Extension
It Starts With Us
New opportunities for agriculture in Knox County
Furthering Agriculture Diversification
Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer
Beef
Forages
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Agriculture
Kentucky has much to offer in the way of agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), over 50% (12.9 million acres) is farmland (NASS, 2019). Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top five agricultural commodities (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include broilers, all other animals and products, soybeans, corn, and cattle and calves.
With an uncertain economy, the need for agriculture diversification and niche production is at an all time high. Through educational workshops and hands-on farm visits, Knox County Extension will be able to help local farm families determine the best commodities to be successful. The ANR program council identified the need for educational programs that educate them on new markets, production techniques and ways to increase farm revenue but also the need for youth to be educated on agriculture. As a result, the ANR & 4-H programs will team to strive to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Knox County through positive youth development programs on agriculture & natural resources.
- Increased agricultural profitability for Knox County Farmers;
- Youth will be agriculturally literate.
- Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
- Farmers will utilize new technology and recommended production techniques to increase productivity and profitability.
- Youths will complete 4-H Country Ham Project.
- Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.
- Gain knowledge of new technology and practices as related to livestock, forages, tobacco, and horses
- Gain skills in farm management.
- Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship,
- Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food 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.
Long-Term Outcome: Farmers will increase AG profitability
Indicator: Farmers will expand from traditional methods/crops to diversifying crops/methods to increase profit
Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.
Timeline: Throughout year
Intermediate Outcome: Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.
Indicator: Individuals will successfully raise and/or show animals as part of 4-H and/or Ag Extension Programs.
Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.
Timeline: Throughout program plan year
Initial Outcome: Farmers will gain and utilize new knowledge and skills that will help them increase agricultural profitability.
Indicator:Farmers will attend local workshops and will put new information, methods and techniques into practice.
Method: Testimonials; observation.
Timeline: Throughout program plan
Outcome: Youth will plan & implement an agricultural project
Indicator: Youth will participate in an agricultural project (e.g, rabbit club, country ham project, gardening)
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey Tool
Timeline: Fall 2020/Spring 2021
Audience: Farmers/ Producers
Activity: Farm Visits
Content/Curriculum: Research based information tailored to needs of the producer
Date: Throughout year
Activity: Ag Producer Meetings
Content/Curriculum: Information on production and management of livestock, forages and commercial crops. Information on promotion and advancement of agri-tourism opportunities.
Date: Throughout year
Activity: Test Plots
Content/Curriculum: Commercial crops and grazing
Date: Summer/Fall 2020
Activity: Knox County Saddle Club
Content/Curriculum: ANR and 4-H publications on equine care and safety
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Youths
Activity Agircultural based lessons/club lessons/special projects
Content/Curriculum: 4-H publications on chick incubation / country ham / Rabbit curricula / gardening
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Youth
Activity: Gardening kits
Content / Curriculum: 4-H curriculum and NEP curriculum
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: News and Views
Content or Curriculum: ANR curriculum on area needed (horticulture, spraying, feeding)
Inputs: agent, assistant
Date: monthly
**Actitvies may be completed in an online/virtual experience (if needed) or in the tradition in-person setting.
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
By following the CDC, KDA and local health department guidelines, the Knox County Farmer's Market had another successful year. The Knox County Farmer's Market outdoor season began Thursday, May 28 through November 29, 2020. On average during peak season we had roughly 300 customers per week. During the beginning and end of the season, Knox Farmer's Market averaged 75-100 customers a week. Individual vendor revenues ranged from $100 to $1,500 per week. Estimated market revenue for the
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
On February 23, 2021, by following CDC requirements, a Kentucky Master Logger Program was conducted for loggers to receive their required 6 hours of continued education. 16 loggers from Knox and surrounding counties came to the Knox County Extension Office to participate, get their required hours and update their Master Logger cards.Segments of the training included market updates, new industry market locations, Kentucky forest industry economic update, ash loss, ambrosia beetle devaluatio
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
With most of the high tunnels in Knox County being NRCS grant funded, certain stipulations are agreed upon by producers when receiving the grant. One of the stipulations is that producers will agree to grow produce in the ground of the high tunnel for a minimum of four years. Almost all producers in the county have selected tomatoes as their primary crop because of the profit potential but have struggled growing in the ground the second and third years because of nematodes. To address the
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Since Covid19 restrictions were in place for most of the 2020-21 year, meeting the needs for the county was difficult and challenging to say the least. Soil samples and office visits were received and conducted in the parking lot while following the ever changing CDC guide lines. Farm visits were crucial during these times for educational opportunities and production demonstrations. Because of the efforts of the Knox County Extension Service, High Tunnels were set up and began production,
