Extension
It Starts With Us
Commercial Horticulture & Small Farm Development
Diversification of Agriculture
Froman, Porter, Stumbo, Workman
Beef
Beekeeping
Poultry/Small Flocks
Horticulture, Commercial
Pike County is not known for traditional agriculture (row crops) due to its’ mountainous terrain. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture number of farms in Pike County have grown to 85 in 2017. Up 52% from the 2012 census. With the number of recent requests for farm numbers from the Conservation District (suspect up to 100 as of spring 2020). Market value of products sold has climbed to $744,000, which is up 33% from 2012. Farm related income has increased $272,000 up 327% from 2012. Pike County has an increase of 69 new farmers, who need a lot of education and help to become full time successful farmers. Pike is up to 149 farmers, approximately 2/3 were male and 1/3 were female. 10 were under 35; 97 were from 35-64; 42 were 65 & older. Farming has grown to the point that 9 farms hire farm labor.
Goal 1: The increase in amount and diversity of Agriculture Production in Pike County.
Goal 2: The increase in the amount and diversity of fruits & vegetables grown.
Goal 3: The increase in the type & quality of value added products.
Goal 1: Increase production of marketable products to be sold at Farmers Market.
Goal 2: Development and expansion of alternative agriculture markets and Farmers Market.
Goal 3: Development and expansion of home fruit & vegetable production.
Goal 4: County Farmers will demonstrate changes in diversification and efficiency of their operations through Extension offered workshops, classes, and tours.
Goal 5: Increase in the diversity of agricultural operations.
Goal 6: Producers will show an increase in use of BMP’s.
Goal 7: Farmers will increase utilization of forested lands.
*Farmers/residents will develop and expand diversification by wise use of the land and resources at their disposal. Individuals will become more proficient at making informed decisions in the areas of horticulture production, processing and preservation.
Goal 1: Knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability.
Goal 2: Knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises.
Goal 3: Understanding the importance of diversity in small operations.
Goal 4: Knowledge that management and use of forest and forest products can be a viable enterprises.
Goal 5: Knowledge of home food production and adopted practices.
Goal 6: Youth will gain consumer knowledge of fruits, vegetables, as well as animal sciences through participation in “hands-on” programs.
Outcome: Use of workshop, training, financial info provided by Extension Service
Indicator: *see UK Plan of Work Strategic Initiatives* & surveys.
Method: Immediate Follow-up Survey and Follow-up questionnaires.
Timeline: During & at end of training/etc. and 6 month follow-up survey.
Audience: Forest Owners and Community
Project or Activity: Shiitake Mushrooms & Ginseng
Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Volunteers
Date: Spring & Fall
Audience: Farmers, Gardeners, Interested Community Members
Project or Activity: Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: Vegetable Production, Processing, Value Added
Inputs: Agents, Master Gardeners, Farmers, Community Members, & Local Chefs
Date: Year Round
Audience: Community
Project or Activity: Micro-processing curriculum, PBPT, All Samples, State & National Certifications
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Frankfort
Date: Year Round
Audience: Community
Project or Activity: SR Vouchers, WIC Vouchers, SNAP, Health Services
Content or Curriculum: KDA and Federal Requirements
Inputs: KDA, Agent, Farmers Market, Local Health care providers
Date: Year Round
Author: Deborah Stumbo
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Pikeville Farmers Market completed a 4-year capacity building grant. Summaries were recently filed showing a huge success. In the last 4 years, the market has provided or taken our farmers to more than 60 trainings and workshops. A few of the trainings provided have been Produce Best Practices Training, Grant Writing, How to build Cool bots, Marketing online, Small Business trainings, High tunnels, using Facebook to sell, Small Farms Conference, Blueberry Production, Record Kee
Author: Deborah Stumbo
Major Program: Beekeeping
The Pike County Beekeepers have been a strong indicator of the possibilities for honey sales for the region and as a basis for multiple farmers to increase profits. At current prices honey is bringing from $18 to $28 per quart. Because of the success of the Beekeepers, it was decided to do a training on splitting hives & trapping swarms. This was done to assist the local beekeepers in expanding and preventing loss of bees through the use of splitting techniques and purchasi
