Increasing Farm Profitability- NEWPlan of Work

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Pulaski County CES

Title:
Increasing Farm Profitability- NEW
MAP:
Sustainable Farms and Home Landscapes
Agents Involved:
Adkins, Wilson, Cole, Rogers
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Agriculture
Situation:

4-H

Wendell Berry (1990), Kentucky novelist, poet, environmentalist, and farmer, stated that “…eating is an agricultural act” (p.1). Unfortunately, for many, there is a disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. The Agricultural Education in Secondary Schools Committee established by the National Research Council (1988) described an agriculturally literate person as one who’s “…understanding of the food and fiber system would include its history and its current economic, social, and environmental significance to all” (p. 8). The National Agriculture Literacy Logic Model defines an agriculturally literate person as one “…who understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life” (Spielmaker et al., 2014, p. 2). One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life.

Long-Term Outcomes:

4-H:

Intermediate Outcomes:

4-H

Initial Outcomes:

4-H:

Evaluation:

4-H:

Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science. 

Indicator: speeches, showing of animals

Method: evaluation, surveys, common measures

Timeline: year round

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will be able to explain the role agriculture in daily life and will be to use skills learned towards agriculture projects

Indicator: projects completed, show of understanding during lessons

Method: Common measures survey, observation

Timeline: year round, school year (Sept- May)

Long-term Outcome:  Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production, will make well informed decisions regarding agriculture and will overall become more literate in agriculture

Indicator: increased involvement in local Ag community (4-H clubs, etc)

Method: observation, common measures survey

Timeline: year round

Learning Opportunities:

4-H

Audience: youth

Project or Activity: Country Ham project

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum: How to Make a Country Ham Publication; How to Cure a Country Ham Video

Inputs: agents, volunteers, specialists, bluegrass stockyards, UK meats lab

Date: spring-summer-fall (MLK Day-State Fair- Show & Sale)


Audience:4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Livestock Club

Content or Curriculum: Beef, sheep, goat, swine, poultry 4-H resources

Inputs: livestock volunteers, UK specialists, local ag businesses (KNS, Ard Ridge Cattle Company, etc.)

Date: spring-fall


Audience: Youth- in schools

Project or Activity: various lessons in Ag

Content or Curriculum: Acres of Adeventure, KY Ag in the Classroom, 

Inputs: agent, teachers, 

Date: September- May (school year)



Success Stories

Raised Beds with Sunrise: An Entire Office Effort

Author: Jennifer Cole

Major Program: Agriculture

It is no secret that gardening and other home horticulture activities can serve as a great outlet for individuals with disabilities, mental health difficulties and behavioral issues.  The Sunrise Children’s Program Cumberland Adventure Program (CAP), is located in Bronston, KY.  The Cumberland Adventure Program uses therapeutic outdoor adventures experiences and clinical intervention to assist boys who suffer from behavioral or emotional issues. Many of the boys come from backgro

Full Story
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