McCreary County CES

Title:

Livestock/Forage Production

MAP:

Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Whitis

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Bees/Beekeeping

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

Situation:

According to Kentucky Ag Statistics Service McCreary County ranks 110th out of the 120 counties in total agriculture receipts which were $105,400,000 in 2010. We have no tobacco and approximately 50 acres of grain. We have a beef/forage based agriculture situation. We have 155 farms, totaling 18,000 acres with the average size being 117 acres. Ninety five percent of our forest land is owned by the Federal Government either by the US Forest Service or National Park Service. The PVA's office recently reported that 79% of property is currently off the tax role. Local sawmills report that over 80% of their raw material are coming from outside the county. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

McCreary County producer sustain their agricultural operation by being profitable giving them a better quality of life.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers will become better stewards of their beef/forage enterprises thus increasing income or reducing expenses. Farmers will adopt proven methods of hay storage, forage management, and beef herd management. Some producers will also venture into new enterprises for their operation Phase I Tobacco Committee use the $5,000 we will be receiving in Phase I monies to make an impact on our farm economy.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will gain knowledge in the following areas; herd health, records, breeding, fertility management, forage management, hay storage management, marketing, and safety. Youth will become educated on Forestry. Beekeepers will continue to gain knowledge about beekeeping and will implement practices that will assist them in becoming more successful beekeepers.  

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Beef Cattle Association & Extension have regular educational meetings to educate producers on latest production methods
Indicator: Programs conducted, number in attendance & evaluations
Method: Surveys, attendance at meetings, observations
Timeline: September - May

Outcome: Beekeeping Club have monthly beekeeping educational seminars, field days, and bee school.
Indicator: Educational programs being conducted, amount of honey being processed through the extractor.
Method: surveys, attendance at meetings, observations
Timeline: August –June

Learning Opportunities:

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:  Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers Activity: Beef Field Day Content or Curriculum: Field Day covering Beef and Forage related topics Date: September Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers Activity: Beef Cattle related programs Content or Curriculum: Beef and Forage related topics selected by beef cattle   farmers Date: September - May Audience: Beekeepers Activity: Bee Field Day Content or Curriculum: Various topics selected by bee keepers Date: April Audience: Beekeepers Activity: Bee School Content or Curriculum: Various topics selected by bee keepers Date: February  Audience: Beekeepers Activity: Bee School for Beginners Content or Curriculum: Topics related to Beginning Beekeeping Date: October  Audience: High School FFA Students   Activity: Forestry Content or Curriculum: Forestry Topics Date: July -June