Sustainable Agriculture, Livestock, Forage Systems
Agriculture Sustainability
Darold Jay Akridge
Sustainable Agriculture
Beef
Forages
Forages
Bullitt County follows a worrying trend in that farms are decreasing in number (6 % since 2007) and size (4% since 2007) Total percent of land in farms is 24.3%. (Source: 2012 Census of Agriculture). Most farming operations are part-time operations with owners working a job off the farm. Full time operators tend to be retired from another profession. The Ag Council is concerned that the public is losing its connection with agriculture and that subdivisions will soon become the norm forcing today’s producers to relocate or give up farming entirely. Changes in Kentucky’s agricultural structure have made development and discovery of new enterprises and management strategies essential.
Producers sustain the economic viability of farm operations and enhance the quality of life of farmers.
Producers work to diversify their operations and increase income.
Producers become aware of various methods to improve their operations.
Programs are expanded to include new clientele with interests other than beef cattle.
Outcome: Increase in profits for producers.
Indicator: Number of producers self-reporting an increase in profits as a result of adopting new practices recommended.
Amount of GOAP funding utilized in diversification.
Method: Verbal reports from producers and agent’s observations.
GOAP funding report.
Timeline: July 1-June 30
Audience: Public interested in Beefalo
Project or Activity: Beefalo
Content or Curriculum: Raising and marketing beefalo
Inputs: American Beefalo Association representative
Date: February
Audience: Public and producers
Project or Activity: Forages
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: UK pub and Ag Agent, UK specialist
Date: March
Audience: Public and producers
Project or Activity: Pastures
Content or Curriculum: Making sure pastures are ready for summer
Inputs: UK specialist, UK Pubs
Date: April
Audience:Producers
Project or Activity: Forages-Pasture
Content or Curriculum: Value of hay testing
Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Local producer
Date: November
Audience: Public and producers
Project or Activity: GOAP Funding
Content or Curriculum: Qualifications
Inputs: Administrator of funding, GOAP requirements by state law
Date: July
Audience:Producers
Project or Activity: Beef
Content or Curriculum: Vaccinations for cattle
Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Local veterinarian
Date: January
Audience:Producers
Project or Activity: Beef
Content or Curriculum: Importance of minerals
Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Local producer
Date: February
Audience:Producers
Project or Activity: Farm Management
Content or Curriculum: Controlling and identifying invasive plants
Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Agent
Date: April
Audience:Producers
Project or Activity: Farm Management
Content or Curriculum: Farm safety
Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Agent
Date: September
Audience:Producers
Project or Activity: Farm Management
Content or Curriculum: Maintaining your farming equipment
Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Local producer
Date: October