Muhlenberg County CES

Title:

Improving Our Environment

MAP:

Protecting and Conserving Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Darrell Simpson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Pesticide Safety – Livestock Pests

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Integrated Plant Pest Management

Situation:

Agricultural Producers and citizens throughout the county have the same goal of protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. Grain Crop and forage farmers continue to invest in technology and knowledge that helps them reduce pesticides which in turn protects the natural resources including pollinators.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Agricultural producers and nonfarm clientele will utilize technologies and programs to help them reduce their inputs and lessen their impact on the environment.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Clientele participate in educational programs and utilize information gained. Local beekeepers and crop farmers utilize information to improve and sustain or increase the number of bee hives by responsible use of pesticides.

Initial Outcomes:

Agricultural producers learn proper application and usage of pesticides.

Beekeepers learn to improve honeybee health through insect and disease identification and eradication.

Evaluation:

One to One visits, phone and or written surveys will be used following educational programs. This will be used throughout the four year plan of work.

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Agricultural producers, county clientele utilize at least one practice learned to protect the environment

Method: One To One visits, post program surveys

Timeline: Annually

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Increased usage of technology to reduce overuse of pesticides and increased number of healthy bee hives

Method: One to one visits and post program surveys will be utilized

Timeline: After programs and on an annual basis

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Agricultural Producers and beekeepers will utilize information and knowledge gained.

Method: One to one visits and post program surveys will be utilized

Timeline: Annually

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Agricultural Producers

Project or Activity: Pesticide Applicator training meetings

Content or Curriculum: UK private applicator training materials

Inputs: ANR agent and Specialists time, office facilities

Date: January or February 2019-2020 and then annually throughout plan of work cycle

Audience: Local Beekeepers

Project or Activity: Monthly beekeeping meetings

Content or Curriculum: Timely beekeeping topics

Inputs: Local and area beekeepers time, ANR agents time, office facilities

Date: Annually