Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations.

Timeline: After program participation.

 

 

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: Number of producers who reported increased knowledge of crop and forage production, fertility management, varieties, pest control, and/or sustainable practices.

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Annual

 

 

Outcome: Increased crop management knowledge and skills?

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of plant production and/or management practices.

Method: Attendance and program evaluations / surveys

Timeline: Ongoing?

 

Outcome: 

Indicator: 

• Number of Master Gardener volunteers who completed training
• Number of Master Gardener volunteer service hours
• Number of programs led by Master Gardeners

Method: 

Timeline: 

 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Equine

Content or Curriculum: Ohio State University (OSU) Horse Learning Lab Kit, Kentucky Horse Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Horse Reference Manual (Alberta 4-H), 4-H Horse Academy, Kentucky 4-H Horse Website 

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 Horse Contest (offered June each year) 
• Kentucky 4-H Horse Show (offered August each year) 

 

 

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: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

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

Inputs: 

Dates:

 

 

Audience: Poultry owners and Agents

Project or Activity: In-person multi-county workshops

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and in-person delivery

Inputs: 

Dates: 

 

Audience: Home owners and consumers

Project or Activity: Programming for home gardening and landscape management

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, emails and phone calls

Inputs: Extension Specialists, USDA funding, county agents, KDA, Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Progam

Date: 

 

 

Audience: Agricultural producers and the public

Project or Activity: Pest and disease identification

Content or Curriculum: Clinical diagnoses and trainings

Inputs: Diagnostic labs and services

Date: 

 

 

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: Individuals & Farm Families

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. 

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals & Farm Families

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, health coalitions, 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. 

Dates: Ongoing

 

 

Evaluation:

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: 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: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of beef operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported making a change to improve their beef cattle management practices. 

Method: Survey (post program) or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

 

 

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Method: Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations.

Timeline: After program participation.

 

 

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: Number of producers who reported increased knowledge of crop and forage production, fertility management, varieties, pest control, and/or sustainable practices.

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Annual

 

 

Outcome: Increased crop management knowledge and skills?

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of plant production and/or management practices.

Method: Attendance and program evaluations / surveys

Timeline: Ongoing?

 

Outcome: 

Indicator: 

• Number of Master Gardener volunteers who completed training
• Number of Master Gardener volunteer service hours
• Number of programs led by Master Gardeners

Method: 

Timeline: