Extension
It Starts With Us
Commercial Horticulture
Ag Awareness, Production and Marketing
Bell, Blankenship
Commercial Horticulture
Commercial Horticulture - Crop Marketing
Farmer's Markets
The Metcalfe County Ag Advisory Council has identified Commercial Horticulture as a Priority. There are many established fruit and vegetable operations in the county as well as operations that are new or in the establishment stage. Metcalfe County leads the state in the number of blueberry farms. Over 20 producers have constructed high tunnels as a result of the USDA EQUIP grant program. Orchards, nurseries and horticultural field crops can be seen throughout the landscape of the county. In order for these operations to remain sustainable, producers must be able to efficiently produce high yields, high quality and have a marketing plan that will allow them to be profitable.
Long-term Out Producers will increase yields, extend the growing season, realize a positive net income and continue to make a profit growing horticultural crops in Metcalfe County.
Producers of fruits and vegetables will use Best Management Practices, Integrated Pest Management, Variety and Yield Data and University of KY Recommendations in the production and marketing of commercial horticultural crops.
Producers of horticultural crops will learn what they can do in the future to improve commercial operations by using research based information and recommended practices in their fruit and vegetable operations
Initial Outcome:
Indicator:Survey
Method: Increased Knowledge
Timeline: Fall/Winter
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Changed Practices
Method: Farm Visits/ Observation
Timeline: Ongoing
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Profitability
Method: Survey
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: Vegetable Producers
Project or Activity: High Tunnel/ Vegetable Short Course
Content or Curriculum: UK Research
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, UK Publications
Date: Winter 2019
Audience: Fruit Producers
Project or Activity: Pruning Field Day
Content or Curriculum: UK Research
Inputs:Specialist
Date: Winter 2019
Audience: Fruit and Vegetable Producers
Project or Activity: Metcalfe County Farmer's Market
Content or Curriculum: KDA Farmer's Market Manual and Guidelines
Inputs:Agents
Date: April - October
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Since the establishment of this program many high tunnels have been built throughout the state. As these high tunnels are being constructed many producers have questions. It is a new
