Russell County CES

County Emphasis:

Cultivating Sustainable Communities

Concentration 1:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 2:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 3:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 4:

Work and Life Skill Development

Situation:

Leadership is critical at several levels, from elected officials and the internal management structure of organizations to project managers, team leaders, and those who inspire throughout a community. Thriving communities may require many leaders willing to take on leadership roles. Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H Youth Development aim to provide leadership and life skill-building opportunities to equip the community, at all ages, with the skill set that will help strengthen workforce preparation through a multi-faceted approach for a stronger, more resilient community. 

Ensuring the sustainability of Kentucky woodlands and natural resources, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, faces many challenges. Many landowners struggle to implement sustainable practices due to economic pressures, lack of access to technology, and the workforce. The situation is exacerbated by development and the increasing demand for food, which often leads to the overuse of land and water resources, contributing to soil degradation, deforestation, and water scarcity. Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to developing adaptive management strategies for the critical issues facing the sustainability of farms, natural areas, and forests for today and in the future. Implementing soil and water conservation practices in both urban and rural watersheds is critical to the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s natural resources. Through 4-H projects in natural resources and environmental sciences, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources through various projects and programs.

County Situation:

Russell County’s future in agriculture depends not only on sustainable farming practices but also on developing a skilled workforce, cultivating leadership, and ensuring financial security for its residents. With 61% of the county’s land dedicated to farming and a median farmer age of 57, attracting and preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals is critical to ensuring long-term sustainability. However, financial stability remains a key challenge, as the median household income is $48,220, with 17.9% of families living below the poverty line and 30% of residents carrying some form of debt. 

With 4,500 youth in the county, including 2,116 economically disadvantaged students, access to career and leadership opportunities is essential for workforce development. Encouragingly, 418 students participate in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, 370 are enrolled in dual credit courses, and 31 take Advanced Placement (AP) classes. In the 2020-2021 academic year, 32.5% of high school graduates earned an industry certificate, 55.7% earned college credit, and 101 of the 194 graduates pursued postsecondary education. Expanding agricultural education and career training can create pathways to stable employment, reducing economic hardship and strengthening financial independence. 

Local residents need resources for financial literacy, debt management, and small business development. Strengthening farm profitability through direct-to-consumer markets, agritourism, and value-added products can help farmers earn more while maintaining sustainable practices. Additionally, leadership development initiatives—such as FFA, 4-H, and extension programs—can equip young people with the skills needed to manage farms, engage in conservation efforts, and explore innovative agricultural opportunities. 

By fostering connections between education, industry, and local agriculture, Russell County can create a pipeline of skilled workers and leaders committed to sustainability. Investing in workforce training, financial education, and leadership development will ensure that agriculture remains a thriving and resilient cornerstone of the community while improving economic stability for farmers and families alike. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected.  

• Increased financial literacy skills. 

• Youth will make sound financial decisions.

• Improved quality of life for citizens 

• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.  

• Increased human capital among Kentuckians 

• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future.

• Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable food production in their communities. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• 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.

• Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills 

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

• Leaders recruit and engage others to participate in community projects 

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.   

• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills 

• Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict-resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills. 

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

Initial Outcomes:

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

• Improved financial literacy knowledge 

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

• Participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles 

• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).   

• Improved employability and interpersonal skills 

• Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills. 

• Youth will explore their spark in agriculture and gain knowledge, awareness, and appreciation for the impact of agriculture on their daily life. 

• Youth will explore their spark in leadership and realize how their actions impact others. 

Evaluation:

 

 

Outcome	Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production
Indicator	Number of people who implemented environmental stewardship. Number of people who reduced pesticide applications. Number of people that adopted improved management practices (soil sampling, IPM, e.g.). Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or the amount of produce donated from sites. Number of trained volunteers and/or number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites.
Method	Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation, and feedback
Timeline	Ongoing

 

Outcome	Improved knowledge related to financial literacy concepts (initial)
Indicator	Number of individuals who reported increased knowledge of family finance and/or resource management concepts.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported learning the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants” Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting. Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.
Method	Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline	Immediate Post Program

 

Outcome	Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)
Indicator	Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)
Method	Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)
Timeline	Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

 

Outcome	Medium Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.  Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At end of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	increased confidence to implement employability strategies (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participation.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported learning new skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  Number of youth who reported that they improved their job interview skills as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  Number of youth who reported an improvement in their personal skills (e.g., communication, networking, time management) as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. Number of youth who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  Number of youth who reported that they learned strategies for managing their work-life responsibilities as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  Number of youth who reported expressing their thoughts or opinions.  Number of youth who reported using information to communicate with others.  Number of youth who reported demonstrating a skill they have learned.  Number of youth who reported serving in a leadership role.  Number of youth who reported working in a team / group to accomplish a common task or goal.  Number of youth who reported realizing how my actions impact others.?  Number of youth reporting identifying the needs of others in their community.  Number of youth who reported participating in a service activity (community service, service learning, personal service to others).  Number of youth who reported recognizing leaders in their community or area of interest. Number of volunteers who taught youth to express their thoughts or opinions.  Number of volunteers who taught youth how to use information to communicate with others. Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to demonstrate a skill they learned. Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to serve in a leadership role. Number of volunteers who facilitated experiences for youth to work in a team/group to accomplish a common task or goal.  Number of volunteers who helped youth understand how their actions impact others. Number of volunteers who facilitated the identification of the needs of others in their community. Number of volunteers who coordinated service activities (community service, service learning, personal service to others).  Number of volunteers who taught youth to recognize leaders in their community or area of interest.
Method	Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately post program

Learning Opportunities:

 

 

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
Date(s)	Ongoing

 

Audience	Individuals, Families, Employees
Project or Activity	Estate Planning
Content or Curriculum	Estate Planning?publication series;Transferring Cherished Possessions curriculum; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; OneOp; Leader Lessons; farm succession and legacy building programs; etc.
Inputs	Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, farms, community centers, etc.
Date(s)	Ongoing

 

Audience	Individuals, Families, Employees
Project or Activity	Development of Financial Literacy Skills
Content or Curriculum	Use Less. Spend Less. Stress Less. curriculum; publications; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Big Blue Book Club; In the Face of Disaster; Leader Lessons; Money Habitudes; etc.
Inputs	Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, financial entities and organizations, businesses, etc.
Date(s)	Ongoing

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Financial Education
Content or Curriculum	Consumer Savvy, Building a Healthy, Wealthy Future
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 Clothing Volunteers 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.
Date(s)	Sept 1- Aug 31

 

Audience	Individuals
Project or Activity	Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA)
Content or Curriculum	KEHA Leadership Academy, Homemakers Leader Lessons, Publications, Newsletters/News & Notes, Officer/Chairman training materials, KEHA State Meeting, various other resources and materials
Inputs	Programmatic materials, training, mentoring, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profits, etc.
Date(s)	Ongoing

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Camp Counselor Training (Teens)
Content or Curriculum	Content in the Camp Volunteer Training Guide is sourced from the American Camp Association best practices and focuses on developmental needs of campers, safety considerations, operating procedures, age-appropriate behavior management, and camper supervision techniques.
Inputs	These trainings are supported by the research base of the American Camp Association with materials provided by the 4-H State Office, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and led by County Extension Staff responsible for 4-H Camp.
Date(s)	Pre-Camp

 

Audience	Individuals, Families, Employees
Project or Activity	Development of Employability Skills
Content or Curriculum	Positive Employability; Preparing for Financial Success curriculum; publications, newsletters (e.g., MONEYWI$E); Job Club; podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Enhancing Essential Skills Through the Arts curriculum and lessons, Artist Studio Guide lessons, publications
Inputs	Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.
Date(s)	Ongoing

 

 

Audience	4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity	4-H Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communication and Expressive Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, and Family Consumer Sciences), 4-H Camp, Cloverbud, Volunteerism
Content or Curriculum	Approved Kentucky 4-H Curriculum by Core Program Area or Area of Interest
Inputs	These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders.
Date(s)	Program Year
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.
Date(s)	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.
Date(s)	Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)   Kentucky 4-H Livestock Judging Contest (offered in June each year)   Kentucky 4-H Livestock Skillathon and Quiz Bowl Contest (offered each year)   Kentucky 4-H Livestock Shows (offered each year)

 

Evaluation:

 

 

Outcome	Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production
Indicator	Number of people who implemented environmental stewardship. Number of people who reduced pesticide applications. Number of people that adopted improved management practices (soil sampling, IPM, e.g.). Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or the amount of produce donated from sites. Number of trained volunteers and/or number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites.
Method	Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation, and feedback
Timeline	Ongoing

 

Outcome	Improved knowledge related to financial literacy concepts (initial)
Indicator	Number of individuals who reported increased knowledge of family finance and/or resource management concepts.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported learning the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants” Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting. Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.
Method	Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey
Timeline	Immediate Post Program

 

Outcome	Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)
Indicator	Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)
Method	Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)
Timeline	Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

 

Outcome	Medium Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.  Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At end of Club/Program Year

 

Outcome	increased confidence to implement employability strategies (initial)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participation.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported learning new skills to prepare or improve themselves for the workforce as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  Number of youth who reported that they improved their job interview skills as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  Number of youth who reported an improvement in their personal skills (e.g., communication, networking, time management) as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach. Number of youth who reported improvement in their confidence to implement employment strategies as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  Number of youth who reported that they learned strategies for managing their work-life responsibilities as a result of participating in an Extension workforce development program/outreach.  Number of youth who reported expressing their thoughts or opinions.  Number of youth who reported using information to communicate with others.  Number of youth who reported demonstrating a skill they have learned.  Number of youth who reported serving in a leadership role.  Number of youth who reported working in a team / group to accomplish a common task or goal.  Number of youth who reported realizing how my actions impact others.?  Number of youth reporting identifying the needs of others in their community.  Number of youth who reported participating in a service activity (community service, service learning, personal service to others).  Number of youth who reported recognizing leaders in their community or area of interest. Number of volunteers who taught youth to express their thoughts or opinions.  Number of volunteers who taught youth how to use information to communicate with others. Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to demonstrate a skill they learned. Number of volunteers who provided opportunities for youth to serve in a leadership role. Number of volunteers who facilitated experiences for youth to work in a team/group to accomplish a common task or goal.  Number of volunteers who helped youth understand how their actions impact others. Number of volunteers who facilitated the identification of the needs of others in their community. Number of volunteers who coordinated service activities (community service, service learning, personal service to others).  Number of volunteers who taught youth to recognize leaders in their community or area of interest.
Method	Standard Evaluation
Timeline	Immediately post program