Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington CountyPlan of Work

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Washington County CES

Title:
Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington County
MAP:
Managing and Growing Sustainable Agriculture Systems
Agents Involved:
Dennis Morgeson, Roberta Hunt
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Master Gardener
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation:
Kentucky is home to 85,500 farms, tied as the 4th ranking state in the number of farms (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). There are over 40,000 beef cattle producers and 1,000,000 head of beef cows. Beef production along with local food continues to be in demand across the United States and Kentucky. There continues to be a focus on where food comes from, how it's produced, and how individuals can produce their own food as well as an outlet for excess produce. Along with increased food awareness comes increased interest in gardening, beekeeping, sustainability, and a general desire to learn more about Agricultural Systems. In 2014 Kentucky produced $14 million in sales of local food products and it is expected to increase to $24 million by 2020. The Cooperative Extension Service has the resources to educate clients on sustainability, production, value added opportunities, business planning, and marketing strategies to expand local agricultural systems.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Increase number of local food producers and vendors as well as increased sales.
Increased access to local foods
Increased participation in Extension Master Gardeners volunteers
Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.

Intermediate Outcomes:
Producers save money by making better selection decisions and diversification.
Apply food safety practices and procedures
Home Based Microprocessing
Market agricultural products locally
Master Gardener Volunteers engage the public as facilitators and presenters at classes, workshops, and lectures
Youth will apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant science, horticulture, and animal science.
Initial Outcomes:
Review types and varieties of produce
Locate crop profiles, decision tools resources
Interpret food safety handling procedures
Identify production methods and food products that extend the season
Participants gain knowledge in many aspects of horticulture and agriculture
Youth will gain knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant science, horticulture, and animal science.

Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: Farmers and gardeners of all ages will learn about new varieties, food safety, and season extension as well as increased awareness about Extension Programs.
Indicator: Increased interest in new varieties and Agricultural Systems
Method: Surveys, Group Discussion, and face to face interaction
Timeline: Following educational events, and seasonally at harvest

Intermediate Outcome: Farmers and Gardeners expand production of types and varieties of products.
Indicator: Types of products for sell locally will increase
Method: Surveys and Site Visits
Timeline: Seasonally Depending On Product Type

Long-term Outcome: Increased sales of locally produced product and increased profits
Indicator: Farm profits will increase
Method: Surveys
Timeline: Seasonally Depending On Product Type
Learning Opportunities:
Audience: Washington County farmers, gardeners, and volunteers
Project or Activity: Master Gardener
Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Program
Inputs: Extension Staff, Specialists, Fees, Extension Service Funding, Social Media
Date: Fall of Each Year

Audience: Washington and Surrounding Counties
Project or Activity: Wheelbarrow Series
Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Publications and Research
Inputs: Extension Funding, Fees from participants, Extension Staff
Date: Winter and Spring Each year

Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Country Ham, Livestock Projects, Horse Projects, Horticulture
Content or Curriculum: Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: Extension resources
Date: Yearly

Audience: Washington County Cattlemen's Association
Project or Activity: Meetings, Educational Activities, and Programs
Content or Curriculum: Extension resources
Inputs: Extension resources and specialists
Date: Bimonthly


Success Stories

Washington County Beekeeping School

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Bees/Beekeeping

Beekeeping interest is at an all time high with Washington County being no different.  The Washington County Beekeepers with the leadership of the club President David Donathan put together a one day school with two tracks one for beginning beekeepers and one for intermediate level beekeepers. Speakers included Dr. Thomas Webster from KSU, Dr. Tammy Potter from KDA, and many other local and regional beekeepers.  A few of the topics included introduction to beekeeping, getting and insta

Full Story

Tobacco Settlement Money Continues To Help Farmers

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Beef

Washington County's portion of the 2017 Tobacco Settlement funds was $168,000.  The local Agriculture Development Board voted to use $102,000 for the local CAIP program and $65,000 for the Next Generation Farmer Program.  Each program was facilitated by the Washington County Cattlemen's Group and was a 50/50 cost share.  Farmers participating in the CAIP program spent $3000 and received $1500 while those in the Next Generation Program spent $5000 and received $2500.  

Full Story

Wheelbarrow Series

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

The Gardener’s Wheelbarrow Series classes continue to be very popular with 2017-2018 attendance of over 400 hundred people! Each year there is a new sampling of classes with topics coming from requests by the public or from what the Horticulture agent feels the public needs to know about.  A sampling of the classes in 2017-2018  included hands on apple grafting, growing raspberries in Kentucky, tender bulbs dahlias and glads, easy care roses, hands on weed id and control, and muc

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