Fleming County CES

County Emphasis:

Sustainability and Establishing Resilience in Farm Families

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 3:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

Kentucky’s animal production and management strategies encompass sustainable practices, health-focused care, and economic viability across all species, 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, with CES focusing on sustainable grazing practices and optimal use of natural resources like land and water. Kentucky is renowned as the Horse Capital of the World, home to a diverse equine population, including thoroughbreds, stock horses, standardbreds, and other breeds, with a focus on breeding excellence. The poultry sector, the number one agricultural industry in the state, contributes significantly to the economy through thriving broiler and laying hen industries. Implementing conservation practices that protect soil and water resources ensures the long-term sustainability of Kentucky farmland and improves resilience to climate variability. CES aims to expand its efforts to offer need-based education and producer-focused programming for all species, introducing new techniques, technology, and production systems for increased efficiency and profitability.  

  

Ensuring the sustainability of Kentucky woodlands and natural resources faces many challenges, including economic pressures, lack of access to technology, and workforce issues. Kentucky’s rich array of natural resources, including vast forests, abundant waterways, and wildlife, stimulate the economy through employment and production, contributing $13 billion annually and supporting over 28,000 jobs in the forest sector. However, Kentucky’s forests and natural areas face growing risks from climate change, extreme weather events, and invasive species. The Cooperative Extension remains committed to developing adaptive management strategies for the sustainability of farms, natural areas, and forests, implementing soil and water conservation practices in both urban and rural watersheds. Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds and equip individuals with critical life skills, addressing social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan and promoting resilience and positive relationships.  

  

Youth in Kentucky should have access to education and life skills in animal production, management, and environmental sciences. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Community Needs Assessment highlights key agricultural priorities, including youth life skill training, workforce readiness, and promoting agricultural and natural resource literacy. 4-H projects in animal production and management help young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain content knowledge about animals through breeding or market projects. Additionally, the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program aims to boost environmental literacy among youth, empowering them to become proactive stewards of our planet. Through various projects and programs, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources, ensuring a brighter future for Kentucky’s youth. 

 

County Situation:

Over the past 20 years, agricultural production in Fleming County has undergone significant changes. The decline in tobacco and dairy production has necessitated a shift towards diversification and sustainability in agriculture. Agribusinesses supporting agricultural production have also had to adapt to changing markets and opportunities. For farm families to remain profitable and sustainable, diversification and resilience are essential. Educational opportunities are crucial to keep farmers moving forward with profitability and relevance in the current agricultural climate, as well as introducing new agricultural production opportunities.  

  

Emphasis should be placed on educational opportunities for young farmers to be successful in the current agricultural climate. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service plays a vital role in providing these educational programs, focusing on innovative farming techniques, sustainable practices, and market adaptation strategies. By equipping young farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can ensure the sustainability of agriculture for years to come. Youth educational opportunities geared toward agriculture production are imperative to keep agriculture alive through farming and through interest in agriculture careers.  

  

Community partners work together to reverse these trends by promoting behavioral changes that will lead to improved health for Fleming County citizens. Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds and equip individuals with critical life skills, addressing social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan and promoting resilience and positive relationships. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth, ultimately contributing to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

• - Producers are routinely following Beef Quality Care & Assurance standards to produce healthy and high-quality beef. 

• - Improved quality of family life 

• - The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved. 

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

• - Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.?? 

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

• - Enhanced community partnership that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,) 

• - Youth will aspire to explore careers in natural resources and environmental sciences. 

Initial Outcomes:

• - Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species.? 

• - Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life. 

• - Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families. 

• - Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., reading to your child, spending time together, self-care, caregiver preparation, active living). 

• - Increase the awareness of sustainable forest management practices, economic pressures, and technological barriers facing woodland owners and other interested individuals. 

• - Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in natural resources and environmental sciences. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Farmers will improve livestock parasites control and nutrition 

Indicator:  Number of farmers that adopt a best management practice to improve livestock parasite control and improve or maintain nutrition 

Method:  Follow-up evaluation  

Timeline:  6 months to 1 year after program concludes

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service

Indicator: Number of individuals participating in 4-H Youth livestock projects

Method: Self-Report, Personal testimony via record book

Timeline: September Annually

Long-term Outcome: Improved quality of life for homemakers through increased knowledge, skills, and community engagement. 

Indicator: Homemakers report applying skills or knowledge gained from Neighborhood Kids Club activities to benefit their households or community involvement. 

Method: Participant surveys and testimonials collected at the end of the program year. 

Timeline: Evaluated annually in May. 

Learning Opportunities:

 

Audience	Farmers
Project or Activity	Small Ruminant Workshops
Content or Curriculum	Publications; UK Specialists Presentations
Inputs	ANR Agents; UK Specialists; Host Farm; KY Sheep & Goat Association
Date(s)	June (every 2 years)

 

Audience	Farmers
Project or Activity	Cattle Grading & Body Condition Scoring
Content or Curriculum	Publications; Market Reports; Local Stockyards Personnel
Inputs	ANR Agents; Local Stockyards Personnel
Date(s)	April

 

Audience	Loggers
Project or Activity	Master Logger WebTV
Content or Curriculum	Master Logger Provided Presentations
Inputs	UK Master Logger Department
Date(s)	February

 

Audience	4-H Members
Project or Activity	Youth ANR Day Camp
Content or Curriculum	Field Trips to Variety of Locations; Agent Lead Lessons
Inputs	ANR & 4-H Agents; Farms; Natural Resource Locations
Date(s)	July

 

Audience	Communities
Project or Activity	Homesteading
Content or Curriculum	Publications; UK Specialist Presentations; Agent Lead Presentations
Inputs	Agents; UK Specialists; Community Members
Date(s)	January

 

Audience	Farmers
Project or Activity	Farm School For Women
Content or Curriculum	Publications; UK Specialist Presentations; Agent Lead Presentations
Inputs	Agents; UK Specialists; Trades people; Partnering Organizations
Date(s)	October

 

Audience	Guardians/Parents, Youth ages 1-5
Project or Activity	Laugh and Learn
Content or Curriculum	UK FCS Program Laugh and Learn Sessions
Inputs	Child Development High School Class, FRYSC
Date(s)	September-May

 

Audience	Community Members
Project or Activity	Estate Planning Series
Content or Curriculum	UK Estate Planning Publications and Education, Edward Jones Financial Education
Inputs	Chamber of Commerce, Edward Jones, Attorney, UK Extension
Date(s)	May-July

 

 

Audience	Homemakers
Project or Activity	Neighborhood Kids Club
Content or Curriculum	UK Homemakers Resources, Publications
Inputs	UK Extension, Community Members
Date(s)	September-May

 

Audience	6th Grade
Project or Activity	Future Ready: Workforce Prep & Career Fair
Content or Curriculum	Skills to Pay the Bills
Inputs	Extension Agents, Camp Staff, Community Partners
Date(s)	March

 

 

 

 

Audience	4-H Members
Project or Activity	4-H Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum	Ohio State Livestock Curriculum
Inputs	Certified Leader, Community Partners, Extension Specialist
Date(s)	January - November

 

 

Audience	4-H Members
Project or Activity	4-H Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum	Ohio State Livestock Curriculum
Inputs	Extension Agents, Certified Leader, Community Partners
Date(s)	September - August

 

 

Audience	Sophomores & Juniors
Project or Activity	Natural Resources Career Academy
Content or Curriculum	4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources
Inputs	Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Community Partners
Date(s)	September - May

 

 

 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Farmers will improve livestock parasites control and nutrition 

Indicator:  Number of farmers that adopt a best management practice to improve livestock parasite control and improve or maintain nutrition 

Method:  Follow-up evaluation  

Timeline:  6 months to 1 year after program concludes

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service

Indicator: Number of individuals participating in 4-H Youth livestock projects

Method: Self-Report, Personal testimony via record book

Timeline: September Annually

Long-term Outcome: Improved quality of life for homemakers through increased knowledge, skills, and community engagement. 

Indicator: Homemakers report applying skills or knowledge gained from Neighborhood Kids Club activities to benefit their households or community involvement. 

Method: Participant surveys and testimonials collected at the end of the program year. 

Timeline: Evaluated annually in May.