Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington CountyPlan of Work

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Washington County CES

Title:
Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington County
MAP:
Managing and Growing Sustainable Agriculture Systems
Agents Involved:
Dennis Morgeson and Melissa Schenck
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Master Gardener
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
4-H Volunteer Programming
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation:

Kentucky is home to 85,500 farms, tied as the 4th ranking state in the number of farms (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). There are over 40,000 beef cattle producers and 1,000,000 head of beef cows. Beef production along with local food continues to be in demand across the United States and Kentucky. There continues to be a focus on where food comes from, how it's produced, and how individuals can produce their own food as well as an outlet for excess produce. Along with increased food awareness comes increased interest in gardening, beekeeping, sustainability, and a general desire to learn more about Agricultural Systems. In 2014 Kentucky produced $14 million in sales of local food products and it is expected to increase to $24 million by 2020. The Cooperative Extension Service has the resources to educate clients on sustainability, production, value added opportunities, business planning, and marketing strategies to expand local agricultural systems.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increase number of local food producers and vendors as well as increased sales.

Increased access to local foods

Increased participation in Extension Master Gardeners volunteers

Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.


Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers save money by making better selection decisions and diversification.

Apply food safety practices and procedures

Home Based Microprocessing

Market agricultural products locally

Master Gardener Volunteers engage the public as facilitators and presenters at classes, workshops, and lectures

Youth will apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant science, horticulture, and animal science.

Initial Outcomes:

Review types and varieties of produce

Locate crop profiles, decision tools resources

Interpret food safety handling procedures

Identify production methods and food products that extend the season

Participants gain knowledge in many aspects of horticulture and agriculture

Youth will gain knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant science, horticulture, and animal science.


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers and gardeners of all ages will learn about new varieties, food safety, and season extension as well as increased awareness about Extension Programs.

Indicator: Increased interest in new varieties and Agricultural Systems

Method: Surveys, Group Discussion, and face to face interaction

Timeline: Following educational events, and seasonally at harvest


Intermediate Outcome: Farmers and Gardeners expand production of types and varieties of products.

Indicator: Types of products for sell locally will increase

Method: Surveys and Site Visits

Timeline: Seasonally Depending On Product Type


Long-term Outcome: Increased sales of locally produced product and increased profits

Indicator: Farm profits will increase

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Seasonally Depending On Product Type

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Washington County farmers, gardeners, and volunteers

Project or Activity: Master Gardener

Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Program

Inputs: Extension Staff, Specialists, Fees, Extension Service Funding, Social Media

Date: Fall of Each Year


Audience: Washington and Surrounding Counties

Project or Activity: Wheelbarrow Series

Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Publications and Research

Inputs: Extension Funding, Fees from participants, Extension Staff

Date: Winter and Spring Each year


Audience: 4-H Youth

Project or Activity: Country Ham, Livestock Projects, Horse Projects, Horticulture

Content or Curriculum: Animal Science Curriculum

Inputs: Extension resources

Date: Yearly


Audience: Washington County Cattlemen's Association

Project or Activity: Meetings, Educational Activities, and Programs

Content or Curriculum: Extension resources

Inputs: Extension resources and specialists

Date: Bimonthly



Success Stories

Tobacco Settlement Funds Help Washington County Farmers

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Farm Management

Washington County receives funds through The Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy from the Tobacco Settlement Funds allocated to the state each year.  In 2019-2020 those funds where used for several programs in the county.  The local Agriculture Development Board voted to give $27,000 to help a local dairy set up an on farm bottling facility, allocated $265,000 to the County Agriculture Investment program (106 farmers 50/50 cost share each receiving $2500 each), $47,000 to the N

Full Story

Youth Agriculture Incentives Program

Author: Melissa Schenck

Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources

Washington County receives funds through The Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy from the Tobacco Settlement Funds allocated to the state each year.  In 2019-2020 those funds where used for several programs in the county.  The local Agriculture Development Board voted to give $27,000 to help a local dairy set up an on farm bottling facility, allocated $265,000 to the County Agriculture Investment program (106 farmers 50/50 cost share each receiving $2500 each), $47,000 to the N

Full Story

Free Soil Testing Increases Awareness About Nutrient Management

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Soils

The Cooperative Extension Service recommends soil testing every few years to determine the proper nutrient management strategies for farm and gardens alike. The Horticulture Agent recommends this as well when working with clients whether it be for vegetable gardens, landscapes, or forage and row crops. The Horticulture Agent has noticed that there had been a drop off in the number of soil tests in his county.  He also noticed that many of the soil tests that were being done had very high pH

Full Story

Popular Class Series Goes Virtual

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Each year the Gardener’s Wheelbarrow Series is by far the most popular educational programs the Horticulture Agent does. The 2019-2020 program was no different! Although this series began as normal with each class being taught face to face twice with morning and evening sessions it abruptly changed when the Covid-19 pandemic began.When we could no longer meet in person the Horticulture Agent decided to take the Wheelbarrow Series Virtually to meet the needs of Washington County Gardeners.

Full Story

Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

During the Covid-19 pandemic,  Kentucky Horticulture agents, started the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays as an alternative to in-person horticulture lessons.  The live webinars are Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ET and 1 p.m. CT.  Utilizing a volunteer scheduling website, agents, specialists and other experts were recruited to present a 30 minute lesson to the general public, with time at the end for questions.  All the presentations are recorded, then posted to the Kentucky Hort News

Full Story

Invest in the Community with Country Ham

Author: Melissa Schenck

Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources

The 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment identified the sustainability of family farms as a top priority issue to the community members of Washington County. Additionally, in 2017, the USDA reported that the average age of the American farmer has now risen to 57.5 years old. In an effort to combat these two issues in Washington County the Washington County 4-H Council wished to explore the possibility of an auction. The goal of the auction would be 3 fold, (1) the auction would provide f

Full Story
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