A Well Farmed Countryside
Sustainable Agriculture
Levi Berg
Farmer's Markets
Sustainable Agriculture
Forestry Industry Education
Ag Marketing
In brainstorming and futuring sessions groups and individuals both farm and non-farm, identified their desire to see Henry County identified their desire was to see Henry County remain a “well farmed” countryside. Over the past few years, we see a decrease in dependence on tobacco and more emphasis being placed on animal ag, forages, and alternative cropping systems, and farms are looking for more direct to consumer marketing, increased value added enterprises.
There is a diverse number of crops being used. Farm profitability increases due to increased farm production and management techniques. Animal production markets increase with value-added and diverse animal production. Farm numbers increase do to retention and growth.
Animal production increases due to feed efficiency. Producers use more record keeping materials to improve money flow and asses farm inefficiencies. Farmers' market increases vendors and amounts of produce being sold.
Individuals begin to understand different cropping systems, potential crops, management techniques to conserve farm land,Senior and WIC farmers' market nutrition program coupons are handed out and used, and Farm Service Agency and NRCS increased numbers of individuals looking to utilize their programs.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Individuals understand alternative cropping systems, state and federal programs, and farmers' market vendors increase training to accept senior and WIC coupons
Method: surveys before and after programs. Number of attendees to WIC and Senior Trainings
Timeline: Feb and March 2018
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Increased number of vendors at the farmers' market, Number of farms being retained, increased animal efficiency, and increased record keeping software useage.
Method: surveys six months after programs and use reports from the Henry County Farmers' Market, NCRS and FSA
Timeline: Oct and Nov 2018
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: More diverse crops are being used, and farmers are increasing profit through more efficient practices.
Method: Reports for NRCS, FSA, KDA, and Census Data
Timeline: Dec 2018
Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative
Project or Activity: Farmers Market Nutrition program training
Content or Curriculum: KDA information about the programs
Inputs: KDA, Extension Agents, Farmers' Market vendors, and Heath department
Date: Feb 2018
Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative
Project or Activity: Diverse Crop Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Extension Specialist
Inputs: Extension specialist, local marketing experts, and KDA
Date: June 2018
Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative
Project or Activity: Government Funding Programs
Content or Curriculum: KDA, NRCS, and FSA information
Inputs: Local Government, local extension, KDA, NRCS, and FSA,
Date: Jan 2018
Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative
Project or Activity: Forestry Workshop
Content or Curriculum: KDA, UK Extension, and Kentucky Department of Forestry information
Inputs: KDA, Extension Agents, Kentucky Department of Forestry
Date: Feb 2018
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Beef
Educating local producers is a high priority in Henry County. Showing them some of the many opportunities available to land owners wanting to raise beef cattle is the premise of these field days. Livestock is important to Henry County with pastureland making up 27.2 % of all land in the county and an inventory of 22,770 head of cattle, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Because of the importance and prevalence of cattle production in this area, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldh
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Beef
According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Henry County has almost $10,000,000 of cattle sales, and a cattle inventory of over 22,000 head. With this being said, cattle production is extremely important to the economic status of Henry Country. With this knowledge, the Henry County Cooperative Extension Service decide to work with the Shelby and Oldham Extension Offices to host the 2017 Master Cattlemen’s Series. The Master Cattlemen’s Series is a ten week beef education series cove
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Forages
Henry County is known for raising superior livestock and forage, due in large part to the county’s success producing beef cattle and forages. Thus, the demand for high quality hay and other stored forages is continually increasing and producers are seeking ways in which to differentiate their end-product, whether that be the forage itself or the animals that consume it.Shelby and Henry counties partnered to host the Master Haymaker series consisting of seven sessions taught by UK specialis
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
Even though Henry County is heavily steeped in animal production, forage production, and tobacco production, many Henry County residents devote many hours and care to their beloved backyard gardens, and each year, many residents contact the Henry County Extension Office for assistance with gardening questions. With this knowledge, the Henry County Extension Office and the Henry County Public Library joined together to produce a four part gardening series. All session were held at the Henry Count