Taylor County CES

County Emphasis:

Sustainability of family farms through strengthening youth and adult mentorship relationships.

Concentration 1:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 3:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 4:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

A disproportionate number of Kentuckians live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentuckians, compared to 15% nationally). Further, most Kentucky households are concerned with financially sustaining a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive in an economically challenged society. From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state.

Youth Focus

In Kentucky, economic uncertainty due to job market fluctuations and agricultural shifts impacts youth through unstable family environments and limited resources. Hospitality, retail, and tourism generated over $10 billion in 2023, with job growth in culinary arts, tourism, and hobby industries. The unemployment rate increased by 4.7% from July 2023 to July 2024. According to the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023), priorities include building financial literacy and resource management skills, youth life skill training (e.g., leadership and communication), strengthening youth workforce readiness (e.g., entrepreneurship, business development), and engaging diverse and non-traditional youth audiences. America’s future relies on a ready workforce and engaged communities to tackle major challenges. Kentucky 4-H develops youth potential for lifelong success through essential skills in communication, leadership, and civic engagement. 80% of 4-Hers reported that 4-H helped them explore career options and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at, and 50% reported 4-H helped them with college decision-making. 4-H programs equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in their personal lives, family lives, and communities.

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:

During the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Taylor County had a 17% decrease in number of farms. Land used as farmland also decreased by 20%. The 2022 Censes also showed the largest percentage of farms are now 10-49 acres (nass.usda.gov). This possibly is due to the increased number of individuals who are participating in homesteading. Within the Taylor County Extension Council, members showed concern for young or new farmers not receiving the proper mentorship they need to be successful in their farming operations. The Taylor County Cooperative Extension service will be that needed mentor for these individuals. Guiding them through the succession / establishment and operation of their farm. Taylor County Cooperative Extension Service will help to sustain family farms for generations to come. 

Farm census. CEDIK data.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Participants will make sound financial decisions.

 Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Participants will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants.  

Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects.

Initial Outcomes:

Participants will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management.

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

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported increased knowledge of family finance and/or resource management concepts.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

Intermediate Outcome: 

Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Number of producers who reported increased yield. 

Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Learning Opportunities:

Plant Production & Management 

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Vegetable Production Series

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to ID-36 and ID-128

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Tree Fruit Production Series

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to ID-21 and Midwest Fruit Production Guide

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Small Fruit Production Series

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to ID-21 and Midwest Fruit Production Guide

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Small Farm Development 

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Beginning Farmers - Where Do I Start?

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to CCD resources, ID-36, etc.

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Marketing / Selling 

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to CCD resources

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Resources for Beginning Farmers

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to information about C.A.I.P., NRCS, & FSA

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agent, NRCS & FSA Representatives

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Adults, general public, community partners

Project or Activity: Planning for Home Emergencies, Estate Planning

Content or Curriculum: Organizing your Records & Personal Information

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, specialists, and volunteers, Kentucky CES publications and resources, Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Adults and Families

Project or Activity: Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Record keeping

Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning Workshop, Financial Management Seminars, Record Keeping.

Dates: On-going

Animal Production & Management

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Using Manure as Fertilizer

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to AGR-146

Inputs: UK Specialists & Extension Agents

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Dying Fiber Using Natural Dyes

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to resources obtained from fabric dying training 

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Properly Using Goats and Sheep to control Undergrowth 

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to ID-162

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Sustainability, Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, & Environment

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Wildlife Conservation 

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to Master Gardeners' Manual, FOR-181, etc.

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Food Plots

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to Food Plots - The Basics

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Residents / Producers of Taylor County 

Project or Activity: Attracting Beneficials to Your Garden

Content or Curriculum: Including but not limited to ID-128, For-98, etc.

Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Volunteers, & Community Leaders 

Date: 2025 - 2030

Audience: Agriculture-interested youth in Taylor County

Project or Activity: Animal Science Projects available to explore interests with small animal or large animal projects. Egg incubation -> Chicken project -> showmanship & quiz bowl, Rabbit project -> husbandry -> entrepreneurship. Interest from community members for Heifer Chain program to get 4-Hers participating in livestock project and showmanship opportunities. Horse club

Content or Curriculum: YQCA, BQCA, Animal Science curriculum- Livestock, Poultry & Embryology, Horse & Hippology

Inputs: 4-H Agent, Volunteer Leaders, ANR Agent, FFA Leaders as volunteers/partners

Date:2026, 2027

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported increased knowledge of family finance and/or resource management concepts.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation

Intermediate Outcome: 

Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Number of producers who reported increased yield. 

Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing