Warren County CES

County Emphasis:

Cultivate Agriculture Viability

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

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. 

 

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. 

County Situation:

Warren County is16th in the state in Market Value of Ag Products with $160, 664, 000. Warren County ranks 1st in KY in Fruits, Tree Nuts, and Berries; 1st in Sheep, Goats, Wool, Mohair, Milk; 10th in Crops; 5th In Cultivated Christmas Trees; 3rd in Aquaculture; 9th in Horses, Ponies; 11th in Milk from Cows; and 19th in Livestock, Poultry & Products. 

Wendell Berry (1990), Kentucky novelist, poet, environmentalist, and farmer, stated that “…eating is an agricultural act” (p.1). Unfortunately, for many, there is a disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. The Agricultural Education in Secondary Schools Committee established by the National Research Council (1988) described an agriculturally literate person as one who’s “…understanding of the food and fiber system would include its history and its current economic, social, and environmental significance to all” (p. 8). The National Agriculture Literacy Logic Model defines an agriculturally literate person as one “…who understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life” (Spielmaker et al., 2014, p. 2). One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

•  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. 

 Animal Production 

• 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.? 

 

Plant Production 

• Strengthening 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. Helping to maintain or increase domestic markets and increase export markets for grain crops and tobacco by improving quality of commodities compared to that of foreign competitors.

Small Farms 

• Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets.  
• Establish networks of urban farms that are integral to their local food systems, providing fresh produce and fostering urban-rural agricultural links.  
• Strive to have all participating small farms fully implement sustainable practices that protect and enhance natural resources. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

•   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.
• 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. 
• Initial and continuing education opportunities for certified pesticide applicators 
• Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and to understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation 
• Stakeholders are more aware of current and new and/or emerging disease issues 
• Stakeholders have access to timely diagnostics to avoid or reduce the impact of disease outbreaks 
• Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects.   
• Support the establishment of new farm enterprises that can offer innovative products and practices, enhancing the economic resilience of the small farm sector.  
• Provide robust support for estate planning and farm transitions to ensure the longevity of small farms across generations. 

 

•   

Initial Outcomes:

•   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. 
• 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. 
• Stakeholders are more aware of current and new and/or emerging disease issues 
• Stakeholders have access to timely diagnostics to avoid or reduce the impact of disease outbreaks 
• Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners.  
• Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability 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. 

• 
  

Evaluation:

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 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas. 

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: Observation, Survey, Contest 

Timeline: May-June  

Long-term Outcome:  Long Term  

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

Method:  Survey  

Timeline:  1+ years  

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

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

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

Timeline:  6-12 months after program   

Initial Outcome:  Increased livestock marketing knowledge 

Indicator:  

• Number of participants who report increasing their knowledge of livestock marketing.  

• Number of individuals who implemented small ruminant financial management programs. 

Method:  Program evaluation tools/ surveys   

Timeline:   Ongoing  

Intermediate Outcome:  Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops   

Indicator:  

• Number of producers who reported increased yield.   

• Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers.  

• Number of producers who reported improved produce quality.  

• Number of trained volunteers. 

• Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality. 

• Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.). 

• Number of commercial growers reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops.  

• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.) 

• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.) 

• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method:  Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline:  ongoing  

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

Indicator:  

• Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship.  
• Number of people that reduced pesticide applications.  
• Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites.  
• Number of trained volunteers.  
• Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community 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  

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Kindergarten-12th grade  

Project or Activity:  Urban Agriculture in Schools  

Content or Curriculum:  Embryology, Ag Classroom, Butterfly Youth  

Inputs:  Chick Incubation & Supplies, Butterfly Kits, School Classrooms, Grants (Ag Mini Grants, Warren County Ag Foundation, Farm Bureau)  

Date:  September 1, 2025-May 30, 2026 

Audience:  5-18 year old  

Project or Activity: 4-H Clubs with an Agriculture Emphasis 

Content or Curriculum:  Project Books, Livestock Learning Labs, Clemson University Poultry Book, Kentucky Poultry Website, Volunteer Certification  

Inputs:  Volunteer Club Leaders, YAIP, Country Ham, Robotic Kits, Small Engines, Gardening Supplies, County and State Fair, Exhibition Shows, Other Competitions, Horse Camp, Horse Show, 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.??  

Date:  July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026  

Audience:  Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents   

Project or Activity:  BQCA trainings 

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

Inputs:   Agent's time and training materials  

Date:  Oct & April 

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:  Fall 2025 

Audience:  Livestock producers  

Project or Activity:  Production and Marketing Education  

Content or Curriculum:  Nutrition, Reproduction, Genetics, Marketing, Health  

Inputs:  Livestock crops specialists and Industry representatives, Farm and Home, Ag Connections, Webinars and meetings  

Date:  6-8 times a year  

Audience:  Pesticide applicators  

Project or Activity:  PSEP certification for private applicators and continuing education for commercial applicators 

Content or Curriculum:  Educational materials and program delivery 

Inputs:  Staff time, activity supplies 

Date:  Jan and Feb  

Audience:  Agricultural producers  

Project or Activity:  IPM Programs 

Content or Curriculum:  Educational materials and program delivery  

Inputs:  EIP Grant, UK Specialists, commodity grants  

Date:  seasonally 

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:  Ongoing 

Audience:  Specialty crop grower 

Project or Activity:   Programming for 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  

Date:  Seasonally  

Audience:  Homeowners 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 Program 

Date:  Seasonally  

Audience:  Agricultural stakeholders (farmers, certified crop advisors, industry, others)  

Project or Activity:  Identification and management of diseases that affect grain, forage crops and tobacco. Grain crops include corn, sorghum, soybean, small grain, and canola 

Content or Curriculum:  Publications, Live and virtual trainings, online videos, workshops, field days, county meetings, regional and national meetings, field visits, emails and phone calls  

Inputs:  UK Plant Pathology Extension Specialists, research and extension funding  

Date: Ongoing  

Audience:  Agricultural stakeholders (producers, industry, others)  

Project or Activity:   Disease identification and management of horticulture and specialty crops. Crops include tree and berry fruits, hemp, field and high tunnel vegetables, greenhouse floriculture, landscapes and urban forests, and home horticulture  

Content or Curriculum:  Publications, Live and virtual trainings, online videos, workshops, field days, county meetings, regional and national meetings, field visits, emails and phone calls  

Inputs: UK Plant Pathology Extension Specialists, research and extension funding 

Date:  Ongoing  

Audience:  Grain crop, forage, tobacco, and hemp producers, agribusiness and government agencies  

Project or Activity:   Programs that support soil fertility and soil management practices to improve crop production, reduce negative environmental impacts, and enhance overall profitability in a sustainable manner.  

Content or Curriculum:  Educational materials to include Publications, Fact Sheets, Newsletters, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, TV and Radio Broadcasts, Videos, Field Visits, emails and phone calls  

Inputs:  UK Soil and Crops Specialists, experts and interested parties  

Date:  Frequently to annual  

Audience:  Grain crop producers 

Project or Activity:  Grain Crops Management, including Corn, Soybean, Wheat, Barley, Rye, Canola and others  :  

Content or Curriculum:  Plant & Soil Science Grain crops specialists and other UK extension specialists with grain crops responsibilities.  

Inputs:  Plant & Soil Science Grain crops specialists and other UK extension specialists with grain crops responsibilities  

Date:  Annual  

Audience:  Tobacco growers 

Project or Activity:  Tobacco production and research update meetings, field days, phone calls, and other consultations 

Content or Curriculum:  calls, and other consultations 

Inputs:  UK tobacco specialists 

Date:  annual  

Audience:  Agricultural and Horticulture producers and the public 

Project or Activity:   Pest and disease identification  

Content or Curriculum:  Clinical diagnoses and trainings 

Inputs: PSS extension specialists assistance to diagnostic labs diagnostic services  

Date: Frequently throughout the year  

Audience:  Turfgrass managers, Extension agents, Public 

Project or Activity:  Turfgrass management including, but not limited to:  sod farms, golf courses, sports fields, parks, cemeteries, and lawns 

Content or Curriculum:  Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional meetings, field visits, emails and phone calls  

Inputs:  UK extension associates and specialist, industry professionals 

Date:  Frequent throughout the year  

Audience:   Turfgrass managers, Extension Agents, Public 

Project or Activity: Turf and Landscape Management Short Course 

Content or Curriculum:  Pesticide training, KDA test, and educational conference covering topics including: pesticide safety, weed control, disease management, professionalism, aquatic management, turfgrass physiology, selection, establishment, and management of turfgrass, water quality, soil physical and chemical properties 

Inputs: UK extension associates and specialist, nationally recognized turfgrass professors, and industry professionals  

Date:  annually  

Audience:  Forage and livestock producers  

Project or Activity:  Grazing Schools, Fencing Schools, Statewide Grazing Conferences, Statewide Hay and Stored Forage Conferences, Regional Forage Tours, Novel Endophyte Workshops  

Content or Curriculum:  Educational materials including proceedings, manuals, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and on-line materials including webpages, social media, and videos.  

Inputs:  UK Forage Extension Specialists (2), UK Master Grazer Coordinator (1), UK Master Grazer Interns (2), UK Forage Technicians and Research Associates (4)  

Date:  Programs are provided one or more times annually at multiple locations throughout Kentucky  

Audience:  Agricultural & horticultural stakeholders 

Project or Activity:  Weed identification and management of grain, forage, horticultural crops.   

Content or Curriculum:  Publications, Live and virtual trainings, online videos, workshops, field days, county meetings, regional and national meetings, field visits, emails and phone calls  

Inputs: UK Weed Science Extension Specialists, research and extension funding  

Date:  Ongoing 

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:  Seasonally  

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:  Seasonally  

Evaluation:

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 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas. 

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: Observation, Survey, Contest 

Timeline: May-June  

Long-term Outcome:  Long Term  

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

Method:  Survey  

Timeline:  1+ years  

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

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

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

Timeline:  6-12 months after program   

Initial Outcome:  Increased livestock marketing knowledge 

Indicator:  

• Number of participants who report increasing their knowledge of livestock marketing.  

• Number of individuals who implemented small ruminant financial management programs. 

Method:  Program evaluation tools/ surveys   

Timeline:   Ongoing  

Intermediate Outcome:  Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops   

Indicator:  

• Number of producers who reported increased yield.   

• Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers.  

• Number of producers who reported improved produce quality.  

• Number of trained volunteers. 

• Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality. 

• Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.). 

• Number of commercial growers reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops.  

• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.) 

• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.) 

• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method:  Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline:  ongoing  

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

Indicator:  

• Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship.  
• Number of people that reduced pesticide applications.  
• Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites.  
• Number of trained volunteers.  
• Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community 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