Sustainable and Profitable AgriculturePlan of Work

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Jessamine County CES

Title:
Sustainable and Profitable Agriculture
MAP:
Sustainable and Profitable Agriculture
Agents Involved:
Steve Musen, Karli Giles, Cathy Weaver
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Horticulture, Commercial
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Small Farm Diversification
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture
Situation:

Due to declining world-wide demand for tobacco products, tobacco sales have fallen from a high of over 60%, to a current value of 22% of the total value of agriculture crops sold in Jessamine County. House Bill 611 and the implementation of the Governor’s Office of Ag. Policy’s (GOAP) Agriculture Development Fund and the County Ag. Investment Program (CAIP) has allowed for the allocation over $3.1 million, over a 16-year period. These funds have been used to assist in the restructuring of Jessamine County Agriculture, helping to alleviate financial challenges caused by the loss of tobacco income and diversify the agriculture production base.

Much of Jessamine County contains rolling topography which is best suited to the production of livestock and forages.  With 62,414 acres in pastureland and 29,012 acres in forage production (69.3% of total cropland), Jessamine County has the potential of supporting more than the current 20,500 total head of cattle (beef and dairy) with improved pasture efficiency through more careful management and intensive grazing. Growing Forages for livestock grazing and hay production is one of Jessamine County’s most important agronomic enterprises. The Bluegrass Region, with its deep, fertile soils and gently rolling hillsides, is uniquely suited to producing some of the fastest racehorses and most productive livestock operations in the world.

Beef cattle still plays a major role, generating the majority of farm income in the county. Farmers here are also looking at alternative enterprises to generate income. Hemp has generated a tremendous amount of interest along with goats, sheep, fruit and flower production. There are also a number of small vegetable producers and several organizations working with community based gardens. Land prices still remain one of the most limiting factors for individuals wanting to get in to production agriculture. Farm land in this community goes from a low of around $4,000/acre to well over $10,000/acre. If there is a high level of development potential, land prices are near $30,000/acre.

Wendell Berry (1990), Kentucky novelist, poet, environmentalist, and farmer, stated that “…eating is an agricultural act” (p.1). Unfortunately, for many, there is a disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. The Agricultural Education in Secondary Schools Committee established by the National Research Council (1988) described an agriculturally literate person as one who’s “…understanding of the food and fiber system would include its history and its current economic, social, and environmental significance to all” (p. 8). The National Agriculture Literacy Logic Model defines an agriculturally literate person as one “…who understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life” (Spielmaker et al., 2014, p. 2). One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life

Long-Term Outcomes:

Commercial Agriculture Enterprises (beef cattle, equine, forage, grain crops, small ruminants, bee keepers, woodlot managers and hemp producers) will be profitable, safe and sustainable.

•    Youth will be agriculturally literate.

•    Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. 

•    Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production



Intermediate Outcomes:

Commercial Agriculture Enterprises (beef cattle, equine, forage, grain crops, small ruminants, bee keepers, woodlot managers and hemp producers) will begin to implement strategies to ensure that their enterprises are profitable, safe and sustainable.


•    Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life.

•    Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations. 


Initial Outcomes:

Commercial Agriculture Enterprises (beef cattle, equine, forage, grain crops, small ruminants, bee keepers, woodlot managers and hemp producers) will attend various training opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge to ensure their operations are profitable, safe and sustainable.

•    Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science. 

•    Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems. 

•    Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.


Evaluation:


Long-Term Outcome:

More diversification of farming enterprises, Adoption of new marketing techniques and improved production practices and continued use of these new practices.

These changes are expected to occur over time as more producers become familiar with these opportunities.

Success may be determined through increase agriculture revenue at the farm level and through personal observations.


Intermediate Outcome:

The adoption of new technologies and practices that have been presented to them through extension programming.

The adoption of techniques and technologies within a few months after being exposed to these improved management techniques in an indication of acceptance by participants.

Evaluation may be done through followup visits or surveys to participants of educational programs


Initial Outcome:

Attendance at various educational programs, questions and participation in the program and followup questions from participants in the office are good indicators of the need for the program and the initial impact of the program

The impact of a program may be know immediately or within a few days of the completion of the program. Surveys and evaluations may also be used to gauge the success of a program.

Outcome to be Evaluated

Indicator of Success for Outcome

Method of Evaluation

Learning Opportunities:

* Project or Activity: BQCA Certification Training

Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Applicator Certifications Training

Project or Activity: Ag Financial Planning and Marketing

Project or Activity: Forage Production Training

Project or Activity: Educational Farm Tour

Project or Activity: Winter Feeding Strategies

Project or Activity: Producer Best Practice - Food Safety Training

Project or Activity: Equine Forage and Facilities Expo

Project or Activity: Pastures Please!

Project or Activity: Kentucky Beef Conference

Project or Activity: Kentucky Stocker Conference

Project or Activity: Ag Lenders Conference

Project or Activity: Kentucky Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference

Project or Activity: Tobacco Production Update

Project or Activity: Hemp Production Update


4-H Livestock Program

4-H Horse Program

4-H Poultry Program

4-H Country Ham Program

4-H Horticulture Program

4-H Rabbit Program

4-H Dog Program



Success Stories

Beef Management Webinar Series Meeting Training Needs During A Pandemic

Author: Steven Musen

Major Program: Beef

While the Jessamine County Extension Office has had to limit in-persons meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.K. Beef Extension group has hosted a weekly webinar series for beef cattle producers and agents. Topics have included Bull Selection, Reproductive Management, Value Added Marketing, Management Technologies, Nutrition Advancements, Risk Management, Winter Feeding, Beef Structures and Cattle Handling Facilities. These have been live streamed on Zoom and Facebook and all sessions wer

Full Story

Jessamine County CAIP Cost-Share Program Continues to Allow Producers Opportunities to Diversify and Expand their Enterprises

Author: Steven Musen

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Due to declining world-wide demand for tobacco products, tobacco sales have fallen from a high of over 60%, to a value of 1.6% of the total value of agriculture crops sold in Jessamine County in 2017. House Bill 611 and the implementation of the Governor’s Office of Ag. Policy’s (GOAP) Agriculture Development Fund and the County Ag. Investment Program (CAIP) has allowed for the allocation over $3.1 million, over a 16-year period. These funds have been used to assist in the restructur

Full Story

Jessamine County Forage Producers Gain Knowledge in Hay and Pasture Forage Production

Author: Steven Musen

Major Program: Forages

Much of Jessamine County contains rolling topography which is best suited to the production of livestock and forages.  With 62,414 acres in pastureland and 29,012 acres in forage production (69.3% of total cropland), Jessamine County has the potential of supporting more than the current 20,500 total head of cattle (beef and dairy) with improved pasture efficiency through more careful management and intensive grazing. Growing Forages for livestock grazing and hay production is one of Jessami

Full Story

The Nicholasville Farmers is Revitalized Providing Healthy, Locally Grown Food and Specialty Products to Community Members

Author: Steven Musen

Major Program: Local Food Systems

The recognition of the benefits of locally grown foods in terms of superior flavor, food safety and availability of heritage vegetable varieties has caused the popularity of Farmers Markets to steadily increase, especially in urban and sub-urban areas. The Leadership Jessamine County, Class of 2017 created the Nicholasville Farmer’s Market and established its governing board. Their main goals were to improve access to healthy foods, support local growers, and generate community-based gathe

Full Story
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