Extension
It Starts With Us
Sustainable Agriculture
Agricultural and Environmental
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
Local Food Systems
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Master Gardener
Beef
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.
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.
Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.
Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve the well-being of their farms, gardens and landscapes.
Increased interest in local foods
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
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
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
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
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
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
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
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
