Increasing Agriculture Awareness and Profitability Plan of Work

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Hart County CES

Title:
Increasing Agriculture Awareness and Profitability
MAP:
Sustainability of Agriculture
Agents Involved:
Huffman, Cline
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Natural Resources
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Agriculture
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Horticulture, Commercial
Situation:

There are over 75,000 farms in the state of Kentucky.  Those farms produce a variety of agricultural related products.  The top five agricultural commodities include broilers, other animal products, soybeans, corn and cattle (USDA ERS, 2020)   Every person in Kentucky is impacted by Agriculture every day in the foods that they eat and the fibers that are used in their clothes, homes, work places and vehicles. People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. It is important to increase a young persons awareness of the impact agriculture has on their daily life.  It is also important to help educate our farming community on up to date research based information so they can advance their farming practices.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

· Youth and adults will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.

· Youth and adults will adopt safe and profitable agricultural practices.

· Youth and adults will make informed decisions that will be increase profits and reduce expenses.

· Youth and adults will produce a high quality agriculture product. 

Intermediate Outcomes:
  • Youth and adults will improve and maintain agriculture practices 
  • Youth and adults will adopt safety practices on the farm
  • Youth will practice life skills in agriculture projects and food production
  • Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability

     
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increase knowledge in animal science and natural resources

Indicator: Number of youth participating in 4-H livestock and horse activities and natural resource projects

Method: Enrollment in projects and clubs

Timeline: July 2020 - June 2021


Intermediate Outcomes: Youth apply their knowledge and skills by competing in livestock and horse contest, forestry field day, and completing 4-H country ham project

Indicator: Number of youth earning top ten awards at local, district and state competitions

Method: Number of youth competing in competitions

Timeline: July 2020 -June 2021


Long-term Outcomes: Youth becoming owners of their own livestock/horse operation and/or adopting a career in the agriculture or conservation industry.

Indicator: Number of youth livestock owners and number of 4-H alumni who enter the workforce in the career field

Method: Word of mouth, observation, and survey

Timeline: On going


Initial Outcome: Gained knowledge in the areas of animal husbandry and production practices. 

 Indicator: Individuals state they gained knowledge and aspire to implement practices on their farm

 Method: Post educational activity evaluation

 Timeline: July 2020 – June 2021



 Intermediate Outcomes: Individuals implement production practices learned during educational classes to increase profitability

 Indicator: Number of practices adopted and implemented

 Method: Post evaluations and follow up surveys

 Timeline: July 2020 – June 2021



 Long-term Outcomes: Farmers will be more profitable by applying learned marketing strategies and production practices

 Indicator: Number of participants who adopt recommended practices and impact increased profitability

 Method: Evaluations, follow up surveys and testimony

 Timeline: On going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
 Date: July 2020 – June 2021


Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: June 2020 to July 2021

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Farm Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum & Farm Safety Curriculum
Inputs: Hart County Fairgrounds
Date: Fall 2020

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Horse Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Equine Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
 Date: July 2020 – June 2021

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Horticulture Projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Horticulture Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: May & June 2021

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Agriculture Educational Trainings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: Fall 2020 – Spring 2021

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Agriculture Educational Trainings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Council
Date: Fall 2020 – Spring 2021


Audience: Adult
Project or Activity: BQCA Training
Content or Curriculum: KY Cattlemen BQCA
Inputs: Agriculture
Date: Spring 2021

Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: UK Pesticide Training
Content or Curriculum: UK Pesticide Training Curriculum
Inputs: Agriculture
Date: Spring 2021


 



Success Stories

Keeping the Market Open

Author: Janey Cline

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Diversification of Hart County Agriculture has been identified as a major area for program efforts. Extension has worked for many years to help producers identify and take advantage of opportunities in diversified agricultural enterprises. We have assisted growers in developing markets for vegetable crops and have done extensive work in vegetable production. The local Farmers Market has been the main focus of the diversification efforts for Janey Cline, Family and Consumer Sciences agent. D

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Processing for Profit

Author: Janey Cline

Major Program: Home-Based Microprocessor Program

Processing for ProfitHomebased microprocessors are farmers who grow and harvest produce to use in their value-added products.  Homebased microprocessors are required to grow a predominant ingredient in the products they make.  Homebased microprocessors are allowed to make higher risk products such as canned tomatoes, pickled fruits and vegetables, salsa, barbecue sauce, pepper or herb jellies, vinegars, low or no sugar jams and jellies, and pressure canned vegetables. To aide farmers i

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