Marshall County CES

County Emphasis:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 1:

Animal 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:

In the 2022 Census for Agriculture, Marshall County reported nearly $60 million in animal sales, marking a significant 43% increase since 2017. This substantial growth highlights the county’s thriving livestock industry and its critical role in supporting the local economy.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult

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.? 

Producers are routinely implementing guidelines and recommendations for efficient and financially sound production demonstrating sustainable behavior change.? 

Continually implementing new technology and production practices.? 

Improve the quality of life of animals and humans.

Increase the quality of beef cattle produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations. 

Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods leading to enhanced production efficiency and reductions in the carbon footprint. 

Producers are routinely following Beef Quality Care & Assurance standards to produce healthy and high-quality beef. 

Continually adoption of new technology and production practices.

Increase the use of sustainable management practices by horse owners. 

Horse owners will be encouraged to apply best management practices for the care and management of their horses to help control cost of ownership.  

Increase the quality of small ruminants annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of small ruminant operations. 

Youth

Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.??? 

Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities.?? 

Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.?? 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult

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

Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.?? 

Youth will communicate agricultural ideas and concepts more effectively.?? 

Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community.?? 

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

Animal production and management strategies encompass but are not limited to sustainable practices, health-focused care, and economic viability across all species. Activities will include programs to address and improve specific management systems and introduce new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems for increased efficiency and profitability.? 

• 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

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

Evaluation:

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 who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At the program 

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

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

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

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

Outcome: Increased Horse Management Knowledge 

Indicator: 

Number of horse owners using Body Condition scoring to manage their horses. 

Number of horse owners changing practices to reduce feed waste. 

Number of horse owners using hay selection and use based on forage testing evaluation 

Method: Evaluation results and/or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

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

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Agents 

Project or Activity: In-service updates / trainings 

Content or Curriculum: Online series, in-person trainings developed as needed 

Inputs: Coordination by IRM coordinators and Specialists 

Dates:

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

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

Inputs: 

Dates:

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents 

Project or Activity: Master Cattleman 

Content or Curriculum: Master Cattleman curriculum 

Inputs: Coordination with Beef IRM coordinators & specialists 

Dates: 2025

Audience: Adult Horse Owners  

Project or Activity: Horses and Horsemen  

Content or Curriculum: Seminars on Best management practices   

Inputs: UK Specialist, ANR Agents Industry Professionals   

Dates: TBD  

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.?? 

Dates: 2025-?

Evaluation:

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 who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency. 

Method: Survey  

Timeline: At the program 

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

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

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

Timeline: 6-12 months after program 

Outcome: Increased Horse Management Knowledge 

Indicator: 

Number of horse owners using Body Condition scoring to manage their horses. 

Number of horse owners changing practices to reduce feed waste. 

Number of horse owners using hay selection and use based on forage testing evaluation 

Method: Evaluation results and/or records from individual consultations 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Increased livestock management knowledge 

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

Method: Program evaluation tools / surveys 

Timeline: Ongoing