Pulaski County CES

Title:

Increase Farm Profitability

MAP:

Increase Farm Profitability

Agents Involved:

Wilson, Adkins, Rogers

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Horticulture, Commercial

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Small Farm Diversification

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Integrated Pest Management

Situation:

Pulaski County has a strong commercial horticulture industry. We have several green industry businesses as well as a very healthy number commercial growers of fruits, vegetables and processed products. 

Beef and hay are two major agricultural products for Pulaski County. Pulaski County ranks 2nd in the state for both.

Two farmers' markets serve the consumers of this area and meet their needs in different ways. Pulaski Co is also very near two produce auctions.

Emerging issues pop up in any industry and agriculture and horticulture are no different. Profitability is maximized when crops are produced successfully and marketed equally successfully.

Marketing is key. Produce growers do not make a dime growing a product, only selling it. More markets need to be explored, especially with kids and our school systems.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Growers will gain income and markets from produce crops, processed goods, and other tangential products.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Growers will employ IPM practices to successfully grow crops.

Growers will gain markets in wholesale and/or retail produce.

The general public will buy more from local growers at farmers markets and roadside stands.

Schools will buy produce from local growers.

Initial Outcomes:

Growers will learn about emerging issues as it relates to what they grow.

Growers will learn about markets available and how to get into those markets.

Consumers will learn about local foods & their availability.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Growers will learn about IPM, markets, emerging issues, etc

Indicator: attendance at meetings, farm visits

Method: various meetings for commercial growers

Timeline: throughout year 

Intermediate Outcome: Consumers will buy more local products (fresh and processed)

Indicator: increase in sales at farmers' markets

Method: personal communication

Timeline: fall 2020

Long-term Outcome: Growers will gain income

Indicator: More gross sales

Method: personal communication

Timeline: end of growing season

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Commercial growers

Project or Activity: Produce Best Practices Training

Content or Curriculum: GAP curriculum and 3rd party audits

Inputs: KDA specialists, powerpoints

Date: winter 2020-21

Audience: Commercial growers

Project or Activity: Farmers' markets meetings, Senior Farmers Market nutrition program training

Content or Curriculum: updates from KDA personnel

Inputs: KDA specialists, powerpoints

Date: mainly winter but throughout the year

Audience: Consumers

Project or Activity: info booth at farmers' markets

Content or Curriculum: UK publications & recipes

Inputs: Plate It Up Recipe cards, food

Date: during farmers' market season

Audience: Consumers

Project or Activity: Local foods program

Content or Curriculum:UK publications & recipes

Inputs: Lexington Local Food coordinator or other local food specialist

Date: Prior to growing season