Extension
It Starts With Us
Addressing Water Quality Issues
Understanding Water Quality
Courtney Jenkins, Cathy Sparks, and Lacy May
Ag Water Quality Program
Sustainable Agriculture
Beef
Agriculture is a leading contributor to water pollution in Kentucky. Developing and implementing Agriculture Water Quality Plans and Nutrient Management Plans can help farmers stay compliant with state laws, protect water quality, improve farm operations, and maximize profits. In addition, Magoffin County Extension recognizes a need to help farmers address issues that may pose concern to water sources in the community and ensure that farmers understand the importance of reducing the environmental impact they have on the water and soil.
It is also important for youth to understand water quality and the significance of maintaining healthy waterways.
*Reduced environmental impact to water, soil, or air.
*Reduced occurrence of muddy areas on the farm.
*Maximized profits for agricultural producers.
*Reduced environmental impacts of winter feeding areas.
*Producers attempt to protect and improve water quality.
*Improve efficiency of manure handling.
*Producers will develop or update their Ag Water Quality and Nutrient Management Plans.
*Producers will adopt best practices for water quality, nutrient, and/or soil management.
*Producers will evaluate weather and physical conditions before making decisions which could affect water quality and/or the soil.
*Understand the importance of clean water.
*Increase knowledge of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality.
*Recognize best management practices for soil conservation.
*Identify best management practices for nutrient management.
Initial Outcome: Increased understanding of the importance of protecting and improving water quality.
Indicator: Producers can recognize practices that will allow them to help protect and improve water quality on their operations.
Method: Observations and Informal Surveys
Timeline: Upon completion of an educational program/activity.
Intermediate Outcome: Adoption of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality on the farm.
Indicator: Producers will develop a plan for implementing best management practices on their farm which will protect and improve water quality (winter feeding/heavy-use areas, stream buffers, etc.)
Method: Written Surveys & Ag Water Quality Plan Revisions/Updates
Timeline: Ongoing
Long-term Outcome: Reduced environmental impact on water, soil, and air due to implementation of best management practices.
Indicator: Increased number of producers implementing best management practices on their farm (installing winter feeding/heavy-use areas, stream buffers, etc.)
Method: Written Surveys, Participation in NRCS Funding Opportunities, etc.
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: Adults and Youth
Project or Activity: Agricultural Field Day (Utilizing Winter Feeding/Heavy-Use Areas)
Content or Curriculum: UK CES Publications
Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK CES Specialists, & NRCS
Date: Fall
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Understanding Water Quality
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Water Quality Curriculum
Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK CES Specialists, 4-H Curriculum
Date: Fall/Spring
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Understanding Soil Test Reports (Avoiding Phosphorus when Not Recommended)
Content or Curriculum: UK CES Publications
Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK CES Publications
Date: Fall/Spring
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Woodland Education
Forests, also called woodlands, cover 48% of Kentucky and are mostly privately owned. These forests provide numerous environmental benefits such as improved air and water quality, as well as improved wildlife habitats. Our forests also contribute significantly to our economy, as Kentucky forest industry employs more than 60,000 individuals and adds $13.5 billion annually to the state's economy. Kentucky's forests can be healthier and more productive when landowners implement sustainable
