Morgan County CES

Title:

Sustaining Water & Environmental Quality in Morgan County

MAP:

Improved Production & Marketing of Morgan County Beef & Forage Enterprises

Agents Involved:

Sarah Fannin

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Ag Water Quality Program

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Sustainable Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beef

Situation:

Agriculture is a leading contributor to water pollution in Kentucky. Developing and implementing Agriculture Water Quality Plans and Nutrient Management Plans can help farmers stay compliant with state laws, protect water quality, improve farm operations, and maximize profits. Collaborations with conservation districts and USDA service centers will strengthen county programs and maximize opportunities for farmers.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Reduce environmental
impact to water, soil, or air

Protect and improve water quality

Reduce occurrence of muddy areas on the farm

Improve efficiency of manure handling

Maximize profits for ag producer

Reduce environmental impacts of winter feeding areas

Intermediate Outcomes:

Develop or update plans
• Ag Water Quality
• Nutrient Management
• Implement Ag Water Quality Plans

Adopt best practices for water Quality, nutrient and/or soil management
• Adopt conservation practices appropriate to farming operation
• Maintain records of practice implementation
• Maintain records of nutrient applications
• Adopt appropriate manure handling practices
• Maintain vegetative buffers along water bodies
• Adopt appropriate fallen livestock disposal practices

Initial Outcomes:

Understand importance of clean water

Increase knowledge of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality

Recognize best management practices for soil conservation

Identify best management practices for nutrient management

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of bmps and plans
Indicator: increased # of plans
Method: observation
Timeline: July, 2017

Intermediate Outcome: bmp's adopted
Indicator: practice changes or new implementations
Method: survey
Timeline: July, 2018

Long-term Outcome: reduced environmental stressors for livestock
Indicator: increased profits for producers
Method: survey
Timeline: July, 2019

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: livestock, forage and other producers

Project or Activity: demonstrations utilizing Extension Farm

Content or Curriculum: BMPs

Inputs: conservation district, USDA service centers

Date: bimonthly beginning fall, 2017

Success Stories