Clinton County CES

County Emphasis:

Strengthening Farms, Food and Families

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 4:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

Kentucky’s animal production and management strategies focus on sustainability, animal health, and economic viability across various species, significantly shaping the state’s agricultural landscape. Beef cattle play a central role by converting Kentucky’s 7 million acres of pasture into valuable products, supported by the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) through sustainable grazing practices. The state’s equine industry, recognized globally, emphasizes breeding excellence, while swine producers focus on efficient pork production and strong biosecurity measures. Small ruminants such as sheep and goats are managed using pasture-based systems with an emphasis on nutrition and disease prevention.

Poultry stands as Kentucky’s top agricultural industry, featuring a robust broiler and egg production sector alongside small-scale backyard operations. Sustainability efforts emphasize soil and water conservation to protect farmland and mitigate the effects of climate variability. As climate and economic pressures mount, optimizing forage, plant, and crop production becomes vital. Producers face challenges like rising input costs and fluctuating markets, prompting a focus on soil health, water management, and the adoption of climate-resilient crops to maintain productivity.

Data-driven methods and technological tools, such as remote sensing, are being adopted to enhance resource efficiency and crop yields. Conservation practices like cover cropping, crop rotation, and integrated pest management improve soil health and resilience. CES encourages farmers to diversify crops and explore specialty agriculture such as berries and herbs. Extension programming supports organic methods and prepares farmers for extreme weather through education in climate-adapted crops and disaster readiness strategies.

The CES also plays a key role in community engagement through research-based education, workshops, online resources, and support for local markets and urban agriculture. Youth education is a significant focus, with 4-H programs empowering young Kentuckians through hands-on learning in plant and soil science. These programs address broader agricultural trends such as farm consolidation and the aging producer population, while also promoting agricultural literacy and workforce readiness among youth.

Improving public health through increased fruit and vegetable consumption is another CES priority. Programs aim to expand access to fresh produce and educate residents on selecting, preparing, and preserving healthy foods. Partnerships with statewide agencies help support systemic changes that enhance food access and nutrition education. These initiatives aim to reduce diet-related illnesses and foster healthier communities.

Kentucky 4-H further supports youth development by offering programs in nutrition, cooking, finance, and entrepreneurship. With a growing emphasis on youth health and wellbeing, 4-H fosters resilience, self-reliance, and family engagement. In animal science, youth are taught farm management skills, safety, and animal care through 4-H projects, ensuring the next generation is prepared to meet the state’s agricultural challenges. CES plans to expand educational offerings to support producers with new techniques and technologies for improved animal care and business sustainability.

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 equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.

County Situation:

Livestock and poultry production constitutes the majority of farm income for producers in Clinton County, totaling $43.48 million, with poultry being the leading commodity, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture County Profile. Crop sales amounted to $5.26 million. However, recent declines in commodity prices have placed significant financial pressure on row crop farms, compounded by rising input costs for fertilizers, seed, and fuel.

Through discussions with local producers, a clear need was identified for support in helping them improve the efficiency of their crop input usage. Additionally, beef cow/calf producers have experienced record prices for feeder calves, driven by nationally low herd numbers. However, rising costs for feed, fuel, and fertilizers continue to challenge the sector.

In response to these concerns, the Agricultural Program Council has recognized the need for assistance in helping producers reduce input costs, enhance operational efficiency, and ultimately improve net farm income.

Additionally, there is a 15.8% food insecurity rate in the county. Youth and adults need guidance in proper nutrition and stretching the food dollar. Food preparation and preservation programs are also needed to enhance healthy lifestyles. Community Assessment data revealed food as health, food insecurity, and youth and adult obesity as prioritized issues. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods and species.? 
• Producers are routinely implementing guidelines and recommendations for efficient and financially sound production demonstrating sustainable behavior change.? 
• Continually implementing new technology and production practices.? 
• Improve the quality of life of animals and humans.
• Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations. 
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods leading to enhanced production efficiency and reductions in the carbon footprint. 
• Producers are routinely following Beef Quality Care & Assurance standards to produce healthy and high-quality beef. 
• Continually adoption of new technology and production practices.
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices by horse owners. 
• Horse owners will be encouraged to apply best management practices for the care and management of their horses to help control cost of ownership.  
• Increase the quality of small ruminants annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of small ruminant operations
• Decrease in the number of Kentuckians with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease
• More Kentuckians routinely met the guidelines for the consumption of (locally-grown) fresh fruits and vegetables

Youth

• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. 
• Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities
• Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult

• Increased biosecurity strategies that promote both animal and human health related behaviors for a safe food system.
• Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.
• Annually evaluate how they care for and manage their horses using cost effective strategies. 
• Consider how they can use good biosecurity practices to ensure the health of their horses.  
• Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.

Youth

• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs. 
• Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

• Increase knowledge about sustainable and economically viable management practices.
• Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species.
• Increase confidence in implementing new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems.
• Increase confidence in making decisions related to promoting animal health-related behavior. 
• Increase intentions to employ financially sound behavior regarding production methods, use of financial tools, health-focused care, and the human-animal interaction.
• Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation

  
  

  Youth

  • Youth will explore their spark in agriculture.
  • Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture.
  • Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life.
  • Youth will expand life and work readiness skills in agriculture, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of agriculture.

Evaluation:

Initial 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: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of beef operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported making a change to improve their beef cattle management practices. 

Method: Survey (post program) or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

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

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators earning continuing education credit. 
• Number of participants reporting an increase in knowledge on integrated pest management techniques.  
• Number of participants reporting an increase in their use of risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application.  

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline:  after program conclusion

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Intermediate Outcome: Increased livestock marketing knowledge 

Indicator: Number of participants who report increasing their knowledge of livestock marketing. 

Number of individuals who implemented small ruminant financial management programs.

Method: Program evaluation tools/ surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy communication, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. (intermediate)

Indicator: 

Number of participants who reported they enhanced healthy relationships.

Number of participants who reported that they extended any type of support to another parent, grandparent, older adult, or relative raising a child.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.

Long-term Outcome: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of beef operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported making a change to improve their beef cattle management practices. 

Method: Survey (post program) or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

Long-term Outcome: Families experience lifelong developmental and well-being benefits as a result of healthy interpersonal relationships.

Indicators: 

Increased number of children who are kindergarten and school ready

Decreased number of families receiving services for at-risk behaviors

Method: Self-reported surveys, trend data, changes in number of families receiving services for at-risk behaviors 

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

Content or Curriculum: State BQCA videos and chute-side trainings 

Inputs: BQCA Curriculum

Dates: Fall 25/Winter 26

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: Winter 26

Audience: Loggers 

Project or Activity: Master Logger Program 

Content or Curriculum: Master Logger Curriculum 

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

Dates: Fall 2025

Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: IPM and Pesticide Programs 

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery 

Inputs: UK and subject matter Specialists 

Dates: Winter 25/26

Audience: General public 

Project or Activity: Pest and disease identification 

Content or Curriculum: Clinical diagnoses and trainings  

Inputs: Diagnostic labs and services 

Dates:  ongoing

Audience: Preschool 

Project or Activity: Dr. Yum Project 

Content or Curriculum: Dr. Yum Project Curriculum

Inputs: Extension Homemakers, School, Volunteers

Dates: September 2025-April 2026, monthly

Audience: 5th Grade Students 

Project or Activity: Recipes for Life

Content or Curriculum: Recipes for Life Curriculum

Inputs: FRYSC, School, Volunteers

Date: March 2026

Audience: Kindergarten Students

Project or Activity: Healthy Living Day

Content or Curriculum: LEAP

Inputs: Teen leaders, Volunteers

Date: April 2026

Audience: Youth and families

Activity: Cook Together, Eat Together

Content or Curriculum: Cook Together, Eat Together 

Inputs: Families, Extension staff, Volunteers

Dates: October 2025; February 2026

Audience: Adults

Activity: Cooking Through the Calendar

Content or Curriculum: Calendar recipes, NEP publications, MyPlate resources

Inputs: Volunteers

Dates: 3rd Tuesday of each month 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: General Agricultural Short Term Programs (School Enrichment, 4-H Camp, etc.) 

Content or Curriculum: 

Any 4-H Curriculum 

Kentucky Ag and Environment in the Classroom, Inc. (KyAEC) https://www.teachkyag.org/ 

Kentucky Food and Farm Facts https://www.kyfoodandfarm.info/  

Kids Sonder: Agriculture Unboxed https://www.mommassonder.com/  

National Ag Day https://www.agday.org/  

National Ag and Environment in the Classroom https://agclassroom.org/ 

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)

Evaluation:

Initial 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: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of beef operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported making a change to improve their beef cattle management practices. 

Method: Survey (post program) or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

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

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators earning continuing education credit. 
• Number of participants reporting an increase in knowledge on integrated pest management techniques.  
• Number of participants reporting an increase in their use of risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application.  

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline:  after program conclusion

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Intermediate Outcome: Increased livestock marketing knowledge 

Indicator: Number of participants who report increasing their knowledge of livestock marketing. 

Number of individuals who implemented small ruminant financial management programs.

Method: Program evaluation tools/ surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy communication, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. (intermediate)

Indicator: 

Number of participants who reported they enhanced healthy relationships.

Number of participants who reported that they extended any type of support to another parent, grandparent, older adult, or relative raising a child.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.

Long-term Outcome: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of beef operation. 

Indicator: Number of participants who reported making a change to improve their beef cattle management practices. 

Method: Survey (post program) or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

Long-term Outcome: Families experience lifelong developmental and well-being benefits as a result of healthy interpersonal relationships.

Indicators: 

Increased number of children who are kindergarten and school ready

Decreased number of families receiving services for at-risk behaviors

Method: Self-reported surveys, trend data, changes in number of families receiving services for at-risk behaviors 

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.

Success Stories