Promoting Commodities
Diversification of Agriculture
Stumbo, Workman, Froman, Richards
Equine
Poultry
Small Ruminants
Bees/Beekeeping
The Pike County advisory council has identified diversification in Agriculture as the goal to be working towards. It has small farms producing bees, cattle, goats, horses, and poultry. Many have the potential and interest in expanding their operations into a commercially viable.
Goal 1: The increase in amount and diversity of Agricultural Production in Pike County
Goal 1: The increase production of marketable products to be sold at farmers’ markets.
Goal 2: Honeybee populations will increase.
Goal 3: Horse owners will improve management skills.
Goal 4: Youth will become actively involved in livestock, animal science, horticulture and beekeeping.
Goal 5: The development and expansion of alternative agriculture markets and farmers’ markets.
Goal 6:Producers will show an increase in use of BMP's
Goal 7:Producers will increase utilization of forested lands
Goal 1: County farmers will demonstrate changes in knowledge of diversification and efficiency of their operations through Extension offered workshops, classes, and tours
Goal 2:Local Farmers will demonstrate knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability
Goal 3:County Farmers will demonstrate knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises
Goal 4:County Farmers will demonstrate understanding the importance of diversity in small operations
Goal 5:County farmers will demonstrate that management & use of forest and forest products can be a viable enterprise
Goal 6: Local people will demonstrate knowledge of home food production and adopted practices.
Goal 7:Youth will gain consumer knowledge of fruits, vegetables as well as animal science through participation in "hands-on" programs
Long-term Outcome
Indicator: Increase in diversity of farming operations.
Method: Follow-up survey and observations of FM participants
Timeline: Yearly
Intermediate Outcomes:
Indicator: Positive changes in numbers and participants in programs
Method: Yearly
Initial Outcomes:
Indicator: Changes in participation at livestock activities.
Method: Agent observations, follow-up survey’s, informal question/response
Timeline: Yearly
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes in understanding and implementation of BMP’s
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline; After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round
Indicator: Number of individuals that show changes in necessary agricultural management skills that prepare them to operate an agricultural enterprise
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round.
Indicator: Number of participants that utilize proper and safe management dealing with livestock
Method On Site/Phone consultations, observations, and surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Pasture Improvement
Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Soil Conservation Service
Date: Yearly
Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Monthly educational meetings
Content or Curriculum: As needed
Inputs: Agents, specialists, volunteers
Date: Monthly
Audience: Horse owners
Project or Activity: Trail Rides & workshops
Content or Curriculum: UK materials
Inputs: Agents, UK Specialists & volunteers
Date: Spring
Audience: Misc. livestock producers
Project or Activity: Poultry, swine, aquaculture, etc. production, training and workshops.
Content or Curriculum: UK, KSU, SARE, other.
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, SARE trainers, KSU personnel, volunteers.
Audience: Vegetable consumers
Project or Activity: Heirloom Tomato Project Grant
Content/Curriculum: Developing a new curriculum and materials for UK and Plate It Up featuring Kentucky Heirloom Tomatoes from a consumer’s point of view – purchasing guide, recipes, guide to common types & evaluation.
Inputs: Grant from KEAFCS, agents, Farmer’s Market participants, Farmer’s Market vendors, Pikeville High Junior Chef Competition team & others
Date: 2017, 2018 & 2019.
Author: Deborah Stumbo
Major Program: Bees/Beekeeping
One of the successes of the Pike ANR is the Pike County Beekeepers. The Beekeepers Association has grown to 87 members in 2017. Some items they are really proud of is developing leadership to provide training on the regional level and becoming partners with state associations. Leadership provides training for the Southeast Bee School and the Northeast Bee School. Several beekeepers also, participating in a project with KDA & Perdue on Queen Rearing and one membe