Hardin County CES

County Emphasis:

Sustainability of Land and Assets

Concentration 1:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 2:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 3:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 4:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

     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.

     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

     Kentucky household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income in Kentucky on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $55,100, which is 74% of the U.S. median income). Most alarming, it is estimated that nearly 62% of Kentucky households do not generate sufficient income to meet living wage standards given the state’s average cost of living. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) projects that, “a key for Kentucky’s future economic growth is to identify and successfully implement programs that increase the employment-population ratio, particularly for working-age adults.” The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults across the Commonwealth by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others.  In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Employee Soft Skills (e.g., communication, productivity, and teamwork skills) and Building Life Skills of Community Members were among the top ten Individual and Family Development Needs reported by Kentuckians.

     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

     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.

     America’s future hinges on a prepared workforce and engaged communities collaborating to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. As of 2024, there are 2,465,949 job openings in Kentucky and nationwide there are 10 million unfilled jobs. Fasted growing jobs are in the fields of vocational education and higher education teachers, agriculture professionals, and digitally enabled roles: ecommerce specialists, digital transformation specialists, and digital marketing professionals (World Economic Forum, 2023). 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet (Dell Technologies, 2019). 77% of employers say focus less on traditional school subjects, more on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, adaptability are key (World Economic Forum, 2023). According to the National 4-H Index Study 2024, 80% explored career options, 50% received guidance for college decisions, and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at. To ensure a sustainable society, it is crucial that our youth are equipped to fill these positions. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) has identified key priority issues related to life skill development for young people. These priorities include youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, and maximizing youth voice in matters that directly impact them. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future.

     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. 

County Situation:

Agriculture remains a foundational part of Hardin County’s economy and identity, but current trends present serious concerns for the sustainability of land and local farm operations. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the number of farms in Hardin County has declined to 1,255, down from 1,305 in 2017. Similarly, the total acres of farmland dropped from 199,201 to 188,728 acres during that same period. Rapid urban expansion, especially in and around Elizabethtown, along with industrial development, continues to convert farmland into non-agricultural use. Although the average market value of farmland rose from $2,977 to $4,217 per acre, this increase creates barriers for new and beginning farmers who face difficulty accessing affordable land.

Another pressing issue is the aging farming population. In Hardin County, 1,401 producers are aged 55 and older, while only 762 are under the age of 55. Furthermore, just 803 of the county’s farmers report agriculture as their primary occupation, suggesting that many are part-time or supplemental producers. These trends contribute to uncertainty about long-term land management and sustainability. Without a strong pipeline of younger, full-time farmers, farmland may continue to decline in productivity or transition out of agricultural use entirely.

Youth and family engagement is critical to reversing these trends and preserving Hardin County’s agricultural heritage. Extension and 4-H programs provide vital opportunities for young people to explore agriculture, natural resource management, and environmental stewardship. Through hands-on learning and leadership development, youth are gaining the skills and interest needed to step into future roles in agriculture and sustainability. At the same time, family-focused Extension efforts help with farm succession planning, estate management, and strengthening household financial resilience—tools essential for long-term land stewardship.

This topic was identified as a top priority by the Hardin County Extension Council. Local leaders recognize that preserving farmland, supporting small farms, and preparing the next generation of land stewards are essential to the county’s future. The Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service remains committed to offering educational programs and resources that empower youth, strengthen families, and promote sustainable land management practices to ensure a thriving, resilient rural community for generations to come.

Long-Term Outcomes:

ADULT

• 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)). 
• The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved.
• Establish networks of urban farms that are integral to their local food systems, providing fresh produce and fostering urban-rural agricultural links. 
• Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected. 
• Improved quality of workforce
• Improved financial security and stability

YOUTH

• Youth will advocate for natural resources in their communities.
• Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the natural resources community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.
• Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future. 
• Youth will become engaged, healthy, and productive members of their communities.
• Youth will make sound financial decisions. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

ADULT

• 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.) 
• 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. 
• Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects. 
• Provide robust support for estate planning and farm transitions to ensure the longevity of farms across generations.
• Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills
• Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills
• Increased savings (e.g., as a result of budgeting, saving, reducing debt, spending wisely, stretching resources)

YOUTH

• Youth will aspire to explore careers in natural resources and environmental sciences.
• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H natural resources projects and clubs.
• Youth will plan and implement a service project.
• Youth will choose to take on leadership roles in their community.
• Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants. 

Initial Outcomes:

ADULT

• Increase knowledge and skills of individuals in both urban and rural settings to address immediate wildlife-related challenges and enhance biodiversity,
• Develop emergency preparedness and response strategies focusing on preserving their lands and mitigating immediate damage from events such as floods and tornadoes.
• Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners. 
• Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability for small farm owners. 
• Strengthening work and life skills, including but not limited to, developing workforce development skills, employability and interpersonal skills, and work-life management strategies.  
• Strengthening financial literacy and well-being, including but not limited to, budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.

YOUTH

• Youth will understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.
• Youth will expand life and work readiness skills, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of natural resources.
• Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development.
• Increased knowledge of career pathways.
• Youth will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management. 

Evaluation:

4-H Youth Development

Initial Outcome: Real life scenarios to build increased knowledge of the cost of living and working. 

Indicator: Knowledge of having funds, or not, at the conclusion of the program 

Method: Paper evaluation 

Timeline: Each session

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge on age appropriate activities, food and nutrition for certain ages, first aid skills, child development knowledge.

Indicator: Knowledge of child development, working a job as a babysitter

Method: Paper evaluation, plans to implement skills as a babysitter as a personal business 

Timeline: Each session

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture, animal husbandry, animal production, and agricultural based careers
Indicator: Club member participation levels, contest participation, workshop/clinic participation, and reported interest in agriculture careers.
Method: Lead volunteer feedback, returning members, observations, contest outcomes.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture, animal husbandry, animal production, food preservation techniques, Kentucky heritage, record keeping, public speaking, personal responsibility, and agricultural based careers
Indicator: Contest participation levels, workshop/clinic participation, family heritage/traditions formed, and reported interest in agriculture careers/food preservation.
Method: Lead volunteer feedback, returning members, observations, contest outcomes, an conversations.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H.

Indicator: Number of youth who report learning and developing life skills through 4-H activities/events/project work.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

Agriculture/Natural Resources

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

Indicator: Hosting the program

Method: surveys

Timeline: Every program

Intermediate Outcome: 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.

Indicator: number of people who say they’ve changed strategies.

Method: follow-up evaluations

Timeline: 3 months

Longterm Outcome: The sustainability of agricultural operations has increased and opportunities for further growth are improved.

Indicator: The number of people seeing improvement since they’ve changed strategies.

Method: follow-up evaluations

Timeline: 6 months

Indicator: Number of participants

Method: count from sign-in sheets

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

Initial Outcome: Increase knowledge and skills of individuals in both urban and rural settings to address immediate wildlife-related challenges and enhance biodiversity.

Indicator: Number of participants

Method: count from sign-in sheets

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

Intermediate Outcome: Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills

Indicator: Number of participants that go on to apply forestry jobs or university for forestry

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 3 months

Intermediate Outcome: 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.

Indicator: number of people who say they’ve changed or added strategies

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 3 months

Longterm Outcome: Improved quality of workforce

Indicator: Number of participants that go on to receive forestry jobs

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 6-9 months

Longterm Outcome: 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).

Indicator: Increased participation in volunteer and donor programs focused on natural resource conservation in local parks.

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 12 months

Initial Outcome: Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability for small farm owners. 

Indicator: participants

Method: count

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

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

Indicator: Farmers who join cost share programs, take on the plans and practices, or work with agents to develop pals

Method: follow-up survey.

Timeline: 6 months

Longterm Outcome: The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved.

Indicator: Implemented plans

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 12 months

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.

Indicator: Views on videos

Method: count

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses.

Indicator: number of new chicken farms

Method: survey tied to videos

Timeline: 12 months

Longterm Outcome: Individuals and families of all income levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods

Indicator: number of new backyard layer families

Method: survey tied to videos

Timeline: 12 months

Initial Outcome: Strengthening financial literacy and well-being, including but not limited to, budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.

Indicator: Number of participants

Method: count

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

Intermediate Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills

Indicator: Number of participants who changed or added strategies

Method: follow-up

Timeline: 3 months

Longterm Outcome: Improved financial security and stability

Indicator: Number of improved business situations due to new practices

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 6 months

Initial Outcome: Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability for small farm owners. 

Indicator: participation

Method: count

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

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

Indicator: farm visits following up on programs

Method: count

Timeline: Ongoing

Longterm Outcome: Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected. 

Indicator: increased volunteerism, involvement in farmer mentor programs, and farmer associations

Method: count

Timeline: 12 months

Family & Consumer Sciences

Initial Outcome: increased knowledge of budgeting, credit and other financial wellness concepts

Indicator: participants can identify ways in which they can save money or increase credit over the next 6 months post-program

Method: on site evaluation, follow up survey

Timeline: 6 months post program

 

Cross-Program Efforts

Initial Outcome: participants make a plan to transfer land or assets to dependents

Indicator: self reporting by participants

Method: follow up evaluation

Timeline: 6 months and 1 year post program

Learning Opportunities:

4-H Youth Development

Audience: Middle School Aged Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Reality Store, career exploration

Content or Curriculum: It's Your Reality

Inputs: Hardin County Schools, Elizabethtown Independent Schools, FRYSC Coordinators, County Agents

Date: Each Middle School once a school year

Agents: JK, DKR

Audience: Middle School Aged Youth

Project or Activity: Babysitting Course

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Babysitting Curriculum 

Inputs: Hardin County Schools, Elizabethtown Independent Schools, FRYSC Coordinators, County Agents

Date: Each Middle School once a school year

Agents: JK, DKR

Audience: Hardin County Youth

Project or Activity: Community Based Organized 4-H Clubs involving animal science and agriculture

Content or Curriculum: Various animal science based curriculum to include cows, poultry, goats, hogs, sheep, rabbits, water fowl, dogs, bees, and horses. Shooting sports included as natural resource.

Inputs: County Agents, volunteers, school personnel, local businesses, extension staff

Date: Monthly, during 4-H program year

Agents: JK

Audience: Hardin County Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Project

Content or Curriculum: Country Ham Curriculum, animal science curriculum 

Inputs: County Agents, volunteers, local businesses, extension staff

Date: Monthly, starting January 2026-August 2026

Agents: JK

Project or Activity: 4-H Day Camp Series

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for science, engineering & technology; foods; food preservation; natural resources; arts; home environment; needlework; photography; Cloverbud; woodworking and 4-H trends projects.

Inputs: extension staff, 4-H Intern, local volunteers

Date: July 2025 - June 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Audience: Crop, garden, animal farmers

Project or Activity: soil health programs

Content or Curriculum: NRCS 4 principles of soil health, research and materials

Inputs: NRCS, County Agents

Dates: Fall/Winter annually

Agents: JP, AN

Audience: Young people entering the workforce, landowners with forests

Project or Activity: forestry programs

Content or Curriculum: Eleven 2 hour sessions including lectures and hands-on demonstrations, Forestry Works Certification Class, Master Woodland Steward

Inputs: County agents, local arborists and forestry business, UK specialists, Central Hardin teacher and FFA, parks and rec, SWCD, Kentucky Forestry service

Dates: Summer (June to August) Annually

Agents: JP, AN

Audience: Farmers with water resources that are undeveloped.

Project or Activity: water resource development

Content or Curriculum: UK research and recommendations

Inputs: County agents, UK specialists, SWCD, NRCS

Dates: Winter

Agents: JP, AN

Audience: Homeowners and renters in the rural parts of the community

Project or Activity: beginners in backyard poultry

Content or Curriculum: Videos demonstrations posted about hen and broiler raising, starting from hatchling to cone, on grass, and using what you have on hand.

Input: County Agent may involve specialists down the road.

Dates: Year-round, summer-winter

Agents: JP, AN

Audience: Farmers and gardeners.

Project or Activity: Agribusiness educational programs

Content or Curriculum: fundamentals of planning, recordkeeping, selling, buying, and taxation

Inputs: County Agents, Specialists from the University,

Dates: Winter annually

Agents: JP, AN

Audience: beef producers who use bulls

Project or Activity: Beef herd and pasture management

Content or Curriculum: BSE Demos, feeder cattle body grading, Master Cattleman, small ruminants, Master Grazer, Master Haymaker

Inputs: County agents, veterinarians, UK/KSU specialists, HCCA, LEC, inmates USDA Ag Market graders, Stockyard buyers, program materials, KDA graders, NRCS, producers implementing grazing techniques.

Dates: year round

Agents: JP, AN

Family & Consumer Sciences

Audience: farmers, families, general public

Project or Activity: Financial Management Classes

Content or Curriculum: Where Does Your Money Go? 

Inputs: County agents, financial institutions

Date: ongoing year round

Agents: DF

Cross-Program Efforts

Audience: farm families, general public

Project or Activity: PLAN Program

Content or Curriculum: Transferring Cherished Possessions

Inputs: county agents, guest speakers, lawyers, financial planners

Date: Summer each year

Agents: DF, AN

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Agents:

Evaluation:

4-H Youth Development

Initial Outcome: Real life scenarios to build increased knowledge of the cost of living and working. 

Indicator: Knowledge of having funds, or not, at the conclusion of the program 

Method: Paper evaluation 

Timeline: Each session

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge on age appropriate activities, food and nutrition for certain ages, first aid skills, child development knowledge.

Indicator: Knowledge of child development, working a job as a babysitter

Method: Paper evaluation, plans to implement skills as a babysitter as a personal business 

Timeline: Each session

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture, animal husbandry, animal production, and agricultural based careers
Indicator: Club member participation levels, contest participation, workshop/clinic participation, and reported interest in agriculture careers.
Method: Lead volunteer feedback, returning members, observations, contest outcomes.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Increase student knowledge of agriculture, animal husbandry, animal production, food preservation techniques, Kentucky heritage, record keeping, public speaking, personal responsibility, and agricultural based careers
Indicator: Contest participation levels, workshop/clinic participation, family heritage/traditions formed, and reported interest in agriculture careers/food preservation.
Method: Lead volunteer feedback, returning members, observations, contest outcomes, an conversations.
Timeline: on-going

Initial Outcome: Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H.

Indicator: Number of youth who report learning and developing life skills through 4-H activities/events/project work.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

Agriculture/Natural Resources

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

Indicator: Hosting the program

Method: surveys

Timeline: Every program

Intermediate Outcome: 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.

Indicator: number of people who say they’ve changed strategies.

Method: follow-up evaluations

Timeline: 3 months

Longterm Outcome: The sustainability of agricultural operations has increased and opportunities for further growth are improved.

Indicator: The number of people seeing improvement since they’ve changed strategies.

Method: follow-up evaluations

Timeline: 6 months

Indicator: Number of participants

Method: count from sign-in sheets

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

Initial Outcome: Increase knowledge and skills of individuals in both urban and rural settings to address immediate wildlife-related challenges and enhance biodiversity.

Indicator: Number of participants

Method: count from sign-in sheets

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

Intermediate Outcome: Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills

Indicator: Number of participants that go on to apply forestry jobs or university for forestry

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 3 months

Intermediate Outcome: 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.

Indicator: number of people who say they’ve changed or added strategies

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 3 months

Longterm Outcome: Improved quality of workforce

Indicator: Number of participants that go on to receive forestry jobs

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 6-9 months

Longterm Outcome: 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).

Indicator: Increased participation in volunteer and donor programs focused on natural resource conservation in local parks.

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 12 months

Initial Outcome: Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability for small farm owners. 

Indicator: participants

Method: count

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

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

Indicator: Farmers who join cost share programs, take on the plans and practices, or work with agents to develop pals

Method: follow-up survey.

Timeline: 6 months

Longterm Outcome: The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved.

Indicator: Implemented plans

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 12 months

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.

Indicator: Views on videos

Method: count

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses.

Indicator: number of new chicken farms

Method: survey tied to videos

Timeline: 12 months

Longterm Outcome: Individuals and families of all income levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods

Indicator: number of new backyard layer families

Method: survey tied to videos

Timeline: 12 months

Initial Outcome: Strengthening financial literacy and well-being, including but not limited to, budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.

Indicator: Number of participants

Method: count

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

Intermediate Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills

Indicator: Number of participants who changed or added strategies

Method: follow-up

Timeline: 3 months

Longterm Outcome: Improved financial security and stability

Indicator: Number of improved business situations due to new practices

Method: follow-up survey

Timeline: 6 months

Initial Outcome: Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability for small farm owners. 

Indicator: participation

Method: count

Timeline: Everytime we host the program

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

Indicator: farm visits following up on programs

Method: count

Timeline: Ongoing

Longterm Outcome: Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected. 

Indicator: increased volunteerism, involvement in farmer mentor programs, and farmer associations

Method: count

Timeline: 12 months

Family & Consumer Sciences

Initial Outcome: increased knowledge of budgeting, credit and other financial wellness concepts

Indicator: participants can identify ways in which they can save money or increase credit over the next 6 months post-program

Method: on site evaluation, follow up survey

Timeline: 6 months post program

 

Cross-Program Efforts

Initial Outcome: participants make a plan to transfer land or assets to dependents

Indicator: self reporting by participants

Method: follow up evaluation

Timeline: 6 months and 1 year post program