Sustainable AgriculturePlan of Work

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Woodford County CES

Title:
Sustainable Agriculture
MAP:
Agricultural and Environmental
Agents Involved:
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Master Gardener
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Beef
Situation:

Farms are an essential and diverse part of Kentucky’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year across the State. In Woodford County alone, agriculture and the businesses that support it are responsible for one out of three jobs and $565 million in annual revenue.  The Extension Service continues to work toward a strong agricultural community and local food system.  Educational programs must holistically target farm viability by teaching sustainable production practices including enhancing soil quality and health, economic profitability, and natural resource conservation to ensure the longevity of farms and landscapes within the community. In addition, agricultural awareness in the community must be addressed through educational programs about where and how food and other agricultural products are produced. 




Long-Term Outcomes:

Preservation and improvement of financial health of farms in the community.

Increased interest in agriculture and horticulture production.

Homeowners will save more money on home landscape.

Increased diversification of crops produced in Woodford county.



Intermediate Outcomes:

Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.

Initial Outcomes:

Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve the well-being of their farms, gardens and landscapes.

Increased interest in local foods




Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve natural resources on their farms.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Personal Interviews

Timeline: Yearly


Intermediate Outcome: Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Site visits, personal interviews

Timeline: Yearly


Long-Term Outcome: Enhancement of economic and ecological sustainability for farmers and homeowners within the community.

Indicator: Ag Census, Soil test reports

Method: National Ag Statistics Service, U.K. Regulatory Services

Timeline: Yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers/Landowners

Project or Activity: Educational Programs, Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Sustainable farm management and agricultural production.

Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford County Beef Cattle Association, Farmer Cooperators

Date: Yearly


Audience: Homeowners/Farmers/Landowners

Project or Activity: Soil Testing Service

Content or Curriculum: Soil testing for residents to promote sustainable management decisions

Inputs: Agent Time

Date: Yearly


Audience: Homeowners/Farmers

Project or Activity: Horticulture Educational Programs/Events/Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Sustainable horticultural practices for farms, home gardens, and landscapes.

Inputs: Agent Time, Specialist Time, CES publications

Date: January - December


Audience: Woodford County Residents

Project or Activity: Diagnostic Services and Recommendations

Content: UK Extension Resources

Inputs: ANR and HORT agents, UK Extension Specialists and Resources

Date: On-going Year round


Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families, Producers

Project or Activity: Local Foods Directory, Farm to Table Dinner

Content or Curriculum: Commercial Horticulture and Marketing to Promote Local Foods

Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant's time

Date: Annually



Audience: Youth

Project or Curriculum: Plant Camp, Junior Master Gardener 

Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, Specialists, local farmers, CES publications

Date: Yearly


Audience: Woodford County Residents

Project or Curriculum: Community Gardens

Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, local community members, CES publications

Date: Yearly


Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families, Producers

Project or Activity: Beginning Farmer Program

Content or Curriculum: Educational program

Inputs: Farmer cooperators, Agent/Program Assistant's time, , Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Woodford County Conservation District, Farm Service Agency, UK Specialists

Date: Every other year


Audience: Homeowners/Landowners

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Training

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum

Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, CES Publications

Date: Every other year




Success Stories

Funding Resources for Farmers Virtual Workshop

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Funding resources for farmers are often crucial to starting a new farm business and even sustaining an existing one. The Woodford County Extension Service receives many inquiries from clientele asking about grants, loans, and cost share opportunities to help offset the costs of either starting their farm business or expanding, sustaining, and/or diversifying their current operation. With many of the travel and health restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woodford County Extensi

Full Story

Everyday Gardener Webinar Series

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

In an effort to adapt to changes in program delivery brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Horticulture Agents in 6 counties of District Four (Central Kentucky) collaborated to offer the Everyday Gardener Webinar Series. This was a 6 week series taught by agents provided educational classes related to horticulture. Over 100 participants registered and attended this online workshop.Those completing the evaluation survey expressed appreciation of the:wide variety of programs offered, includi

Full Story

Hispanic Family Raised Bed Gardens

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Hispanic Family Raised Bed Gardens

The Woodford County Extension Agent for Horticulture collaborated with the Woodford County Public Schools English Language Learner District Interpreter and the English Language Learner Instructional Assistant to offer a raised bed gardening program to Hispanic families in the community. There were a total of 12 families that attended for a total of 28 attendees. Families were given a raised bed garden kit that contained the wood, screws, soil, and plants needed to start a 4’ X 8’ rai

Full Story

2021 Horticulture Webinar Series

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

In an effort to adapt to changes in program delivery brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Horticulture Agents in 4counties in Central 4 and Central 2 areas (Bourbon, Franklin, Harrison, and Woodford) collaborated to offer Horticulture Webinar Series. This 6 month series hosted by agents provided educational classes related to horticulture. 529 participants attended the 18 webinars. The use of webinars and other technologies has f

Full Story

Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

What began as a short term stop-gap for in person programming during the 2020 Pandemic, has become a much-attended weekly horticulture program. Due to the continuing popularity of the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays program a team of Kentucky Horticulture agents have continued to present weekly Wednesday webinars at 12:30 ET (11:30 CT) as a “lunch and learn” horticultural program. This team also includes agents, specialists, and other experts who present a 30–45-minute horticul

Full Story
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