Pulaski County CES

County Emphasis:

Building Leadership Capacity Within Our Community

Concentration 1:

Building Leadership Capacity

Concentration 2:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

Adult Focus

Leadership is critical at several levels, from elected officials and internal management structure of organizations to project managers, team leaders, and those who inspire throughout a community. Thriving communities may require many leaders willing to take on leadership roles. And yet, it can be a challenge to identify new leaders or to encourage leaders to step up to the role without first building leadership capacity (CEDIK 2024). Respondents participating in the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment identified the need to build leadership capacity to enhance individual and family development and community and economic development. Kentucky has a statewide need to “prepare community members for formal/informal leadership and/or volunteer roles” and to build “capacity of local nonprofits and community leaders,” according to the survey. UK Extension aims to work on strengthening critical leadership skills and confidence for new and emerging leaders so that the pool of willing and capable leaders can rise to match local needs. Volunteer training can have motivational benefits ranging from inspiring volunteers to get more involved to keeping them in the program (Fox, Hebert, Martin & Bairnsfather, 2009).

Youth Focus

4-H opportunities profoundly impact individuals and communities in Kentucky by equipping youth with essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, fostering personal leadership, and community engagement. Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability are key to future employment (World Economic Forum, 2023). 77% of employers say that there should be less focus on traditional school subjects and more focus on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). In the 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment youth life skill training opportunities (such as leadership and communication skill opportunities), strengthening youth workforce readiness, and strengthening youth-adult or mentorship relationships were top priorities across Kentucky. According to the National 4-H Annual Index Survey (2024), 95% of youth identified their strengths through 4-H, 80% explored career options, and 50% received guidance for college decisions. Additionally, 75% enjoyed helping their community, and 93% felt inspired by 4-H, with 42% being inspired “a lot” to volunteer. These experiences build leadership capacity, promote civic engagement, and create connected, resilient communities by encouraging critical thinking and empathy. Furthermore, 4-H offers life skill training, strengthens youth workforce readiness, fosters mentorship, maximizes youth voice in important issues, and enhances peer-peer relationships.

Small Farm Development

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

Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) defines a small farm as an operation with a gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less. These farms are typically family-owned and operated, and they represent more than 90 percent of farms in the U.S. These farms face challenges such as urbanization, an aging farmer population, farm consolidation, new and beginning farmers, and changing climate patterns.

Small farms play a vital role in the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economies, protecting and enhancing natural resources and the environment, and maintaining rural populations. Urban small scale farm production is an emerging and fast grow segment of farm economies. The development and sustainability of small farms is important in providing a nursery for new enterprises and marketing systems, which is crucial for innovation and diversification in agriculture. Small farm development can be hindered by access to capital, markets, and technology. Additionally, owners of small farms may lack the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable practices that could improve their economic viability and environmental stewardship.

Kentucky Cooperative Extension will continue to aid small farm owners by providing educational opportunities and increasing awareness of resources offered through various programs and online platforms. This includes developing new and improved practices to reduce production costs, protect and improve soil and water resources, and offer options for specialty crop production. Extension personnel will also promote whole farm plans, estate planning, farm transitions, risk management, and market opportunities.

The development of small farms is imperative for the health of Kentucky’s agricultural sector, rural communities and emerge urban agriculture

County Situation:

Based upon the Community Needs Assessment, our top 15 priorities contained needs such as life skill training, access to affordable nutritious food, sustainability of family farms, and supporting and managing local agriculture. Building confident, capable leaders allows our community to thrive in all sectors and support local agriculture and economic development.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult - Improved quality of life for citizens, improved local economy, achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets.

Youth -  youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace, youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult – Increased knowledge transfer through volunteer-led positions, leaders address community issues and needs, provide robust support for estate planning and farm transitions to ensure the longevity of small farms across generations, assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects. 

Youth – youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.  

Initial Outcomes:

Adult – Improved leadership skills, participants give their time to serve in volunteer roles, develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners. 

Youth – youth will explore their spark in leadership, youth identify personal strengths that contribute to leadership skill development (communication, teamwork, civic engagement).  

Evaluation:

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Outcome: Increased engagement via knowledge transfer through volunteer-led Extension programs. (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who actively engaged in learning opportunities facilitated by trained Extension volunteers (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs).

Method: Post-event/program surveys measuring participant engagement and knowledge gained; volunteer reports tracking education interactions.

Timeline: Data collected immediately after each program/event.

 

Outcome: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

Indicator: Number of volunteers addressing community issues by assessing needs, developing programs and/or implementing solutions.

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported participation in community issue resolution); documentation of volunteer-led initiatives.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program participation; follow-up evaluation conducted at 3 and 6 months.

 

Outcome: Increased community pride (long-term)

Indicator: Number of participants reporting a stronger sense of pride, identity, or community investment after engaging in Extension initiatives.

Method: Photos, documentation, post-program survey; follow up.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conduced at 3 and 6 months.

 

Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops 

Indicators: 

1. Number of producers who reported increased yield.  
2. Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers. 
3. Number of producers who reported improved produce quality. 
4. Number of trained volunteers.
5. Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
6. Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
7. Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 
8. Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
9. Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
10. Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.

Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

1. Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 
2. Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 
3. Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 
4. Number of trained volunteers. 
5. Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 
6. Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

 

 

Outcome: Short Term  

Indicator: 

1. Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure).  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to serve in leadership roles.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they are interested in serving as a leader. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: After Program/ Activity Completion  

 

 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

1. Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. 
3. Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: At end of Club/Program Year  

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA)

Content or Curriculum: KEHA Leadership Academy, Homemakers Leader Lessons, Publications, Newsletters/News & Notes, Officer/Chairman training materials, KEHA State Meeting, various other resources and materials

Inputs: Programmatic materials, training, mentoring, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profits, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

 

Audience: Specialty Crop Growers 

Project or Activity: Programming for commercial or pre-commercial (training to be commercial growers) specialty crop production and management 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, governmental agencies (NRCS, FSA, etc.) 

Dates: ongoing

Audience: Non-commercial urban and community gardeners 

Project or Activity: Programming for specialty crop production and management that is non-commercial 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, community advocacy and faith-based groups, schools 

Dates: ongoing

Audience: Individuals

Project or Activity: Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program (KALP)

Content or Curriculum: KALP curriculum, Publications, other materials and expertise

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, external evaluators, community partners, volunteers, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Leadership Program

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum such as Leadership Skills you never outgrow is sourced from Shop 4-H and Ricochet: An Extreme 4-H Leadership Adventure is sourced from other Land Grant Systems. All curriculum pieces focus on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

Inputs: In school clubs for middle and high school, after school clubs for teens, area ten councils, Middle school leadership clubs, and civic engagement opportunities. These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. 

Dates: Summer  

 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Teen Conference

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.

Dates: Summer  

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Summit

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups.

Dates: Fall 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H State Teen Council, Leadership Boards and Task Forces 

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on leadership, communication, and civic engagement.

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. 

Dates: Throughout the Program year

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp Counselor Training (Teens) 

Content or Curriculum: Content in the Camp Volunteer Training Guide is sourced from the American Camp Association best practices and focuses on developmental needs of campers, safety considerations, operating procedures, age-appropriate behavior management, and camper supervision techniques.

Inputs: These trainings are supported by the research base of the American Camp Association with materials provided by the 4-H State Office, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and led by County Extension Staff responsible for 4-H Camp. 

Dates: Pre-Summer  

Evaluation:

Outcome: Giving time to serve in volunteer roles (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.). (initial)

Indicator: Number of people volunteering time to assist Extension or community activities and events (ex: KEHA or KALP members, Master programs, etc.)

Method: Post participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains)

Timeline: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation; also monthly, quarterly, or annual volunteer hour reports.

Outcome: Increased engagement via knowledge transfer through volunteer-led Extension programs. (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who actively engaged in learning opportunities facilitated by trained Extension volunteers (e.g., KEHA or KALP members, Master programs).

Method: Post-event/program surveys measuring participant engagement and knowledge gained; volunteer reports tracking education interactions.

Timeline: Data collected immediately after each program/event.

 

Outcome: Survey will be collected immediately after program participation or via follow-up evaluation after six months.

Indicator: Number of volunteers addressing community issues by assessing needs, developing programs and/or implementing solutions.

Method: Post-program survey (self-reported participation in community issue resolution); documentation of volunteer-led initiatives.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program participation; follow-up evaluation conducted at 3 and 6 months.

 

Outcome: Increased community pride (long-term)

Indicator: Number of participants reporting a stronger sense of pride, identity, or community investment after engaging in Extension initiatives.

Method: Photos, documentation, post-program survey; follow up.

Timeline: Survey collected immediately after program completion; follow-up conduced at 3 and 6 months.

 

Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty crops 

Indicators: 

1. Number of producers who reported increased yield.  
2. Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers. 
3. Number of producers who reported improved produce quality. 
4. Number of trained volunteers.
5. Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
6. Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
7. Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 
8. Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
9. Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
10. Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.

Method: Grower survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

1. Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 
2. Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 
3. Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 
4. Number of trained volunteers. 
5. Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 
6. Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

 

 

Outcome: Short Term  

Indicator: 

1. Number of youth who reported that they have identified personal strengths in leadership (including teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure).  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have set goals to serve in leadership roles.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they are interested in serving as a leader. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: After Program/ Activity Completion  

 

 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

1. Number of youth who reported that they applied leadership skills learned in 4-H (e.g., teamwork, responsibilities, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, parliamentary procedure) to other areas of their life, such as at home, school, etc.  
2. Number of youth who reported that they have served in leadership roles beyond the 4-H club or county level. 
3. Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills learned in to plan and implement a workshop or activity.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: At end of Club/Program Year