Extension
It Starts With Us
Agricultural Production 2
Production & Profitability
Corinne Belton, Regina Browning
Bees/Beekeeping
4-H Volunteer Programming
Forestry Industry Education
Tobacco
While Kentucky's population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth. Shelby Countians are faced with maintaining a balance between industrial development, community growth and preserving the rural landscape. In order to increase sustainability and profitability, producers must take advantage of local markets as well as our close proximity to the large population centers of Lexington and Louisville. Diversification of agriculture operations is key to long-term viability. Producers must engage in practices that ensure the preservation and availability of natural resources for future generations.
Although Kentucky livestock producers have enjoyed relatively high prices for their stock over the past few years, it is important to continue to educate producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. Extension educational programs are targeted to provide Kentucky livestock producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.
Grain crop production is facing downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for the foreseeable future. Extension educational programs are targeted to provide Kentucky crop producers with the tools necessary to remain sustainable through this bearish market.
*Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
*Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life-skill development through 4-H.
*Youth will be advocates for agriculture and health and sustainable food systems.
*Long term viability
*Producers save money by making informed selection decisions
*Minimize use of pesticides affecting bee popluation
*Maximize profits for commercial ag producer
*Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
*Improve sustainability of intensively managed wood production systems
*Improve sustainability of intensively managed tobacco production systems
*Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.
*Youth will adopt and practice skills that apply to employability
*Youth can explain the role of agriculture to others in their daily lives.
*Youth will set a goal and accomplish it
*Youth can practice entrepreneurial skills related to agriculture and food systems.
*Adopt usage of new technology for woodland management and tree production
*Adopt new technology and management procedures for tobacco production
*Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds
*Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations
*Youth will gain knowledge and skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.
*Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
*Youth will develop valuable life skills including decision making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service.
*Gain knowledge of beekeeping and tools to succeed in honey production
*Gain knowledge of woodland management and tools to succeed in tree management and production
*Describe the best management practices for healthy woodlands.
*Describe the best management practices for pesticide management relative to the honey bee population
*Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.
*Awareness of current land grant research concerning tobacco production
*Identification of IPM practices for tobacco production
*Increase understanding of production regulations
*Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production
*Increase non-farm public understanding of BioTechnology/Organic/ Conventional grains crop production
*Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests
Initial Outcome: Youth and adults increase KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Indicator: Increased KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Method: Post-training evaluations, observation
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults implement production management practices such as: evaluation, variety selection, pesticide management, marketing
Indicator: Improved management practices in evaluation, variety selection, pesticide management, marketing
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Yearly
Long-term Outcome: Increased agriculture production and profitability
Indicator: Higher production and increased profits
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Year-to-year over the next decade
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Ag. Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders
Date: monthly
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Dairy Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Ag. Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders
Date: monthly
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Horse Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Ag. Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders
Date: monthly
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Rabbit and Poultry Club meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Ag. Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders
Date: monthly
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Livestock, Dairy and Horse Judging
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Ag. Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders
Date: March - June 2020
Audience: 4-H Members and Adults
Project or Activity: Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: Ag. Core Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, curing supplies
Date: January - August 2020
Audience: Bee Keepers
Project or Activity: Shelby County Beekeepers Association
Content or Curriculum: State Beekeeper, KSU Beekeeping pubs
Inputs: Local beekeepers, KSU pubs
Date: Monthly
Audience: Tobacco Farmers
Project or Activity: Tobacco Production Update and GAP Training
Content or Curriculum: UK Specialists, GAPConnections employees, USDA, GAP materials
Inputs: UK Specialists, GAPconnections employees, USDA, GAP materials
Date: January 2020
Audience: Adults interested in Hemp Production
Project or Activity: Hemp Production Update
Content or Curriculum: KDA and UK Specialists
Inputs: Depart of Ag and UK Specialists
Date: September/October 2019
