Extension
It Starts With Us
Diversified Agriculture and Rural Development
Growing Grayson County through Rural, Youth, and Community Development
Whitney Carman,
Beef
Home & Consumer Horticulture
Forages
Local Food Systems
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
