Animal Production and Management
Situation Statement
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.
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.
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Increase the use of sustainable management practices by horse owners.
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Horse owners will be encouraged to apply best management practices for the care and management of their horses to help control cost of ownership.
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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.
Medium-term 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.
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Annually evaluate how they care for and manage their horses using cost effective strategies.
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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.
Short-term 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.
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Horse owners will evaluate current practices and see where changes might be of benefit.
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New horse owners can implement the management practices that fit their needs as new horse owners.
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Long time horse owners can see the new technologies and management practices that may benefit their horse operations.
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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.
Learning Opportunities
Adult
Dairy
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:
- Volunteers in agriculture.
- Research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system.
- Funding from local, state, and federal sources, and grants.
- 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:
- Kentucky Dairy Conference (held annually in February)
- Farm Visits and Questions related to dairy farming best practices (all year long)
- Consult with Kentucky dairy boards, organizations, and others to carry out dairy programs in emerging topics (all year long)
Swine
Audience: Swine producers
Project or Activity: Swine Production
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Sheep
Audience: Agents
Project or Activity: In-service updates / trainings
Content or Curriculum: Online series, in-person trainings developed as needed
Inputs: Coordination by AFS Personnel and Specialists
Dates:
Audience: Sheep Producers, Industry Representatives, Agents
Project or Activity: Ewe Profit Schools
Content or Curriculum: Ewe Profit Curriculum
Inputs: UK sheep facilities, AFS Personnel, and Specialists
Dates: TBD
Audience: Sheep Producers, Industry Representatives, Agents
Project or Activity: Lambing school, grazing school
Content or Curriculum: Course presentations & materials
Inputs: UK sheep facilities, AFS Personnel and Specialists
Dates: TBD
Audience: Sheep Producers, Industry Representatives, Agents
Project or Activity: Shearing & Hoof Trimming Schools
Content or Curriculum: Course materials
Inputs: UK Sheep facilities, AFS Personnel & Specialists
Dates: TBD
Audience: Sheep Producers
Project or Activity: County-based sheep presentations
Content or Curriculum: Presentation materials
Inputs:
Dates:
Audience: Sheep Producers, Agents
Project or Activity: Small Ruminant Profit School
Content or Curriculum: Presentation materials
Inputs: KY Sheep & Goat Development Office
Dates: On-line
Audience: Sheep Producers, Agents
Project or Activity: Advanced Small Ruminant Profit School
Content or Curriculum: Presentation materials
Inputs: KY Sheep & Goat Development Office
Dates: On-line
Beef
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: Backgrounding Short Course
Content or Curriculum: Backgrounding short course presentations & materials
Inputs: UK beef facilities, Beef IRM coordinators and specialists, Industry sponsorships and External grant funds
Dates: Every other year with date TBD
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: TBD
Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents
Project or Activity: Bull Value Assessment Program (BVAP)
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Dates:
Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents
Project or Activity: Post-weaning Value Assessment Program (PVAP)
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: Coordination with Kevin Laurent & Maggie Ginn
Dates:
Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents
Project or Activity: Freezer Beef Short Course
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Dates:
Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents
Project or Activity: Beef Bash
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Dates:
Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents
Project or Activity: Artificial Insemination School
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: UK beef facilities, local facilities and cattle, coordination with Beef IRM coordinator and Dr. Anderson
Dates:
Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents
Project or Activity: New Farmer Program
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Dates:
Equine
Audience: Ag and Natural Resource Agents
Project or Activity: First Friday Equine Industry Update
Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery
Inputs: UK Specialists
Dates: First Friday January – June, September - December
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: Adult Horse Owners and Farm Managers
Project or Activity: Horses and Horsemen / Pastures Please
Content or Curriculum: Pasture Management practices
Inputs: Extension Specialists ANR Agents and Industry professionals
Dates: TBD
Audience: Adult Horse Owners
Project or Activity: Horses and Horsemen /Farm and Facility Expo
Content or Curriculum: Farm related management practices
Inputs: Extension Horse Specialist, ANR Agents and industry support
Dates: TBD
Audience: Livestock stakeholders (producers, lenders, government agencies, etc.)
Project or Activity: Marketing related programming
Content or Curriculum: Market outlook, risk management, value-added marketing, etc.
Inputs: Extension faculty and staff, ANR Agents and industry support
Dates:
Audience: Livestock stakeholders (producers, lenders, government agencies, etc.)
Project or Activity: Management / profitability related programming
Content or Curriculum: Managing cost of production and risk, long term decision making, production efficiency, etc.
Inputs: Extension faculty and staff, ANR Agents and industry support
Dates:
Youth
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Dairy Program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock Discovery, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Holstein Foundation Study Questions
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:
- Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)
- Kentucky 4-H Dairy Jeopardy (offered March each year)
- Kentucky 4-H Dairy Judging (offered each year)
- Kentucky 4-H Cow Camp (offered each year)
- Kentucky 4-H Dairy Shows (offered each year)
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Dog Program
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Dog Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Learning Lab Kit, National 4-H Dog Curriculum Levels 1-3 and Helper’s Guide, American Kennel Club Website, Kentucky 4-H Dog Program Rule Book, Kentucky 4-H Dog Program Overview
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:
- Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)
- Kentucky 4-H Dog Skillathon (offered each August)
- Kentucky 4-H Dog Show (offered each August)
- Kentucky 4-H Dog Bowl (offered each August)
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Equine
Content or Curriculum: Ohio State University (OSU) Horse Learning Lab Kit, Kentucky Horse Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Horse Reference Manual (Alberta 4-H), 4-H Horse Academy, Kentucky 4-H Horse Website
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:
- Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)
- Kentucky 4-H Horse Contest (offered June each year)
- Kentucky 4-H Horse Show (offered 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.
Dates:
- 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: Kentucky 4-H Poultry Program
Content or Curriculum: Pullet Project Guide (university of Kentucky), National 4-H Poultry Judging Manual published by Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, Evaluating Egg Laying Hens (University of Kentucky), Standards for Scoring Placing Classes (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Giving Oral Reasons (University of Kentucky), Notesheet for Poultry Reasons (University of Kentucky), Criteria for Evaluating Oral Reasons (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Grading RTC Poultry (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Grading Eggs (University of Kentucky), Examples of Different Grades of Broken Out Eggs (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.
Dates:
- Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)
- Kentucky 4-H Poultry Showmanship (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year)
- Kentucky 4-H Avian Bowl (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year)
- Kentucky 4-H Poultry Judging (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year)
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Rabbit Program
Content or Curriculum: Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Project Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Learning Lab Kit, National 4-H Rabbit Curriculum Levels 1-3 and Helper’s Guide, American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) Standard of Perfection, Kentucky 4-H Rabbit Program Guide and Rule Book, 4-H Rabbit Program Overview
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:
- Kentucky 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)
- Kentucky 4-H Rabbit Show (offered Kentucky State Fair - August each year)
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Clubwork (Livestock, Dairy, Horse, Poultry, Rabbit, Dog, and Vet Science)
Content or Curriculum:
- Livestock: 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
- Dairy: 4-H Livestock Discovery, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Holstein Foundation Study Questions
- Horse: Ohio State University (OSU) Horse Learning Lab Kit, Kentucky Horse Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Horse Reference Manual (Alberta 4-H), 4-H Horse Academy, Kentucky 4-H Horse Website
- Poultry: Kentucky 4-H Avian Bowl Manual, National 4-H Poultry Judging Manual published by Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, Evaluating Egg Laying Hens (University of Kentucky), Standards for Scoring Placing Classes (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Giving Oral Reasons (University of Kentucky), Notesheet for Poultry Reasons (University of Kentucky), Criteria for Evaluating Oral Reasons (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Grading RTC Poultry (University of Kentucky), Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Grading Eggs (University of Kentucky), Examples of Different Grades of Broken Out Eggs (University of Kentucky), The Egg and I, Chick Incubation
- Rabbit: Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Project Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Rabbit Learning Lab Kit, National 4-H Rabbit Curriculum Levels 1-3 and Helper’s Guide, American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) Standard of Perfection, Kentucky 4-H Rabbit Program Guide and Rule Book, 4-H Rabbit Program Overview
- Dog: Kentucky Dog Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Resource Handbook, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Project and Record Book, Ohio State University (OSU) Dog Learning Lab Kit, National 4-H Dog Curriculum Levels 1-3 and Helper’s Guide, American Kennel Club Website, Kentucky 4-H Dog Program Rule Book, Kentucky 4-H Dog Program Overview
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: 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)
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.
Dates:
- 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: 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.
Dates: 4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31)
Evaluation
Adult
Dairy
Outcome: Short-term
Indicator:
- Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of the dairy industry.
- Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of dairy management practices
Method: Program evaluation survey
Timeline: Immediate Post Program
Outcome: Medium-term
Indicator: Number of participants who demonstrated/reported applying dairy management skills learned from UK Extension to their farm operations
Method: Program evaluation survey or records from post farm visits and individual consultations
Timeline: Throughout the Program Year
Outcome: Long-term
Indicator:
- Number of participants who reported a financial gain through using the skills learned in their dairy business.
- Profit increase (dollars) reported by dairy businesses.
- Number of participants who reported an improvement in their quality of life because of implementing the dairymanagement skills/practices learned from UK Extension
Method: Program evaluation survey or records from post farm visits and individual consultations
Timeline: End of program year or several years
Swine
Outcome: Increased knowledge and awareness of raising pigs
Indicator:
- Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of management practices related to raising pigs.
- Number of participants who reported that they intend to use the knowledge/skills gained from UK Extension to improve their swine management practices.
Method: Program evaluation survey
Timeline:
Sheep
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: Implementation or utilization of knowledge gained to make changes in management of small ruminant operation.
Indicator: Number of participants that have made changes to improve management of their small ruminant operation.
Method: Survey (post program)
Timeline: Follow-up survey or records from individual consultations
Outcome: Individuals gain financial management skills for small ruminant operations
Indicator: Number of individuals that implemented in small ruminant financial management programs.
Method: Survey or records from individual consultations
Timeline:
Outcome: Increased understanding of fiber production from sheep
Indicator: Number of individuals that increased their knowledge of effective fiber production practices through participation in sheep shearing programs.
Method: Survey
Timeline:
Outcome: Gained knowledge and/or participated in direct marketing of lamb.
Indicator:
- Number of individuals that increased their knowldege of direct marketing of small ruminants.
- Number of individuals who reported selling lamb directly to consumer/retailer.
Method: Survey or records from individual consultations
Timeline:
Beef
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
Equine
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 understanding of the horse industry
Indicator:
- Number of agent-led horse programing to their county programs.
- Number of agents supporting Pastures Please and Farm and Facility Expo in their area.
Method: Evaluation results and/or records from individual consultations
Timeline: ongoing
Outcome: Understanding of equine farm and facility sustainable management
Indicator: Number of participants implementing mud management practices. Number of participants using temporary fences for grazing systems for horses.
Method: Evaluation results and records from individual consultations
Timeline: Ongoing
Outcome: Increased livestock marketing knowledge
Indicator: Number of participants who report increasing their knowledge of livestock marketing.
Method: Program evaluation tools/ surveys
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
Youth
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.
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.
Method:
Timeline:
Outcome: Long-term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method: Survey
Timeline: 1+ years
