Extension
It Starts With Us
New Agriculture Opportunities
Diversified Agriculture Opportunities
Lindsay Haynes & Madison McAlmond
Local Food Systems
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Nutrition and Food Systems General
Nicholas County has traditionally been one of the most tobacco dependent counties in the state, both through history and total county revenue. It is a desperate need to find crops/resources to fill this growing void. The diversification of the agriculture community is the only viable way to combat this issue. Farmers must realize the need to add additional crops to diversify their operations and to keep a consistent flow of income to their operation and to the county.
Create diversified commodities that are sustainable in Nicholas County with markets for them.
Increased acreage of nontraditional crops
Growth in local farmers market with increased customer base
Utilize nontraditional marketing options in the county
Producers investigate marketing options available to them
Increase in microprocessing certificates and farmers market producers
Initial Outcome: Increase in microprocessor certificates
Indicator: Rise in number of microprocessors
Method: Number of participants and graduates
Timeline: Ongoing
Intermediate Outcome: Increased acreage in nontraditional crops
Indicator: Growth in new/nontraditional crops in the county
Method: Census data/farm visits
Timeline: Ongoing
Long-term Outcome: Niche Market Producers
Indicator: Presence of KY Proud Producers in the county
Method: Marketing and presence on KDA website
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: Nicholas County Residents
Project or Activity: Agriculture Diversification Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Specific diverse crop information
Inputs: UK specialists, collaboration of agents and local organizations (Cattlemen's Asscication, Chamber of Commerce, Community Economic Development)
Date: 2021-2024
Audience: Nicholas County Producers
Project or Activity: Farm Visits
Content or Curriculum: Publications
Inputs: Publications, specialists, diagnostic testing
Date: 2021-2024
Audience: Nicholas County Residents
Project or Activity: Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud
Content or Curriculum: Plate It Up! Recipes
Inputs: Newsletters, recipe cards
Date: 2021 - 2024
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Mesonet stations are automated stations that monitor near-surface environmental conditions in the domain from 10 meters above the surface to one meter below the surface. Data from the stations are easily accessible and can be used to improve local forecasts and severe weather warnings, aid emergency response efforts, enhance agricultural productivity, assist local utility providers, and support business and industry. The Nicholas County Cooperative Extension office worked with the Nicholas Count
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Beef
The Bourbon County Livestock Improvement Association Elite Heifer Sale was started in 1991 to help smaller producers come together to market their cattle. These cattle would be bred heifers that are due to calve in the spring. They set standards for all cattle to meet to qualify for the sale and ensure the cattle are pregnant up to 60 days following the sale. The recent vacancy of the Bourbon County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent called for a team of surrounding county agents to jump in
