Extension
It Starts With Us
Crop and Livestock Production
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Philip Konopka, Sherrill Bentley, Mandi Broderick
Forages
Beef
Volunteer Development
Food Preparation and Preservation
Lewis County is home to 676 farms operating on 117,955 acres with the average farm size being 174 acres. The County Extension Council and the Agriculture Advisory Committee identified crop and livestock production as major components of Lewis County agriculture production. To increase profits it is important for farms to be efficient and increase yield as well as diversify. Youth need to recognize the impact that agriculture has on our daily lives as well as agriculture in the commonwealth. It is also important that farm families are able to save money and add value to their products and utilize food preservation techniques that allow them to do that.
Profits will be sustained during tough economic times and increased during strong markets. Producers will get a premium price for their products.
Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
Lewis Countians will be able to market/sell locally produced garden products that have been safely preserved.
Youth and farmers will improve cow/calf operations by using better genetics, improved feed efficiencies, record keeping, and animal health.
Youth and adults will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food in the areas of animal science.
Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
Lewis Countians will safely preserve fresh, locally grown food products.
Youth and adults will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and sustainable food systems in the areas of plant science, horticulture and animal science.
Youth will learn valuable skills including decision making, record-keeping and leadership skills.
Lewis Countians will learn to safely and properly preserve food products.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Knowledge and skills will be gained in the area of food production.
Method: Self Reporting and Project books
Timeline: Fall 2021
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Youth will turn in record books and be able to offer reasons during showmanship.
Method:Observation
Timeline: Fall 2020
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Lewis Countians learn to safely preserve fresh, local food products.
Method: Observation
Timeline: Fall 2020
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Change in data collected before and after East Ky Beef IRM Project.
Method: Data from Eastern Kentucky Beef IRM Project
Timeline: Fall 2020
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Youth Livestock Club participants will explain role of agriculture to 5th graders during Field Day.
Method: Observation
Timeline: Fall 2020
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: There are fewer disqualified preserved items at the county fair due to improper techniques used.
Method: County fair entry data
Timeline: Fall 2020
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Profits are sustained or increased during tough economic times.
Method: Agent interviews and number of farms are maintained in the county.
Timeline: Winter 2021
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Profits are obtained by selling canned goods at the Farmers Market and other eligible venues.
Method: Self reporting and observation
Timeline: Summer 2021
Audience: Cow/Calf Operators
Project or Activity: East Ky. Beef IRM
Content or Curriculum: UK curriculum on beef production
Inputs: agent time, UK specialist time, and Ky. Beef Network
Date: Winter 2020
Audience: Women Farm Managers
Project or Activity: Farm School for Women
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Curriculum and USDA
Inputs: Ag. Agent time, USDA office time, local farm businesses
Date: Fall 2020
Audience: Youth Livestock participants
Project or Activity: Livestock Projects, feeder calf, hogs, lambs, and goats
Content or Curriculum: 4-H approved core curriculum for livestock
Inputs: 4-H curriculum, club leader volunteer, volunteer time, 4-H agent time, program assistant time, ag. agent time.
Date: Fall 2020
Audience: Lewis County 5th graders
Project or Activity: Youth Field Day
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock Kit and curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent time, Ag. Agent time, FCS Agent time, Program Assistant Time, SNAP assistant time, Lewis County Farm Bureau, Woodmen of the World, Local farmers, Livestock project participants.
Date: Fall 2020
Audience: Lewis County Citizens
Project or Activity: Food Preservation workshop and Micro-processing workshop
Content or Curriculum: Extension Food Preservation curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agent time, UK Specialist, Preservation equipment and supplies, UK curriculum
Date: Summer 2021
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Beef
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in person meeting being canceled we were looking for a way to get programs to the people in the counties. The Leiws ANR worked with the Carter County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent has created several “Around the Farm” videos to assist farmers and homeowners with their farming operation as well as their gardens and landscapes, and the Mason County Horticulture Agent to create “Plant Professional” videos to assist w
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In fall 2020, COVID-19 still had many restrictions, but this did not stop the Buffalo Trace (Lewis, Mason, Fleming, Bracken and Robertson) agents from hosting the annual Farm School for Women program. The program was offered virtually through Zoom for four sessions and had 28 women signed up and participated. The 2020 coursed topic that were covered were based the sessions on 2019's survey.The first session covered mum production; we decided to make the program a virtual field day. It includ
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Forages
During the COVID pandemic, the District 1 ANR Agents hosted an educational series for our farmers. A seven series virtual Master Haymaker program was developed and offered in winter of 2021 using Zoom. . The seven sessions covered topics such as: weed control in forages, producing quality hay, warm and cool season forages, soil fertility, marketing hay, machinery options for hay production, and the production of baleage. The option was given for folks to either attend ses
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been an increase in interest for home gardening, including many first-time gardeners. While working with one of our horticulture specialists, the Lewis County ANR agent set up a class for Lewis County gardeners to help new growers have a successful garden season in 2021. However, after talking with several county agents, we decided to make it a multiple night series over Zoom so that the entire state could participate. The four
