Mercer County CES

County Emphasis:

Improve and expand adult and youth agricultural, horticultural and environmental knowledge and production.

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:

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. 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.  

To meet the needs of Kentucky producers, CES Extension will create or expand its efforts to offer need-based education and producer-focused programming for all livestock species, disseminate research-based information, offer workshops, field days, online resources, support local farmer’s markets, community gardens, community supported agriculture, and urban horticulture initiatives. 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.  

Small farm development is a crucial aspect of the Kentucky agricultural sector, especially in the context of supporting rural economies and ensuring food security. 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. 

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. 

Educating youth about animal production and management, plant production, soil science, natural resources and environmental sciences is crucial for our future. It will empower youth to become proactive stewards of our planet while also empowering them to innovate and address current and future agricultural challenges. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Community Needs Assessment (2023) identified key priorities such as youth life skill training, access to affordable and nutritious food, support for the local agricultural industry, promoting youth agriculture literacy, workforce readiness, and promoting natural resource literacy. 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. Through 4-H projects in animal production and management, plant production, soil science, natural resources and environmental sciences, youth develop life skills, learn responsibility, gain knowledge about animals through market or breeding projects, increase knowledge about sustaining our natural resources, and gain knowledge through horticulture, plant science and soil science projects and programs. 

County Situation:

Mercer County has a range of agriculture, commercial horticulture, and home horticulture, all being viable industries in Mercer County. Farmers, community leaders, farm organizations, Mercer County Ag Development Council, Mercer County Farmers Market, Mercer County Ag Advisory Council, and Mercer County Horticulture Advisory Council have identified important agricultural and horticultural issues and needed programs. Assisting farmers in agricultural production or profitability, preserving/managing agricultural land, sustainability of family farms, promoting local foods, and market support for locally grown and produced foods are some of the top priorities. Leaders have also identified the need to have extensive programs in the area of agricultural awareness. With less than 2% of the population involved in food production there is a great need for education about where and how food and other agricultural products are produced.  

People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it’s important that we care for and respect these resources. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generations.  

Agriculture is Kentucky’s largest employer and accounts for the greatest amount of revenue in Kentucky’s economy. Every person in Kentucky is impacted by agriculture every day in the foods that they eat and the fibers that are used in their clothes, homes, work places and vehicles. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

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 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. 

Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.

Youth will advocate for agriculture, sustainable fiber, food production and natural resources in their communities.

Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural and 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.

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 farmer’s markets, community gardens, and community-supported agriculture programs that are well-integrated with urban horticulture initiatives.

Develop and implement a comprehensive framework for disaster readiness and climate adaptation that includes advanced forecasting, crop selection, and management practices to prepare for extreme weather events.

Improved crop sustainability, increased farm profitability and reduced environmental impact using best disease management practices

Increased farm productivity because of a reduction in yield and quality losses due to diseases

Increased competitiveness for U.S. farmers and the agricultural industry

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.  

Work with farmers and those interested in farming on generational succession in farms to improve sustainability of the farms for generations.

Forests ecosystem and economic values are enhanced, resulting in healthier forests, improved water quality, and increased revenue

Wildlife habitat is increased and improved. 

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

Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets. 

Strive to have all participating small farms fully implement sustainable practices that protect and enhance natural resources. 

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

Annually implement strategies and production methods that result in increased efficiency, and number of animals produced /maintained, and animals harvested or pounds of milk produced.

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. 

Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural and natural resources projects and clubs

Youth will communicate agricultural and natural resources 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 agriculture, natural resources and environmental sciences

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

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.

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

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.

Actively install and use resource monitoring technology to assist in data-driven decision to monitor their forest’s health forest health, water resources, and land usage.  

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

Support the establishment of new farm enterprises that can offer innovative products and practices, enhancing the economic resilience of the small farm sector. 

Provide robust support for estate planning and farm transitions to ensure the longevity of small farms across generations. 

Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies. 

Initial Outcomes:

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.

Horses are kept primarily for sport and recreation. The majority of CES clientele can be placed in one of three general categories: 1) the new or first-time owner. These owners may have recently purchased a horse or have taken over full-time care of their horse, 2) Horse owners that have experience but are looking to validate what they do to make sure they are on the right track, and 3) the long time horse owner who is looking to improve management of their horses. 

-Horse owners will evaluate current practices and see where changes might be of benefit. 

-New horse owners can implement the management practices that fit their needs as new horse owners.  

-Long time horse owners can see the new technologies and management practices that may benefit their horse operations.  

-Improve management skills to improve sustainability and reduce cost of ownership. 

Youth will explore their spark in agriculture and natural resources.

Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in agriculture, natural resources and environmental sciences. 

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 fields of agriculture and natural resources.

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. 

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 specialty crop trials by initiating pilot projects that support the planting of specialty 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.

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

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

Develop the skills and ability of Woodland owners and Ag producers to actively manage wildlife-related damage and nuisance. 

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. 

Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales channels and improve income stability. 

Implement trial programs for specialty crops that could be suitable for small farms, providing a new avenue for diversification and innovation in crop production. 

Organize community events and workshops that foster networking among small farm owners and promote the sharing of best practices and innovations. 

Evaluation:

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.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

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 livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

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: Ongoing

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: 

•    Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

•    Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Method: Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations.

Timeline: After program participation.

Outcome: Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs

Indicator: Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Plant Production and Management-related Extension programs.

Method: Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback

Timeline: Frequently to annual

Outcome: Short-Term

Indicator: 

•    Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.

•    Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management. 

•    Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.

•    Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in plant production and management that fits their interest

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues 

Indicator: 

•    Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife. 

•    Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry. 

•    Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.   

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains) 

Timeline: At program 

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

Indicator: 

•    Number of certified applicators attending continuing education credit Extension events (both private and commercial) 

•    Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on integrated pest management techniques  

•    Number of people self-reporting behavioral changes regarding risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application 

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline: Ongoing

Outcome: Medium

Indicator: 

•    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: Administered at end of program year/club year 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Clients with Horticulture Interest 

Project:  Activity: Fort Harrod Garden Club 

Content or Curriculum: UK Horticulture Extension  

Inputs: UK Extension Service Resources, UK Extension Specialist, Extension Staff, Volunteers  

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Clients with Horticulture Interest 

Project or Activity: Monthly Horticulture Classes 

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Horticulture Curriculum 

Inputs: Mercer County Extension Facilities, UK Extension Specialist, Mercer Extension Staff, UK publications 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Clients with Horticulture Interest 

Project or Activity: Special Interest Horticulture & Gardening Topics for local Mercer Co. Library 

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Horticulture Curriculum 

Inputs: Horticulture Agent, Mercer County Public Library, UK publications 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Clients with Beekeeping Interest 

Project or Activity: Fort Harrod Beekeeping Club 

Content or Curriculum: KDA State Apiarist, Hands-on demonstrations, KY State University, UK Extension Resource 

Inputs: Mercer Extension Facilities, UK Extension Specialist, Mercer Extension Staff, UK publications, KY Dept. Of Ag, KY State University 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Farmers Market Clients 

Project or Activity: Farm Fresh To Table 

Content or Curriculum: Plate it Up, Veggie Vouchers, Recipes 

Inputs: UK publications, Volunteers, Mercer Extension Staff, Partners/Sponsoring Organization, Mercer County Farmers Market members, Mercer County School System  

Date(s): July, August, September 

Audience: Farmers Market Clients 

Project or Activity: PBPT, Scale Certification, Sampling License 

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Food Safety, Kentucky Department Of Ag 

Inputs: Kentucky Department of Ag resources, UK Food Safety Extension Resources, Center for Crop Diversification  

Date(s): Spring 

Audience: Clientele interested in Horticulture 

Project or Activity: Horticulture in Mercer County-Videos highlighting Mercer Co. Hort production 

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension  

Inputs: Local growers and producers, UK Extension, Horticulture Agent 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Homeowners and Farmers 

Project or Activity: Pesticide Safety Training/ Pesticides 101   

Content or Curriculum: KY Pest Management Curriculum, hands on demonstrations 

Inputs: UK Specialist, Extension Publications, Mercer Extension Staff 

Date(s): Spring-Summer 

Audience: Farmers  

Project or Activity: Annual Mercer County Agriculture Field Day 

Content or Curriculum: Chosen by Field Day Committee - from UK Specialists and Ag Industry 

Inputs: Host farm, Volunteers, Mercer Extension Staff, Partners/Sponsoring Organizations 

Date(s): September 

Audience: Mercer County citizens 

Project or Activity: Annual Farm-City Celebration 

Content or Curriculum: National Farm-City Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, content relevant to the educational objective set by the committee 

Inputs: Mercer Extension Staff, Extension resources, collaborating agencies, sponsors, speakers, Volunteers 

Date(s): March  

Audience: Mercer County Citizens, Farmers, Landowners  

Project or Activity: Diagnostic Services 

Content or Curriculum: Soil Testing, Plant Disease Diagnosis, Hay Testing, Ration Balancing, Farm & Home Visits, Insect Identification, Weed Identification, Water Testing, Plant Identification, Snake Identification, Forage & Grain Moisture Testing 

Inputs: UK CES Facilities, Mercer Extension Staff, UK Publications, UK Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, UK Soil Lab, UK Extension Specialists 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Mercer County Clientele with Agriculture or Horticulture Interest 

Project or Activity: Demonstration Plots and Demonstration Programs 

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension, Industry Companies 

Inputs: UK CES Specialists & resources, new practices, chemicals, local farms for demonstrations, host locations for programs 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Extension clientele/followers on social media for Agriculture & Horticulture  

Project or Activity: Facebook pages, website, videos, podcasts, newsletters 

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension 

Inputs: UK CES agents, UK CES staff, Ag Comm news releases, UK publications/information 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Mercer County crop producers 

Project or Activity: Crop production practices and meetings including regional 

Content or Curriculum: UK CES 

Inputs: UK CES Specialists, facilities, agents, publications and other resources 

Date(s): Ongoing  

Audience: Mercer County Cattle producers 

Project or Activity: Cattle production practices, newsletters, and meetings (KY Beef Conference, county winter meetings, regional meetings, dairy month kickoff breakfast, cattlemens quarterly roundup newsletter, Master series (Master Cattlemen, Master Marketer, Master Stocker), beef month activities 

Content or Curriculum: UK CES 

Inputs: UK CES specialists, facilities, agents, publications and other resources 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Mercer County young and beginning farmers 

Project or Activity: Support for both young and beginning farmers 

Content or Curriculum: UK CES 

Inputs: UK CES specialists, facilities, agents, publications and other resources 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Mercer County farmers and clientele 

Project or Activity: Collaboration with agriculture and horticulture organizations 

Content or Curriculum: UK CES, agriculture and horticulture organizations 

Inputs: Farm Bureau, Soil Conservation, Cattlemen's Association, Goat Association, Backcountry Horsemen, Fort Harrod Garden Club, Fair Board, Fort Harrod Beekeeping Club 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: County Fair Attendees & Participants 

Project or Activity: Mercer County Fair & Horse Show 

Content or Curriculum: CES  and KDA guidelines, rules & regulations set by various show committees 

Inputs: CES Staff, Mercer County Fair & Horse Show facilities/funds, community sponsors, county fair participants, volunteers 

Date(s): July 

Audience: Equine clientele 

Project or Activity: Equine Express newsletter, special equine topic programs, State Equine Farm & Facilities Expo, Horses & Horsemen 

Content or Curriculum: UK Equine 

Inputs:UK CES facilities, ANR Agents, UK Extension Specialists, UK publications, UK news releases/exclusives 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: Farmers 

Project or Activity: Beef Quality & Care Assurance Certification 

Content or Curriculum: KY BQA Curriculum 

Inputs: Extension staff, Extension resources, KY Cattlemen's Association, host location 

Date(s): Spring/Fall 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: UK CAFE Round-Up 

Content or Curriculum: UK Recruitment 

Inputs: Extension Staff, Mercer County School System & Burgin School System 

Date(s): August-September 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Chick Incubation 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Chick Incubation 

Inputs: Volunteers, Mercer School System, Burgin School System, Extension Staff, and Resources 

Date(s): Spring 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: FarmScool- Pre-school- 2nd Grade Mercer Co. Schools 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science, Food Safety Info, Commodity Organization Materials, Local Farmers/Producers 

Inputs: Volunteers, Mercer Co. School System, Burgin School System, Extension Staff 

Date(s): Fall 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Ag Day-with all 3rd graders in Mercer County 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science, Food Safety Info, Commodity Organization Materials, Local Farmers/Producers 

Inputs: Volunteers, Mercer Co. School System, Burgin School System, Extension Staff 

Date(s): Fall  

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Earth Day for all 5th graders in Mercer County 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Environmental Resources, Commodity organization materials/information 

Inputs: Volunteers, Mercer County School System, Burgin School System, Extension Staff 

Date(s): Spring 

Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Natural Resources Club 

Content or Curriculum: Tree identification, wildlife, entomology curriculum 

Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Extension Facility 

Date(s): All year 

Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Insect Club 

Content or Curriculum: Entomology Curriculum 

Inputs: Staff, Volunteers, Extension Facility 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Livestock/Dairy Club 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum 

Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Extension Facility 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Youth Agriculture Incentives Program (YAIP) 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum 

Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers 

Date(s): Ongoing 

Audience: 4-H Youth and Adults

Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Club & Adult Ham Project

Content or Curriculum: KY 4-H Country Ham Curriculum, Public Speaking Curriculum  

Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Extension Facility 

Date(s): January - September 

Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Youth Investment Sales  

Content or Curriculum: Marketing program “The Ask”, 4-H Livestock and Country Ham Curriculum 

Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Extension Facility 

Date(s):Ongoing 

Evaluation:

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.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

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 livestock management knowledge 

Indicator: Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management. 

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

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: Ongoing

Outcome: Improved production practices

Indicator: 

•    Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

•    Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.

Method: Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations.

Timeline: After program participation.

Outcome: Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs

Indicator: Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Plant Production and Management-related Extension programs.

Method: Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback

Timeline: Frequently to annual

Outcome: Short-Term

Indicator: 

•    Number of youth who reported increased understanding of the impact (or role) of plant production in their daily lives.

•    Number of youth who reported an increased interest in plant production and management. 

•    Number of youth who reported that they understand plant production concepts and ideas.

•    Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in plant production and management that fits their interest

Method: Survey

Timeline: Administered immediately following program/activity

Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues 

Indicator: 

•    Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife. 

•    Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry. 

•    Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.   

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains) 

Timeline: At program 

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

Indicator: 

•    Number of certified applicators attending continuing education credit Extension events (both private and commercial) 

•    Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on integrated pest management techniques  

•    Number of people self-reporting behavioral changes regarding risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application 

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline: Ongoing

Outcome: Medium

Indicator: 

•    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: Administered at end of program year/club year