Extension
It Starts With Us
Agriculture Production and Environmental Literacy
Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment
Adam Huber, Anna Meador, Kelly Burgess
Horticulture, Commercial
Integrated Pest Management
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Beef
Allen County is located in south central Kentucky where there is an abundant amount of agriculture and wildlife present. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Allen County is the #1 producer of vegetables and #1 producer of cattle and calve sales in the state. With 21% of the land in Allen County being woodlands and Barren River Lake flowing into the county, there are numerous outdoor activities and accommodations that Allen County has to offer outdoor enthusiasts.
As you can see, Allen County is very diverse and with the help of County Extension Council, we identified the needs in our community, as well as programs that will help community members be more comfortable growing and safely handling their own food, exercising and staying healthy, along with learning the importance of keeping our environment clean and pollution free.
- Maximize best management practices in farming operations
- Participate in civic projects that improve the environment
- Increased sales, profits & participation in farming operations
- Livestock and horticulture increased profit or reduced expenses or risk
- Improve wildlife habitat and environment
- Land owners enhance and maintain wildlife habitat
- Increase participation in outdoor activities
- Apply safety practices in Ag, Environment & wildlife activities
- Employ best practices in livestock & horticulture production
- Demonstrate food safety practices
- Use habitat improvement methods to increase wildlife populations
- Recognize the importance of environmental footprint
- Increase confidence in growing produce and livestock for consumption
- Utilize safety practices in ag, environment, and wildlife
- Learn 3 or more best practices in livestock, health, nutrition, & production
Initial Outcome:Learn 3 or more best practices in livestock, health, nutrition, & production
Indicator: Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farming operation
Method: verbal, paper and electronic surveys
Timeline:Annually after completion of programs
Intermediate Outcome: Increase participation of outdoor activities
Indicator: individuals state that they increased physical outdoor activities and exercise
Method:verbal, paper and electronic surveys
Timeline:Annually after completion of programs
Intermediate Outcome:Use habitat improvement methods to increase wildlife populations
Indicator:Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farming operation.
Method:verbal, paper and electronic surveys
Timeline: Annually after completion of programs
Long-term Outcome:Maximize best management practices in farming operations
Indicator:Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farm to improve yield, profit and BMP
Method:verbal, paper and electronic surveys
Timeline:Annually after completion of programs
Audience: Agriculture producers, elected officials, educators and all stakeholders
Project or Activity: Farm to Table Event
Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Toolkit, Farm to Table
Inputs: ANR, FCS & 4-H agents, Chamber of Commerce members, donated items
Date: Annually, Fall
Project or Activity: Agriculture Field Day
Content or Curriculum: General Ag content from UK specialist
Inputs: ANR, FCS & 4-H agents, Ag Advisory Committee members, UK specialist, Vendors, donated items
Date: Annually Spring or Fall
Audience:Youth, Families, Stakeholders
Project or Activity: Environmental Camp
Content or Curriculum: Forestry, wildlife & fish, environmental sustainability
Inputs: ANR, FCS, 4-H agents,
Date: Annually, Summer
Project or Activity: 4-H livestock and horse projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H agriculture core
Inputs: Club leaders, community partners
Date: Annually
Audience:Agriculture producers, business owners, families, youth and stakeholders
Project or Activity: Farmers Market Education
Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Toolkit training, Plate It up KY proud
Inputs: ANR, FCS, NEP assistant, Health Dept., Ag Advisory committee
Date: Annually, Spring, Summer
Project or Activity: Wildlife and commercial vegetable meetings
Content or Curriculum: Research from UK specialist, UK publications
Inputs: UK Specialist, ANR Agent, KY Fish and Wildlife, KY Division of Forestry
Date: Annually, Spring, Fall, Winter
Author: Kelly Burgess
Major Program: Cook Wild Kentucky
In Kentucky, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the beauty of nature are favorite past times for adults and children alike. About 350,000 Kentuckians go hunting each year in hopes of harvesting wild game meats for economical and nutritious food options for their families. Game meat (venison in particular) is a tasty and easy substitute in recipes, and offers a unique flavor profile. Proper harvesting, preparation, and storage of game meat is essential for keeping meat safe for co
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Cook Wild Kentucky
Wild Game Cooking Workshop brings Program Areas Together In Kentucky, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the beauty of nature are favorite past times for adults and children alike. About 350,000 Kentuckians go hunting each year in hopes of harvesting wild game meats for economical and nutritious food options for their families. Game meat (venison in particular) is a tasty and easy substitute in recipes, and offers a unique flavor profile. Proper harvesting, preparation, and storage of game meat
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Mammoth Cave Area Virtual Field Day The Covid-19 pandemic has presented challenges to many people. It has changed the way we live and work. One of the challenges that has developed for Extension Agents is how do we continue to deliver quality educational programs to our clientele during this health crisis? Most traditional face-to-face program delivery methods are not currently an option.An alternate method is electronic delivery of programs. Because most of our traditional field days were
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Allen County Extension Tree Giveaway Allen County has a vast landscape from flat crop fields, rolling hay and pasture fields to dense hardwood forest. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 21% of Allen County’s landscape is considered to be woodlands. Providing more trees in our woodlands and home landscapes beautifies the scenery and allows wildlife to thrive. 2020 has not been a normal year for anyone. COVID19 struck the country in March and people have not been able to
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Wildlife Wednesday Video Series Allen County is very diverse in terrain, from flat bottoms to rolling pastures and woodlands there is an abundant amount of wildlife living throughout the landscape. According to the 2017 agriculture census, 21% of Allen County’s 168,697 farm acres is considered to be woodlands. With this large amount of woodlands, wildlife habitat and the banks of the 10,100 acre Barren River Lake present in the county, it’s a no brainer to have wildlife programm
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Grains
2020 SOKY Commercial Pesticide Training Applying pesticides to lawns/landscapes and crops is a great method to keeping those plants safe and healthy throughout the growing season. The Most important thing is knowing how to apply those pesticides safely and being up to date with laws and regulations concerning pesticide use. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed how Extension Agents are able to deliver quality educational programs to our clientele durin
