Diversified Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentPlan of Work

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Grayson County CES

Title:
Diversified Agriculture and Rural Development
MAP:
Growing Grayson County through Rural, Youth, and Community Development
Agents Involved:
Whitney Carman,
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Home & Consumer Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Local Food Systems
Situation:

Grayson County agriculturists are always evolving and interested in new ways to be more innovative in their enterprises. There has also been an increase in new farmers or interested citizens that are looking for unique ways to gain income or develop and/or utilize niche markets in agriculture. Other residents in Grayson County are interested in learning new techniques in home horticulture.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Due to the changing agricultural profile, and the local food movement, there will be net increase in household income to those involved. There will be an increase in population due to opportunities and growth of these diversified enterprises. Property values will increase due to the education of home horticulture and more aesthetically pleasing home fronts. The establishment of Agri-tourism enterprises will bring more economic stability to the economy. The local farmer's market will see a growth in vendor numbers and gross sales. Lives of residents in Grayson County will increase their quality of living.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Agriculture enterprises will be able to invest and utilize new diversified agriculture techniques learned through the Extension Service. Farmer's Market vendors will experience an increase in vendors and buyers. People will practice gardening and landscaping skills learned and will increase the aesthetics of their households. Households will choose use fresh produce from their home gardens, thus decreasing the amount they spend on those items if they were purchased.

Initial Outcomes:

Agriculturist will learn about the diversity of agriculture enterprises and those production and marketing methods. Knowledge will be gained on improving home gardening techniques and home horticulture through University publications and demonstrations. People will learn proper marketing techniques.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Knowledge gained on gardening

Indicator: Participants will gain knowledge on gardening

Method: Written evaluation after meeting

Timeline: Summer 2019


Intermediate Outcome: Homeowners and gardeners utilize best management practices and techniques

Indicator: People will use gardening techniques learned

Method: Written or phone survey

Timeline: Summer 2019


Long-Term Outcome: Increased production of diverse enterprises

Indicator: gross sales at farmer’s market will increase, and increase in family income

Method: Questionnaire to attendees in programs

Timeline: Summer 2020


Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Interested Current and Potential Vendors at the Farmers’ Market

Project or Activity: Farmers’ Market Outreach

Content or Curriculum: marketing education, rules, regulations, trainings, and decision aids

Inputs: Grayson County Farmers’ Market Committee, Grayson County Fiscal Court, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, UK Publications, Good Agriculture Practices Training, Micro processing Training

Date: 2018-2020


Audience: Interested individuals in gardening

Project or Activity: Gardening Toolbox Program

Content or Curriculum: ID-128 and other UK Videos and Publications

Inputs: UK Publications, UK Specialists, local growers, Bright Start Nursery, Grayson County Farm Supply

Date: January through October  2018


Audience: Individuals interested in farming with less than 20 acres

Project or Activity: Farming on a Few Acres

Content or Curriculum: Gardening in Small Spaces publication and UK Videos

Inputs: UK Publications, Kentucky Farm Start personnel, Grayson County farm supply stores, local producers, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky State University

Date: Winter 2019


Audience: Individuals interested in horticulture

Activity: Master Gardeners

Content or Curriculum: UK Master Gardener Curriculum

Inputs: local Master Gardener Volunteers, UK Horticulture specialists, local nurseries and greenhouses, Grayson County Extension Service

Date: Spring 2019


Audience: Local Turf Managers

Activity: Turf Management Production Course

Content or Curriculum: Educate turf managers on new research and science of turf production and maintenance

Inputs: UK Publications, UK Turf Management Specialists, local high school and golf courses.

Date: Spring 2019


Audience: Facebook and Social Media Users/General Public

Project or Activity: Social media posts regarding diversified agriculture and rural development

Content or Curriculum: various research based resources

Inputs: UK Specialist, paid Extension Staff, social media outlets

Date: monthly 2018-2019




Success Stories

Combing Core Content with Natural Resources and Agriculture to Educate Students

Author: Whitney Carman

Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture

The average student in Grayson County is now three generations removed from agriculture, even though they rely on it every day. What people do not often realize is that core content can be taught using agriculture and natural resources as a platform where they learn both topics in their everyday lessons. Another highlight in today’s student curriculum is STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math), one which agriculture fits very well. The agriculture and natural resources agent has bee

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