Extension
It Starts With Us
Strengthening Knowledge and Awareness of Agriculture and Horticulture in Franklin County
Enhancing Urban Agriculture, Local Food Systems, and Municipal Natural Resources
KBishop, ALeonberger, LBullock, K. Perry, TThomas
Local Food Systems
Commercial Horticulture
KSU Small Farm Program
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
To continue improving ANR and HORT practices while diversifying enterprises and educating those new to rural life and those removed from farming for several generations. Franklin County has lost almost 50% of its farms (NASS) over the past 50 years. The result is a population that is more removed from the farm, food production and a more active outdoor lifestyle. Roughly half the farmers hold off-farm jobs (NASS) and are the average age of farmers is 58. The current children of farm families are looking to other industries for careers and choosing not to return to the farm. The majority of the people who are starting farms are more often not from a farming background. Existing farms are fairly traditional and looking to diversify and improve on current enterprises. These new producers from non-farming backgrounds are in need of basic knowledge and education on the subjects as well as information on new/upcoming regulations and certifications. The Hort Council, ANR Council, 4-H Council and the Community Forum identified the need to support these issues.
Farmers and landowners will begin to properly plan for the near and long term future, for example, Estate Planning and Farm Transitioning. Rural residents and families can begin to adapt to small scale farming or a rural lifestyle instead of "subdivision" life on a large "lot" in the country. Farms can be passed along in a desirable and planned fashion (to younger farmer, for conservation, for rural housing). Existing farms operate in a sustainable, progressive manner. Rural residents have basic knowledge of the principles of agriculture, horticulture, wildlife, natural resources to thoroughly enjoy a rural life that is healthy and productive for their family, the community, and the environment. Youth will enjoy experiences to gardening, wildlife and animal husbandry for a healthier and well-rounded lifestyle. The average age of farmers will decrease as farm children and new young adults enter into the field of agriculture.
Farmers and landowners will begin to properly plan for the near and long term and not just react to personal, economic and social conditions. Rural residents and families can begin to adapt to small scale farming or a rural lifestyle instead of "subdivision" life on a large "lot" in the country. Youth participate in 4-H traditional programming offerings, exhibiting livestock and the local county fairs. More small orchards, gardens, small livestock are being seen as well as an increase in food preservation requests. More people are certified in GAP, home-based processing and micro-processing. Farm City Field Day's will begin highlighting these changes to farming in Franklin County.
An increase in extension programs, trainings and certifications. Producers understand their options, not only for potential on-farm enterprises but also long-term estate and land-use planning and ask for more information. Youth are aware of options for modern agriculture and horticulture activities, even if they do not live on a farm or own animals or land. Rural homeowners appreciate and understand their surroundings, farm neighbors, and farming activities. The rural population feels comfortable utilizing newly learned skills to initiate an agriculture lifestyle.
Initial Outcome: Increased participation in Extension programs, trainings and certifications.
Indicator: Statistics, County Attendance Rosters
Method: Collection of Data
Timeline: Bi-Monthly
Intermediate Outcome: An understanding and appreciation of the outdoors, natural surroundings and rural life.
Indicator: Increase in Agritourism; requests for food and gardening programming, increase in 4-H Livestock and other Modern agriculture programs.
Method: Survey, Observation, Statistics
Timeline: Annually
Long-term Outcome: Children gain new skills and knowledge of farming, gardening and nature. Farm ownership is being sustainability managed.
Indicator: Greater participation in camping and other outdoor programming and traditional 4-H agriculture programs; Farm ownership stabilizes or increases.
Method: Survey, Program Statistics, Census, NASS
Timeline: Annually, On years Census and NASS comes out.
Audience: Youth & 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Youth & 4-H Education/General
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Club; 4-H Animal Science Curriculum; Gardening/Horticulture Project Days, Farm Tours (Ag-Tourism), Farm to School programs, County Fair Entries, 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale
Inputs: FFA Advisors, 4-H Agents, Farmers, Cattleman's, KDA, Extension Master Gardeners, Livestock Leaders
Date: Year Around
Audience: Winter School Participants
Project or Activity: Winter School
Content or Curriculum: Tobacco, Beef, Equine, Poultry, Large Production Vegetable farming, grape/wine industry, fruit production, commercial lawn & landscape management, woodland & forestry, beekeeping, aquaculture, organic farming, season Extension
Inputs: Extension Specialists, Farmers/Operators that are using best practices, Extension Agents, Industry Specialists
Date: February/March Annually
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Jr. MANRRS
Content or Curriculum: Jr. MANRRS, MANRRS, Health Rocks, Exploring the Treasures of 4-H, My Financial Future, Step Up to Leadership, Moneywise, MITT, STEPS to a Healthy Teen
Inputs: 4-H Agents, National MANRRS, UK College of Ag Office of Diversity, Volunteers
Date: September - August
Audience: Community Members
Project or Activity: Farm City Field Day/Farm City Banquet
Content or Curriculum: On Farm Demonstrations, Farmers/Farm History, Modern and Traditional Ag/Hort Practices, Awards for Excellence, Exposure of Ag/Hort Students, FFA Students, 4-H Members to traditions/history/new practices and technology.
Inputs: Host Farm/Farmer Amenities, Chamber of Commerce, Extension Specialists, Community Organizations, Extension Organizations, Environmental and Farming Businesses and Organizations, Local Media.
Date: April and July Annually
Audience: Franklin County Fair Participants/Fair Goers/Community Members
Project or Activity: Livestock Shows, Floral Hall, Exhibits/ ETC
Content or Curriculum: Classes, newspaper and newspaper articles about Fair and how to exhibit; classes to assist with making appropriate items to enter; support fair board.
Inputs: Extension Agents; Fair Board; 4-H & FFA; Homemaker Leaders; Master Gardner's; Garden Club Educators;
Date: May-July Annually
Author: Leslie Bullock
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Though the family farms and agriculture field dwindles annually. Franklin County is devoted to strengthening knowledge and awareness of Agriculture. In response, Franklin County 4-H partners with Woodford county to house our Country Hams and complete 4-H Country Ham Projects. This program allows youth to engage in Livestock Education programs as well as curing two country hams. The hams are picked up from Finchville Farms Country Hams and put into cure in January. Then they are placed into socks
Author: Adam Leonberger
Major Program: Local Food Systems
One of the biggest concerns of extension agents when working with Farmers Market members is the consideration that what is being produced is safe and healthy for consumers. One method to help ensure that this happens is by offering the Produce Best Practices Training (PBPT). PBPT is a training developed by the UK Cooperative Extension Service, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the Food Systems Innovation Center. Completion of the training program allows producers to r
Author: Adam Leonberger
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Franklin County, Kentucky faces challenges in retaining its rural land use, family farms and agricultural heritage due to rising development pressure and an insufficient number of beginning farmers able to take on new and established agricultural enterprises in the county. Extension agents in Franklin County and others in the region receive regular inquiries from individuals interested in starting farming operations in the county. However, most of these individuals are ill-prepared to be farmers
