Lincoln County CES

County Emphasis:

Improve and expand horticulture and agricultural knowledge and production

Concentration 1:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 2:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 3:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 4:

Plant Production and Management

Situation:

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.

County Situation:

Lincoln County has 984 farms in total with 361 of the farms being between 50 and 179 acres. The average farm size is 150 acres. There are 320 farms that are 10 to 49 acres and 15 farms that are over 1,000 acres in size.

Of the 984 farms, 920 are operated by family or an individual. The growers and land owners are made up of 63.1% male and 36.9% female. The average age of the producer is 55.7 years old. 

 

Lincoln County has nearly 50,000 head of cattle and ranks 8^th in the state for cattle production. Lincoln county has several large  dairy’s and ranks 4^th in the state for total production. For vegetables, melons and potatoes, we rank 27^th in the state based on sales and 1044 in the nation. Small ruminates, poultry and hogs are increasing in numbers and interest as people seem to be more interested in providing as much food as they can from their own farm.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increase the quality and number of animals or pounds of milk produced annually contributing to the increased and more stable financial position for producers.?  Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods and species.?  Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations.  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.?? 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 actively adopt and apply advanced natural resources practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the natural resources community.?

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.   Increased biosecurity strategies that promote both animal and human health related behaviors for a safe food system.?    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.??  Youth will take responsible action in natural resources conservation.??  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 communicate natural resources ideas and concepts more effectively.

Initial Outcomes:

Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species.

 

Increase knowledge about sustainable and economically viable management practices.? 

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.
• Youth will explore their spark in natural resources.??? 
• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in natural resources and environmental sciences.???? 
• Youth will understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.??? 
• Youth will set goals to become good stewards of natural resources.?? 
• Youth will expand life and work readiness skills, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of natural resources.? 
•  

Evaluation:

Outcome	Short-term
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of dairy management practices
Method	Program evaluation survey
Timeline	Immediate Post Program

 

Outcome	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve sheep production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of best practices for managing/raising small ruminants.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediately after program participation.

 

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	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At the program

 

Outcome	Short-term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life.  Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production.  Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest.    Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas. Number of adults in the county 4-H country ham program. Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.?  Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.???  Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas.  Number of youth who reported that have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.?
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediate Post Program

 

Outcome	Medium-term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions.  Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in animal production based on their interests.   Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or skills gained in animal production to complete a project.  Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices.   Number of youth who reported that have applied the skills they learned in natural resources to other areas of their life, including at home, school and other programs.   Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to conserve natural resources.   Number of youth who reported that they have used their skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a natural resources project.
Method	Survey
Timeline	End of Program Year

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:

Dairy Producers and Dairy Industry Professionals

Project or Activity:Dairy Programming 

Content or Curriculum:University of Kentucky Publications, Other land grant university publications

Inputs:Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system.Engagement of communities in identifying and implementing programming based on meeting local needs.

Date:Farm Visits and Questions related to dairy farming best practices (all year long)

Audience:

Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents

Project or Activity:BQCA trainings 

Content or Curriculum:

State BQCA videos and chute-side trainings

Inputs:Demo material

Date:Fall and when needed by producer

Audience:

Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents

Project or Activity:Master Cattleman 

Content or Curriculum:

Coordination with Beef IRM coordinators & specialists

Inputs:

Coordination with Beef IRM coordinators & specialists

Date:2025-2026

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Program
Content or Curriculum	Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Learning Lab Kits, National 4-H Project Books and Helper’s Guide, Country Ham Meat Lesson Kit (University of Kentucky)
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.??
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)  Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Contest (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year)

 

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program
Content or Curriculum	Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Learning Lab Kits, National 4-H Project Books and Helper’s Guide, Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program Overview, Kentucky 4-H Livestock Rules and Guidelines
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.??
Date(s)	Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)  Kentucky 4-H Livestock Judging Contest (offered June each year)  Kentucky 4-H Livestock Skillathon and Quiz Bowl Contest (offered each year)  Kentucky 4-H Livestock Shows (offered each year)

 

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.??
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)

 

Audience	4-H Members
Project or Activity	4-H Natural Resources Projects?(e.g., insect collections, leaf collections, leaf print collections, wood science projects, rock, mineral, and/or fossil collections)
Content or Curriculum	Entomology, Forestry, Wood Science, Geology; Curriculum - National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources?
Inputs	4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful to them.???  Accredited volunteers in natural resources.???  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 staff, volunteers and youth in delivering the program.
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1 – August 31)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audience	4-H Members
Project or Activity	4-H Natural Resources Programs (e.g., 4-H Forestry Field Days, 4-H Senior 4-H Forestry Judging Contest, 4-H Wildlife Challenge)
Content or Curriculum	Forestry, Wildlife, Entomology, Water; Curriculum - National and State-Level Research-Based, Vetted Publications, Curricula, and Educational Resources?
Inputs	4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful to them.???  Accredited volunteers in natural resources.???  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 staff, volunteers and youth in delivering the program.?
Date(s)	Dates: 4-H Program Year (September 1 – August 31)

 

 

 

Audience	4-H Members
Project or Activity	4-H Shooting Sports Program
Content or Curriculum	National 4-H Shooting Sports Training Curriculum?
Inputs	4-H programs in natural resources in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful to them.???  Accredited volunteers in 4-H Shooting Sports.???  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 staff, volunteers and youth in delivering the program.
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1 – August 31)?

 

Evaluation:

Outcome	Short-term
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of dairy management practices
Method	Program evaluation survey
Timeline	Immediate Post Program

 

Outcome	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve sheep production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increase in knowledge and/or awareness of best practices for managing/raising small ruminants.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediately after program participation.

 

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	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At the program

 

Outcome	Short-term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life.  Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production.  Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in animal production and management that fits their interest.    Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas. Number of adults in the county 4-H country ham program. Number of youth who reported that they have identified their interest in natural resources.?  Number of youth who reported that they understand how their actions and choices impact natural resources and the environment.???  Number of youth who reported that they understand natural resources concepts and ideas.  Number of youth who reported that have set goals to become a good steward of natural resources.?
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediate Post Program

 

Outcome	Medium-term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have used the knowledge and/or skills gained in agriculture to make informed decisions.  Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in animal production based on their interests.   Number of youth who reported that they used knowledge and/or skills gained in animal production to complete a project.  Number of youth who reported that they adopted/applied one or more animal production practices.   Number of youth who reported that have applied the skills they learned in natural resources to other areas of their life, including at home, school and other programs.   Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to conserve natural resources.   Number of youth who reported that they have used their skills and/or knowledge gained to complete a natural resources project.
Method	Survey
Timeline	End of Program Year