Christian County CES

County Emphasis:

Strengthening Agriculture

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 4:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

1. 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. 

 

2. 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. 

 

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

Kentucky is blessed with a rich array of natural resources, including vast forests, abundant waterways, and wildlife. With woodlands in each of the 120 counties and forest industries in 110 counties, Kentuckians in both rural and urban areas all derive benefits from woodlands. Hardwood forests cover 50% of Kentucky and 473,000 individuals own 88% of the 12.4 million forested acres in the state. 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. Wildlife management programs assist landowners through both urban and rural wildlife management and damage control initiatives. 

However, Kentucky’s forests and natural areas face growing risks. Threats from climate change are increasing as evidenced by some of the warmest and wettest years on record during the past decade and Kentucky is ranked as the ninth most vulnerable state in the country by long-term climate change impacts. Extreme weather events, such as the December 2021 tornado in Western Kentucky and the 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky are becoming more frequent and severe. In addition, a wide range of invasive species (including insects, pathogens, animals, and plants) can cause problems in woodlands, forests and other natural areas, threatening management and long-term sustainability. 

Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to developing adaptive management strategies for the critical issues facing the sustainability of farms, natural areas, and forests for today and in the future. Implementing soil and water conservation practices in both urban and rural watersheds is critical to the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s natural resources. 

Youth Focus 

Educating youth about natural resources and environmental sciences is crucial for our future, as it empowers them to become proactive stewards of our planet. The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program aims to boost environmental literacy among youth, addressing a significant gap in environmental knowledge revealed by surveys from the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. America’s prosperity is inseparably linked to the health of our environment. A healthy environment is an essential component of the quality of life of humans and all living organisms (USDA, 2024). Optimistically, the National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey found that 83% of youth enjoy science, 66% see it as a problem-solving tool, and 62% are interested in science-related careers. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System’s 2023 assessment identified key priorities such as youth life skill training, workforce readiness, and promoting natural resource literacy. Through 4-H projects in natural resources and environmental sciences, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources through various projects and programs. 

 

4. 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:

Christian County is among the most productive agriculture county in the state.  The county is consistently number one in wheat production, and in the top five for corn, soybeans and tobacco year in and out.  For many years cattle production was in decline in Christian County, but with the rebounding cattle market we have seen a resurging interest in cattle production.  It is our mission to promote good agriculture practices that promote sustainable agriculture and increase the profitability on the bottom line for producers.  By working with small and beginning farmers we are able to watch those producers grow their operations and provide high quality products for emerging markets. 

 

Producers and consumers are constantly seeking ways to produce crops and maintain productive home gardens and landscapes while remaining environmentally friendly. Urban home horticulture calls, emails, and walk-in visits indicate the need for additional classes and seminars in managing environmental resources at home. There is an increasing need for educational assistance on home and garden issues as Kentucky’s urban population grows. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

• 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. 
• Strengthen 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.   
• Strengthen local economies through the continuous support of farmers’ markets, community gardens, and community-supported agriculture programs that are well-integrated with urban horticulture initiatives.
• Improved crop sustainability, increased farm profitability, and reduced environmental impact using best disease management practices 
• Reduced unnecessary pesticide exposure to farmers, agribusiness, and the general public 
• Increased farm productivity because of a reduction in yield and quality losses due to diseases 
• Achieve long-term sustainability and resilience in agricultural practices through the widespread adoption of practices that enhance soil productivity, conserve water quality and quantity, and optimize resource use, leading to resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding economic and environmental fluctuations. 
• 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.   
• Wildlife habitat is increased and improved. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Continue development and dissemination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by specialists and agents to educate producers and promote IPM practices and/or organic practices that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining crop health and productivity.  
• 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.  
• Explore the use of emerging production technologies to achieve increased adoption of technologies such as monitoring crop productivity, crop quality, soil health, and soil moisture levels across Kentucky's agricultural sectors.  
• Adoption of improved pesticide safety practices  
• Increased adoption of effective crop protection (i.e. IPM) methods by stakeholders to manage diseases 
• Increased number of stakeholders who scout for diseases, monitor disease risk factors, and use research-based information  
• Early identification of potential disease outbreaks and awareness of disease trends  
• Judicious use of pesticide-based disease management  
• Expansion of Extension programming by broadening the scope of extension services to include more comprehensive support for grain crops, forages, tobacco, hemp, and turfgrass suited to Kentucky's changing climate and soil conditions.  
• Explore the use of emerging production technologies to achieve increased adoption of technologies for such things as monitoring crop productivity, crop quality, soil health and soil moisture levels across Kentucky's agricultural sectors.  
• Adoption of improved pesticide application practices.  Improve understanding and compliance with state pesticide applicator regulations.  
• Proper implementation of technologies to help farmers, crop consultants, and pesticide applicators monitor, document, plant, harvest, and manage crops and forages. Technologies can include, but are not limited to, global navigation systems, section controls, applicator maps, soil sampling maps, yield maps, unmanned aerial vehicles, genetic traits, data analysis, etc. 

Initial Outcomes:

• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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 
• Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research and resources 
• 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, sustainability, and yield improvements. 
• Enhanced soil and water management programs by rolling out targeted extension programs that focus on soil and water management techniques to immediately improve crop yield potentials and promote environmentally favorable practices. 
• Support for diverse crop trials by initiating pilot projects that support the planting of diverse crops. 
• Fulfillment of annual GAP Training requirements for GAP Certification of tobacco producers. 
• Facilitate trainings to provide necessary knowledge to support those desiring to obtain commercial and non-commercial applicator licenses and maintain CEUs from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in the turf and ornamental category. 
• Assisting farmers who need to document specific climate objectives and/or management practices of grain and tobacco buyers. 
• Increase knowledge and skills of individuals in both urban and rural settings to address immediate wildlife-related challenges and enhance biodiversity.   

Evaluation:

Outcome	Certify producers in BQCA
Indicator	Number certifications
Method	Classroom training and online
Timeline	Fall 2025 Spring 2026

 

Outcome	Certified Private Pesticide Applicators
Indicator	Number of certifications
Method	Classroom training and one on one trainings
Timeline	Winter and spring 2026

 

Outcome	Increased water quality
Indicator	Water quality practices implemented
Method	Classroom and field trainings
Timeline	Summer 2025

 

Outcome	Certified Master Loggers
Indicator	Number of certifications
Method	Classroom and field trainings
Timeline	March 2026

 

Outcome	Master Gardener Involvement
Indicator	Number of program graduates; Volunteer service
Method	Classroom training; Volunteer tracking software
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Medium Term: Equine knowledgeable youth
Indicator	Youth participation involvement
Method	Club meetings; participation
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Short Term: Plentiful produce garden
Indicator	Successful growth of produce
Method	Program meetings; participation of growing garden
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Ag Safety Day
Indicator	Number of Youth participants that reported an increased knowledge of safety
Method	Post Survey
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Farm Day
Indicator	Number of youth participants that reported an increased knowledge of where food comes from
Method	Post Survey
Timeline	annually

Learning Opportunities:

 

Learning Opportunities 

 

Audience	Beef Cattle Producers and FFA and 4H
Project or Activity	BQCA
Content or Curriculum	BQCA training material
Inputs	Training material and chute side aides
Date(s)	September 2025 and April 2026

 

Audience	Pesticide applicators
Project or Activity	Private applicator training
Content or Curriculum	PATIM training material
Inputs	Trainer and publications
Date(s)	Monthly from January to June 2026

 

Audience	Watershed property owners
Project or Activity	LRWQC
Content or Curriculum	KY Water Watch
Inputs	Trainer and Water Watch material
Date(s)	June and July 2025

 

Audience	Loggers
Project or Activity	Master Logger 3 Day course
Content or Curriculum	Master Logger curriculum
Inputs	Master Logger Curriculum and trainer
Date(s)	March 2026

 

Audience	Master Gardeners
Project or Activity	Master Gardener Training Course
Content or Curriculum	Master Gardener curriculum
Inputs	Master Gardener Curriculum and trainers
Date(s)	Fall 2025

 

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 Progam
Date(s)	annually

 

 

Audience	Specialty crop growers
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, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations
Date(s)	annually

 

Audience	4-H Youth
Project or Activity	Agriculture Literacy Programs
Content or Curriculum	Chick Quest  Cloverbud Program Book
Inputs	Christian County Public Schools  Certified Volunteers  4-H Teen Leaders  Local Sponsorships
Date(s)	annually

 

Audience	4-H Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Club
Content or Curriculum	Horses and Horsemanship  Horse Curriculum Level 1: Giddy Up & Go
Inputs	4-H Youth Development  Certified Volunteers  4-H Trailblazers Cooking Club  Gaining a sense of belonging and spark through hands-on learning
Date(s)	annually

 

Audience	4-H Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Club
Content or Curriculum	Junior Master Gardeners
Inputs	4-H Youth Development  Certified Volunteers  4-H Junior Master Gardeners Project  Gaining a sense of belonging and spark through hands-on learning  Partnership between Master Gardeners and youth
Date(s)	annually

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Progressive Agriculture Safety Day
Content or Curriculum
Inputs	4-H Youth Development  Teen Leaders  Gaining a sense of belonging and spark through hands-on learning
Date(s)	annually

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Farm Day
Content or Curriculum	Livestock Kits & Acres of Adventure
Inputs	4-H Youth Development  Teen Leaders  Local Sponsorships  Christian County Public and Private Schools  Gaining a sense of belonging and spark through hands-on learning
Date(s)	annually

Evaluation:

Outcome	Certify producers in BQCA
Indicator	Number certifications
Method	Classroom training and online
Timeline	Fall 2025 Spring 2026

 

Outcome	Certified Private Pesticide Applicators
Indicator	Number of certifications
Method	Classroom training and one on one trainings
Timeline	Winter and spring 2026

 

Outcome	Increased water quality
Indicator	Water quality practices implemented
Method	Classroom and field trainings
Timeline	Summer 2025

 

Outcome	Certified Master Loggers
Indicator	Number of certifications
Method	Classroom and field trainings
Timeline	March 2026

 

Outcome	Master Gardener Involvement
Indicator	Number of program graduates; Volunteer service
Method	Classroom training; Volunteer tracking software
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Medium Term: Equine knowledgeable youth
Indicator	Youth participation involvement
Method	Club meetings; participation
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Short Term: Plentiful produce garden
Indicator	Successful growth of produce
Method	Program meetings; participation of growing garden
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Ag Safety Day
Indicator	Number of Youth participants that reported an increased knowledge of safety
Method	Post Survey
Timeline	annually

 

Outcome	Farm Day
Indicator	Number of youth participants that reported an increased knowledge of where food comes from
Method	Post Survey
Timeline	annually