Extension
It Starts With Us
Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
Sustainable Agriculture
Integrated Plant Pest Management
Home & Consumer Horticulture
Master Gardener
With almost 97% of all Woodford County land involved in agricultural or residential uses, proper stewardship of natural and human resources is of vital importance. Enhancing soil quality and health, economic profitablity, and natural resource conservation are three key factors to ensuring longevity of farms and landscapes within the community.
Enhancement of economic and ecological sustainability for farmers and homeowners within the community.
Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.
Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve natural resources on their farms.
Initial Outcome: Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve natural resources on their farms.
Indicator: Observation
Method: Personal Interviews
Timeline: Yearly
Intermediate Outcome: Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.
Indicator: Observation
Method: Site visits, personal interviews
Timeline: Yearly
Long-Term Outcome: Enhancement of economic and ecological sustainability for farmers and homeowners within the community.
Indicator: Ag Census, Soil test reports
Method: National Ag Statistics Service, U.K. Regulatory Services
Timeline: Yearly
Audience: Farmers/Landowners
Project or Activity: Educational Programs, Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Sustainable farm management and agricultural production.
Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford County Beef Cattle Association, Farmer Cooperators
Date: Yearly
Audience: Homeowners/Farmers/Landowners
Project or Activity: Soil Testing Service
Content or Curriculum: Soil testing for residents to promote sustainable management decisions
Inputs: Agent Time
Date: Yearly
Audience: Homeowners
Project or Activity: Spring and Fall Gardening Workshops
Content or Curriculum: Environmentally sound horticultural practices for home gardens and landscapes.
Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time
Date: March and October of every year
Audience: Homeowners/Farmers
Project or Activity: Horticulture Workshops
Content or Curriculum: Environmentally sound horticultural practices for home gardens and landscapes.
Inputs: Agent Time, Specialist Time, CES publications
Date: Yearly
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture
Funding resources for farmers are often crucial to starting a new farm business and even sustaining an existing one. The Woodford County Extension Office receives many inquiries from clientele asking about grants, loans, and cost share opportunities to help offset the costs of either starting their farm business or expanding, sustaining, and/or diversifying their current operation. In an effort to pull all of the funding resources together, the Woodford County Extension Service partnered with th
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Training the next generation of agriculture leaders is an imperative step in continuing many strong traditions in Woodford County. As a community that prides itself on its agriculture heritage, making sure that future generations can carry on that legacy has been highlighted as an important role for 4-H to play. One way that Woodford County 4-H works to invest in these youth is the 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon program. Offering a chance for youth to learn about all aspects of the livestock industr
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Farms are an essential and diverse part of Kentucky’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year across the State. In Woodford County alone, agriculture and the businesses that support it are responsible for one out of three jobs and $565 million in annual revenue. The Extension Service continues to work toward a strong agricultural community and local food system. In an effort to promote agriculture, local farms, and producers in the County, the Woodford County Coope
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
In the past five to 10 years, researchers estimate that pollinator populations have declined between 30 to 60%, depending on the pollinator. While much of the attention has focused on dwindling honeybee populations due to colony collapse disorder, native bee populations, butterflies including the monarch, and many other pollinator species, are also on the decline. Habitat loss due to urban and suburban sprawl is one of the main reasons.In an effort to help offset the loss of habitat for pollinat
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Poultry
With a large increase of interest in small poultry flocks, particularly with homeowners, the Woodford County Extension Service offered a new workshop targeting these individuals. Taught by Dr. Jacquie Jacob with the University of Kentucky, the program was put together by the ANR and Horticulture programs. Over 50 participants learned more about proper care and management of their poultry flocks.
