Hickman County CES

County Emphasis:

Improving Agricultural Practices

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 4:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Situation:

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 and future activities include introducing programs to address and improve specific management systems, as well as introducing new and emerging techniques, technologies, and production systems to enhance efficiency and profitability. 

 

Optimizing plant, crop, and forage production is crucial as Kentucky producers navigate the challenges of economic uncertainty, 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. 

 

Ensuring the sustainability of Kentucky's woodlands and natural resources without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs presents numerous challenges. Many landowners struggle to implement sustainable practices due to economic pressures, lack of access to technology, and a 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. 

 

Extension’s connectivity and resilience efforts focus on supporting local economies and helping communities recover from economic shifts and natural disasters (CEDIK, 2024). By promoting digital literacy, educating on the importance of safe and vibrant outdoor spaces, and implementing place-based disaster preparedness programs, Extension strengthens community connections and supports economic sustainability. These initiatives benefit residents, businesses, and local governments, fostering stronger and more resilient communities that are better equipped to face future challenges. 

County Situation:

Hickman County's agriculture is vital to its economy, with farming operations covering approximately 72% of the county’s land. As of 2022, the county had 226 farms spanning 111,590 acres, with an average farm size of 494 acres. Agricultural products sold per farm averaged $879,468. In 2022, total crop sales in Hickman County were valued at $68.9 million, while animal sales reached $129.7 million. These figures underscore the importance of agriculture to Hickman County's economy, highlighting both crop and livestock production as vital components of the local agricultural landscape.  

 

The 2023 Extension Community Needs Assessment for Hickman County identified helping our community prepare and recover from natural disasters as a top priority for enhancing community resilience. The sustainability of family farms while strengthening and supporting the local food and agriculture industry was identified as a top priority in Hickman County. The needs assessment revealed that preserving and managing agricultural land, issues affecting crops, and profitability continue to be emphasized by our grassroots. 

 

Hickman County’s agricultural sector faces both significant challenges and opportunities. The current economic pressures on grain crop production highlight the need for focused support in sustainable farming practices, business management, and diversification strategies. Increasing agricultural literacy among youth and the general public, along with promoting environmental responsibility and safe chemical use, is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Hickman County. Kentucky Cooperative Extension’s role in providing these resources, training, and outreach is vital for supporting the county's farmers, improving community awareness, and preserving the environment for future generations. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

• Improved crop sustainability, increased farm profitability, and reduced environmental impact using best disease management practices 

• Wildlife habitat is increased and improved. 

• Communities recover faster from disasters/economic disruptions. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Increased biosecurity strategies that promote both animal and human health-related behaviors for a safe food system. 

• Increased adoption of adequate crop protection (i.e. IPM) methods by stakeholders to manage diseases 

• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H natural resources projects and clubs. 

• Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies. 

Initial Outcomes:

• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.? 

• Stakeholders are more aware of current and new and/or emerging disease issues 

• Increase knowledge and skills of individuals in both urban and rural settings to address immediate wildlife-related challenges and enhance biodiversity. 

• Greater knowledge of community partnerships and collaboration strategies 

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 end of the program  

Initial Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)  

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.  

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.  

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.  

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues  

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife.  

• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry.  

• Number of participants who reported gaining awareness of natural resources.    

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains)  

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  

Learning Opportunities:

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: TBD  

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, Frequent  

Audience: 4-H Members   

Project or Activity: 4-H Natural Resources Projects?(e.g., insect collections, leaf collections, leaf print collections, wood science projects, rock, mineral, and/or fossil collections)  

Content or Curriculum: Entomology, Forestry, Wood Science, Geology; Curriculum - National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources?  

Inputs: 

• 4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful to them.???  

• Accredited volunteers in natural resources.???  

• 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 staff, volunteers and youth in delivering the program. 

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

Audience: Individuals 
Project or Activity: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Content or Curriculum: EDEN materials, KHERN publications, trainings, continuing education 
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, etc. 
Date(s): Ongoing 

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 end of the program  

Initial Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)  

Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.  

Method: Pre- and post-training survey.  

Timeline: Collected before and after each session.  

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues  

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife.  

• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry.  

• Number of participants who reported gaining awareness of natural resources.    

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains)  

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