Pike County CES

Title:

Promoting Commodities

MAP:

Diversification of Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Stumbo, Workman, Froman, Richards

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Equine

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Poultry

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Small Ruminants

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Bees/Beekeeping

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Goal 1: The increase in amount and diversity of Agricultural Production in Pike County

Intermediate Outcomes:

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

Initial Outcomes:

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

Evaluation:

Long-term Outcome

Indicator: Increase in diversity of farming operations.

Method: Follow-up survey and observations of FM participants

Timeline: Yearly

Intermediate Outcomes:

Indicator: An increased number of participants will report a change in practices or behaviors related to an educational program.

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

Learning Opportunities:

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.