Owsley County CES

County Emphasis:

Improving and Enhancing Farm Profitability and Sustainability of Family Farms

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 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. 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.

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. 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 and community supported agriculture.

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 the aging farmer population, 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. 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. The development of small farms is imperative for the health of Kentucky’s agricultural sector and rural communities.

County Situation:

Owsley County is a small agrarian county located in the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with a population of 4,416. Over the last decade, tobacco production has completely vanished from the landscape. Many producers have diversified their operations by implementing other practices or commodities such as an increase in acreage for vegetable production for home and commercial Horticulture. Other crops grown in Owsley County include cabbage, pepper, strawberries, corn, brambles, forages and various fruit trees in the amount of $715,000.00 Annually for all crops according to the 2022 Agriculture Census.

 Animals produced in Owsley County account for $739,000.00 Annually in sales to include beef cattle, horses, goats and some small-scale swine and poultry operations. Agriculture still remains one of the top ten industries in Owsley County. The Owsley County Extension Council and Agriculture and Natural Resources Council have directed us to address the above issues in terms of diversification into small- and large-scale production. Emphasis will be on learning experiences that will benefit both youth and adults. Mainly directed to those individuals involved or with an interest in livestock, crops, fruit and vegetable production practices.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Continually implementing new technology and production practices.? 
• Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations. 
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods and species.?
• 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 
• Work with farmers and those interested in farming on generational succession in farms to improve sustainability of the farms for generations.
• Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets. 
• Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected. 

Youth: 

• 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:

• Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.? 
• 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.
• Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies. 

Youth: 

• 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 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.
• Enhanced soil and water management programs by rolling out targeted extension programs that focus on soil health and water management techniques to immediately improve crop yield potentials.
• Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners. 
• Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales channels and improve income stability. 
• Organize community events and workshops that foster networking among small farm owners and promote the sharing of best practices and innovations. 

Youth: 

• 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: 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  

Intermediate 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 

Long-term Outcome: Increased crop management knowledge and skills? 

Indicator: 

• Number of non-commercial growers who reported adoption of improved management practices (soil sampling, reduced pesticide applications, integrated pest management, etc.)
• Number of community members using or participating in public or community gardens

Method: Attendance and program evaluations / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing? 

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

• Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 
• Number of community members utilizing the sites. 
• Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Youth: 

Outcome: Short-Term

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.
• Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management. 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in plant production and management that fits their interest

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

Outcome: Medium-Term

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project.
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in plant production based on their interests.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year

Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year or several years.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents  

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings  

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

Inputs: Specialist and Agents

Date: Annually

Audience: Beef Cattle and Animal Owners In General

Project or Activity: Bi-Annual Meetings

Content or Curriculum: U.K. Research Publications and Research

Inputs: Specialists and Agents

Date: Spring and Fall

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.

Date: Annually

Audience: Non-commercial and community gardeners 

Project or Activity: Programming for 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 county agents, KDA, schools and local Associations.

Dates: Annually

Youth:  

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Plant and Soil Science Programs, 4-H In-school clubs

Content or Curriculum: National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources (e.g., Land Judging and Homesite Evaluation Publication, National Junior Horticulture Association Contest Manual)?

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.???
• 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: 4-H Plant and Soil Science Projects?(e.g., fair displays and exhibit entries)

Content or Curriculum: National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources (e.g., Junior Master Gardener, National 4-H Gardening Series, 4-H State Fair Exhibit Factsheets, Extension Publications)?

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.???
• 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 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  

Intermediate 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 

Long-term Outcome: Increased crop management knowledge and skills? 

Indicator: 

• Number of non-commercial growers who reported adoption of improved management practices (soil sampling, reduced pesticide applications, integrated pest management, etc.)
• Number of community members using or participating in public or community gardens

Method: Attendance and program evaluations / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing? 

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

• Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 
• Number of community members utilizing the sites. 
• Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Youth: 

Outcome: Short-Term

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.
• Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management. 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.
• Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in plant production and management that fits their interest

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

Outcome: Medium-Term

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and skills gained in plant production to make informed decisions. 
• Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in plant production to complete a  project.
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in plant production based on their interests.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year

Outcome: Long Term

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

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year or several years.

Success Stories