Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Small Farm Diversity and Management
Small Farm Diversification and Management
Hackworth
Small Ruminants
Home & Consumer Horticulture
Farmer's Markets
Sustainable Agriculture
Agriculture is not as prevalent in Floyd County as in other parts of the state. The county has mostly part-time and small farmers. Most of these producers have diversified operations with small numbers of livestock and/or acres of pasture and crops. Even though these are smaller operations, they still add financial support to their families and to the county. The major livestock in the county consists of beef cattle, goats and horses. The major crops consist of hay, corn, fruits and vegetables. Also, a large number of the people in the county raise a small garden or fruit for home use. The leadership has directed us to address the above areas with the necessary emphasis on diversification and small farm production. Emphasis will be on learning experiences that will benefit both youth and adults. Mainly directed to those individuals involved or with an interest in livestock, crops, fruit, and vegetable production, both commercially and family based.
Individuals will manage their farms and resources to receive the most profit or production from their operations. They will diversify and develop their agricultural operations to wisely use the land and resources at their disposal. Individuals will become more proficient and make informed decisions in the areas of horticultural production, processing, and preservation.
*Best Management Practices will be used for their agricultural operations
*An increase in the diversity of agriculture operations will occur
*An increase in necessary management skills being used
*An increased utilization of forested lands as part of agricultural operations
*An increase in understanding of plant production and safe preservation of produced goods will occur
*Growth of a county Farmers Market will occur
*Knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises.
*Knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability *Understanding the importance of diversity in small enterprises
*Knowledge that managing the forest could be a viable enterprise.
*Knowledge of home food production and adopted practices.
*Skills will be obtained to aid in the marketing at local Farmer’s Market.
Initial Outcome: Number of participants that utilize proper and safe management dealing with horticulture crops and home food
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: on site/phone consultations, observations, and surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that utilize improving management practices and skills
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that increases their farm profitability
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that increases their participation in local farmer’s market or other marketing opportunity
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Long-term Outcome:Number of participants that diversify their agricultural operations
Indicator:Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Long-term Outcome: Number of youth that has learned necessary agricultural management skills that prepares them to operate an agricultural enterprise.
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Producers Program
Content or Curriculum: feeding, health, reproduction, marketing, forages and basic management
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists
Date: monthly
Audience: Horticultural Producers and Master Gardeners
Project or Activity: Fruit & Gardening Programs
Content or Curriculum: beginning gardening, variety selection, pest control, fruit pruning and grafting, small area production, processing and preservation, marketing
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists
Date: Year round
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4 H and Youth Ag Programs
Content or Curriculum: agriculture issues and production to introduce and educate youth about the importance of agriculture
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists
Date: Year round
Audience: Producers, Landowners and MasterGardeners
Project or Activity: Conservation Programs
Content or Curriculum: Soil sampling, cost-share programs, and related issues
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists and Collaborative Organizations
Date: Year round
Audience: Land Owners and Master Gardeners
Project or Activity: Landowners Programs
Content or Curriculum: Topics to benefit local landowners
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists and Collaborative Organizations
Date: As needed
Audience: General Clientele
Project or Activity: County ANR newsletter
Content or Curriculum: Addresses various issues at critical time
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists
Date: Monthly
Audience: General Clientele
Project or Activity: Other agricultural production programs
Content or Curriculum: Various agricultural related issues, special events
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists and Collaborative Organizations
Date: As needed
Author: Keith Hackworth
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
According to the needs and at the direction of our leadership, Extension has been collaborating with the local County Conservation District on several programs and events during the year. The first one is a soil testing program. We have been educating our clientele about the importance of testing. Another program is our annual Gardening – Seed Give Away Program. Attendees learn some of the basics of gardening, visits educational booth and exhibits, and receive vegetable seeds for planting.
Author: Keith Hackworth
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
Extension has been working with local clientele on topics related to home food production. Over 1500 individuals have been aided by educational programs, materials, information, and site visits. These clients produced some or all of the food consumed by their family. This is a considerable benefit to those family that are low-income or on a fixed-income. In addition, several sold excess amounts of their crops which added to their family income.Educational programs were conducted on topics of pro
