Boone County CES

County Emphasis:

Equipping Residents with Knowledge of the Indoor and Outdoor Environment

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

Animal production and management is an essential part of Kentucky’s agricultural landscape. Beef cattle play a crucial role in converting Kentucky’s vast 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, including thoroughbreds, stock horses, standard breeds, and other breeds. Many commercial swine farms operate in the state, focusing on efficient growth and high-quality pork. Kentucky’s small ruminant producers raise various sheep and goat breeds for meat, fiber, and dairy purposes. Poultry is the number one agricultural industry in the state, contributing significantly to the economy.  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. 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.  Kentucky is also blessed with a rich array of natural resources, including vast forests, significant waterways and wildlife. Hardwood forests cover 50% of Kentucky and 473,000 individuals own 88% of the 12.4 million forested acres in the state which is stretched across all 120 counties with forest industries into 110 of those counties.  Forests stimulate the Kentucky economy through employment and production to the tune of $13 billion annually and there are over 28,000 jobs in Kentucky’s forest sector. Forests provide recreational opportunities and are a powerful tool in efforts to promote sustainability and support native diversity. Kentucky is ranked as the ninth most vulnerable state in the country by long-term climate change impacts and has struggled with a wide range of invasive species (including insects, pathogens, animals, and plants), threatening management and long-term sustainability. Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to developing programming that will encourage diverse crops, horticulturalist species, animal products, and strategies to assist the sustainability of farms, natural areas and forest for our future. Extension will work to meet the needs of producers, consumers, community members and its youth.  We 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 initiatives.     Kentucky is also blessed with a rich array of natural resources, including vast forests, significant waterways and wildlife. Hardwood forests cover 50% of Kentucky and 473,000 individuals own 88% of the 12.4 million forested acres in the state which is stretched across all 120 counties with forest industries into 110 of those counties.  Forests stimulate the Kentucky economy through employment and production to the tune of $13 billion annually and there are over 28,000 jobs in Kentucky’s forest sector. Forests provide recreational opportunities and are a powerful tool in efforts to promote sustainability and support native diversity. Kentucky is ranked as the ninth most vulnerable state in the country by long-term climate change impacts and has struggled with a wide range of invasive species (including insects, pathogens, animals, and plants), threatening management and long-term sustainability. Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to developing programming that will encourage diverse crops, horticulturalist species, animal products, and strategies to assist the sustainability of farms, natural areas and forest for our future. Extension will work to meet the needs of producers, consumers, community members and its youth.  We 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 initiatives.

County Situation:

Boone County Kentucky is home to 145,000 people. This is up from 87,000 in the year 2000. This 60% increase in population has led to many challenges in resident’s knowledge of the indoor and outdoor environment. The 2024 Extension Assessment shows that residents’ two most pressing agriculture and natural resource needs are the sustainability of family farms and preserving/managing agricultural farms. Three of the next four agricultural and natural resource concerns identified in the 2024 Extension Assessment relate to strengthening the local food system and providing avenues for farmers to sell their products. The local food system is a priority for both farmers wanting to sell their products and local consumers who want a sustainable local product. Other priorities identified by the Assessment related to productivity and recovery from and preparation for natural disasters and climate variability.

According to the 2024 Boone County Annual Report, many residents have raised concerns about the rapid growth in the county and its negative impact on the rural and rugged areas. Advisory councils have highlighted the need for more green spaces, a better understanding of environmental issues, and strategies to manage natural resources for long-term health. The 2024 Community Needs Assessment identified mental health and well-being resources as a top priority for county residents. Numerous studies have consistently shown that engaging with forests and nature improves both mental and physical health for individuals of all ages. Recognizing and promoting the value of these natural resources, which benefit the community at no cost, remains a key priority for Extension.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. 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.
2. Reduced unnecessary pesticide exposure to farmers, agribusiness and the general public
3. 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.
4. Work with farmers and those interested in farming on generational succession in farms to improve sustainability of the farms for generations.
5. Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.???
6. Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities.??
7. Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators
8. Increase the quality of small ruminants annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of small ruminant operations. 
9. Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations. 
10. Continually implementing new technology and production practices for animal production.? 
11. Economic, social, physical, or environmental situations that will change because individuals or communities adopted new (or improved existing) actions, practices, and behaviors (these also take time to mature)). 
12. Forests ecosystem and economic values are enhanced, resulting?in?healthier forests, improved water quality, and increased revenue? 
13. Wildlife habitat is increased and improved
14. Youth will advocate for natural resources in their communities.???  
15. Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the natural resources community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Adoption of improved pesticide safety practices
2. 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.
3. Increased adoption of effective crop protection (IPM) methods by stakeholders to manage diseases
4. Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.??
5.  Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.??
6.  Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.
7. Increased biosecurity strategies that promote both animal and human health related behaviors for a safe food system.
8. Consider how they can use good biosecurity practices to ensure the health of their horses.  
9. Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock
10. New or improved practices, behaviors, or choices that will occur in participants or communities because of the knowledge or awareness they gained from their contact with Extension (these are behavior change outcomes that are typically measured in follow-up evaluations because they require time to mature.) 
11. Implement climate resilience strategies to withstand the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, sustainable water management, and adapting wildlife management to preserve biodiversity under changing climate conditions. 
12. Youth will aspire to explore careers in natural resources and environmental sciences.??  
13. Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H natural resources projects and clubs.???  
14. Youth will communicate natural resources ideas and concepts more effectively

Initial Outcomes:

1. Support for crop trials by initiating pilot projects that support the planting of diverse crops and horticultural species, such as vegetables, small fruit, tree fruit, herbs, and ornamental plants to assess short-term viability and consumer interest.
2. Initial and continuing education opportunities for certified pesticide applicators
3. Stakeholders are more aware of current and new and/or emerging insect and disease issues
4. Youth will explore their spark in agriculture.???
5. Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.?
6. Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life.??
7. Youth will expand life and work readiness skills in agriculture, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of agriculture.
8. Improve management skills to improve sustainability and reduce cost of horse ownership. 
9. Increase confidence in making decisions related to promoting animal health-related behavior.? 
10. Increase knowledge about sustainable and economically viable management practices.? 
11. Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species
12. Increase the awareness of sustainable forest management practices, economic pressures and technological barriers facing woodland owners and other interested individuals.   
13. Increase knowledge and skills of individuals in both urban and rural settings to address immediate wildlife-related challenges and enhance biodiversity.   
14. Develop the skills and ability of Woodland owners and Ag producers to actively manage wildlife-related damage and nuisance.
15. Youth will explore their spark in natural resources.???  
16. Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in natural resources and environmental sciences.????  
17. Youth will understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment

Evaluation:

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 they gained their awareness of natural resources.   

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains) 

Timeline: At program 

Outcome: Medium

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that have applied the skills they learned in natural resources to other areas of their life, including at home, school and other programs.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to conserve natural resources.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used their skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a natural resources project.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year 

Outcome: Greater understanding of reporting invasive species to appropriate agencies 

Indicator: 

• Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on how to properly report a sighting of an invasive insect, arachnid, or mollusk 
• Number of people reporting behavioral changes in reporting and in support of invasive species monitoring methods 

Method: In person survey and year later survey 

Timeline: In person surveys at Extension event and digital surveys distributed one year later

Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of safe/effective pesticide application methods 

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators attending continuing education credit Extension events (both private and commercial) 
• Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on integrated pest management techniques  
• Number of people self-reporting behavioral changes regarding risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application 

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline: Administered immediately after program. Programs held throughout year, but clustered in late winter before plants start growing.

Outcome: Short? 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.??? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas. 
• Number of youth who reported that have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.? 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity 

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: 

• Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.
• 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: Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research

Indicator: Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders.

Method: Primarily surveys, records from consultations

Timeline: Surveys taken immediately after program. Records looked at twice during year, which will influence future programs.

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: Identification of diseases and abiotic problems in crops and forages

Indicator: Number of plant diagnoses made annually with diagnosis and recommendation reports sent to ANR agent and grower.

Method: ANR agent feedback, grower feedback

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: Improving forage and livestock management

Indicator: Number of participants that indicate high likelihood of implementation of improved forage and livestock management practices.

Method: Schools, workshops, conferences, and field days.  Information from these events will also be pushed out through KY Forages YouTube Channel and Master Grazer Facebook page.

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

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: 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: 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: 

Timeline:

Outcome: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of small ruminant operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants that have made changes to improve management of their small ruminant operation. 

Method: Survey (post program) 

Timeline: Follow-up survey or records from individual consultations 

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: Increased livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth

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. 

Dates: May 1 - June 30 annually

Audience: General public, adult 

Project or Activity: Master Naturalist Program 

Content or Curriculum: Master Naturalist Curriculum, range of speakers representing different topics and important agencies. 

Inputs: Developed in partnership with Ellen Crocker, Laurie Thomas, local organizations and environmental professionals

Dates: May-August (2025, 2027, 2029)

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Natural Resources Programs (e.g., Day Field Trips, Overnight Field Trips at North Central 4-H Camp) 

Content or Curriculum: Forestry, Wildlife, Entomology, Water; 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.? 

Dates: Day Field Trips (March-May annually); Overnight Field Trips (September - November annually)

Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Private Applicator's Pesticide Programs 

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery 

Inputs: UK and subject matter Specialists 

Dates: January 2026, January 2027, January 2028, January 2029, January 2030

Audience: Loggers 

Project or Activity: Master Logger Program (WebTV)

Content or Curriculum: Master Logger WebTV CEU's

Inputs: Coordination with Kentucky Master Logger Program, Michael Ammerman and Beth Williams 

Dates: Feb. 2027, 2029

Audience: General public 

Project or Activity: Pest and disease identification 

Content or Curriculum: Clinical diagnoses and trainings  

Inputs: 

• Diagnostic labs and services 
• Staff
• Disease and insect samples that are gathered and stored for programs
• Nature Center Gardens (vegetable IPM walks)
• Boone County Arboretum (tree IPM walks)

Dates: Continuous identification services. Programs held for pest and disease identification of ornamental plants in early winter. Hands on programs for pest and disease identification of vegetable plants offered in summer. 

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 

Dates: TBD

Audience: Livestock stakeholders (producers, lenders, government agencies, etc.) 

Project or Activity: Management / profitability related programming 

Content or Curriculum: Managing cost of production and risk, long term decision making, production efficiency, etc. 

Inputs: Extension faculty and staff, ANR Agents and industry support   

Dates:

Audience: IPM and Commercial Pesticide Applicators continuing education

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

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery

Inputs: Specialists and staff, samples and hands-on training materials

Date: January-April every year

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 Volunteers

Date: Programs held throughout year but clustered in late winter/early spring, mid summer, and early fall.

Audience: Kentucky Extension Master Gardener Program

Project or Activity: Volunteers development for community education and care of educational gardens

Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener Training Program (40 hour initial training), homeowner gardening classes needed for continuing education (10 hours per year).

Inputs: Extension Specialists, county agents, KDA, funding for care of Master Gardeners (lunches during workdays and tools)

Date: training held January-April 2026, 2028, and 2028. Volunteer program run continuously.

Audience: Agricultural 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: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Clubwork (Livestock, Dairy, Horse, Poultry, Rabbit, Dog, and Vet Science) 

Content or Curriculum: 

• Livestock: 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 
• Dairy: 4-H Livestock Discovery, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Holstein Foundation Study Questions 
• Horse: 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 
• Poultry: Kentucky 4-H Avian Bowl Manual, National 4-H Poultry Judging Manual published by Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, Evaluating Egg Laying Hens (University of Kentucky), Standards for Scoring Placing Classes (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Giving Oral Reasons (University of Kentucky), Notesheet for Poultry Reasons (University of Kentucky), Criteria for Evaluating Oral Reasons (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Grading RTC Poultry (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Grading Eggs (University of Kentucky), Examples of Different Grades of Broken Out Eggs (University of Kentucky), The Egg and I, Chick Incubation 
• Rabbit: Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Project Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Learning Lab Kit, National 4-H Rabbit Curriculum Levels 1-3 and Helper’s Guide, American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) Standard of Perfection, Kentucky 4-H Rabbit Program Guide and Rule Book, 4-H Rabbit Program Overview 
• Dog: Kentucky Dog Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Learning Lab Kit, National 4-H Dog Curriculum Levels 1-3 and Helper’s Guide, American Kennel Club Website, Kentucky 4-H Dog Program Rule Book, Kentucky 4-H Dog Program Overview 

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

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Country Ham 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, Country Ham Meat Lesson Kit (University of Kentucky)

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: 

• 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31) 
• Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Contest (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year) 

Evaluation:

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 they gained their awareness of natural resources.   

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains) 

Timeline: At program 

Outcome: Medium

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that have applied the skills they learned in natural resources to other areas of their life, including at home, school and other programs.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to conserve natural resources.  
• Number of youth who reported that they have used their skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a natural resources project.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered at end of program year/club year 

Outcome: Greater understanding of reporting invasive species to appropriate agencies 

Indicator: 

• Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on how to properly report a sighting of an invasive insect, arachnid, or mollusk 
• Number of people reporting behavioral changes in reporting and in support of invasive species monitoring methods 

Method: In person survey and year later survey 

Timeline: In person surveys at Extension event and digital surveys distributed one year later

Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of safe/effective pesticide application methods 

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators attending continuing education credit Extension events (both private and commercial) 
• Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on integrated pest management techniques  
• Number of people self-reporting behavioral changes regarding risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application 

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline: Administered immediately after program. Programs held throughout year, but clustered in late winter before plants start growing.

Outcome: Short? 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.??? 
• Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas. 
• Number of youth who reported that have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.? 

Method: Survey 

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity 

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: 

• Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.
• 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: Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research

Indicator: Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders.

Method: Primarily surveys, records from consultations

Timeline: Surveys taken immediately after program. Records looked at twice during year, which will influence future programs.

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: Identification of diseases and abiotic problems in crops and forages

Indicator: Number of plant diagnoses made annually with diagnosis and recommendation reports sent to ANR agent and grower.

Method: ANR agent feedback, grower feedback

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: Improving forage and livestock management

Indicator: Number of participants that indicate high likelihood of implementation of improved forage and livestock management practices.

Method: Schools, workshops, conferences, and field days.  Information from these events will also be pushed out through KY Forages YouTube Channel and Master Grazer Facebook page.

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

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: 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: 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: 

Timeline:

Outcome: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of small ruminant operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants that have made changes to improve management of their small ruminant operation. 

Method: Survey (post program) 

Timeline: Follow-up survey or records from individual consultations 

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: Increased livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing