Extension
It Starts With Us
Ag Production
Ag Production and Sustainability
Chad Conway
According to the CEDIK report agriculture is one of the emerging Businesses for Knott County. Although, agriculture is not as prevalent in Knott County as in other parts of the state. The county has only 22 full-time farmers, but several part-time and small farmers. Most of these producers have very diversified operations with small numbers of livestock and/or acres of pasture and crops. Even though these are smaller operations, they still add financial support to their families and to the county. Farm acreage has increased steadily in the last fifteen years, mostly due to increased use of reclaimed strip mine lands. The major livestock in the county consists of beef cattle, goats and horses. The major crops consist of hay, corn, ornamentals, bedding plants, fruits and vegetables. Also, a large number of the people in the county raise a small garden or fruit trees for home use. Forage lands harvested has more than doubled during the last five years as well as a large increase in the number of cropland acres harvested due to the use of reclaimed mine land. The County Extension Council and Agriculture & Natural Resources Council have directed us to address the above areas with the necessary emphasis on diversification and small farm production. Emphasis will be on learning experiences that will benefit of both youth and adults. Mainly directed to those individuals involved or with an interest in livestock, crops, fruit, and vegetable production, both commercially and family based.
Agricultural producers will manage their farms and resources to receive the most profit or production from their operations. They will develop the knowledge necessary manage their agricultural operations to wisely use the land and resources for sustainability.
An increase in agriculture production with emphasis in livestock and horticulture.
*Best Management Practices will be used for their agricultural operations
*An increase in the diversity of agriculture operations will occur
*An increase in necessary management skills being used
*An increased utilization of reclaimed mine lands as part of agricultural operations in county
* Vegetable producers will utilize new innovative techniques to increase production and quality of vegetable
*Increase access to local fresh fruits and vegetables
Knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises.
*Knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability
*Knowledge of new methods to use reclaimed lands.
*Understanding the importance of diversity in small enterprises
* Knowledge of local markets to expand horticulture operations.
Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that diversify their agricultural operations
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Evaluation
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that utilize improving management practices and skills
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Evaluation
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that increases their farm profitability
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Evaluation
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Intermediate Outcome: Number of youth that has learned necessary agricultural management skills that prepares them to operate an agricultural enterprise.
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round
Intermediate Outcome: Number of vendors at Farmers Market
Indicator: An increase in sales and quality of local produce
Method: Surveys and Observation
Timeline: July thru September at Farmers Market.
Audience: Horticulture Producers
Activity: Insect and disease control Workshop
Content or Curriculum: Research information and educational curriculum UK Horticulture
Inputs:
Date: Annually
Audience: Senior Citizens at Low Income Housing Complex
Activity: Raised Bed Gardens
Content: Raised Bed & UK Horticulture Curriculum
Date: Annually
Activity: East Ky Beef IRM Program
Content or Curriculum: feeding, reproduction, forages, health, and general management
Inputs: Specialist
Date: Continuous
Audience: Cattle Producers
Activity: Production
Content or Curriculum: Disease and insect control, and small area production
Inputs:Reproduction Trend AF Equipment
Date: Spring and Fall
Activity: Conservation Sustainability
Content or Curriculum: Soil sampling, cost-share programs, and related issues
Inputs: Knott Co Conservation District
Date: Continual
Activity: Soil Conservation Cost Share Equipment Program
Content or Curriculum: Recommendations from UK Extension
Inputs: Equipment and Local Exports, NRCS to utilize recourses and innovation
Date: As needed
Activity: Knott County Agriculture & Natural Resources newsletter
Content or Curriculum: Addresses various issues at critical time, and announcement of upcoming AGNR programs
Inputs:
Date: Monthly
Activity: Beekeeping
Content or Curriculum: Beekeeping club, annual beekeeping school, KSU beekeeping programs
Inputs: KSU Bee Program, KDA Bee Program, and local producers knowledge
Date: Bi monthly
Author: Chadwick Conway
Major Program: Beekeeping
Virtual East Kentucky Beekeeping School was a great success with experienced committee. The 11th Annual East Kentucky Beekeeping School was held virtually in January 2021, due to Covid-19. As plans began in the summer, it became evident by the planning committee that an in-person beekeeping school was not a possibility. In effort to continue the 11-year tradition, planning for a virtual conference commenced. Being the first virtual event, it became challenging with technological issu
