Extension
It Starts With Us
2021 Agriculture Literacy and Social Sustainability
Sustainability
Matt Chadwick, Ashley Cox (4-H Assistant)
Agritourism Planning
Local Food System Development and Mapping
Soil testing
Volunteer Development
Calloway County's population has dramatically increased in the last decade, the majority of that population lives within the city limits. Although traditionally viewed as a rural county, the ratio of urban to rural residence is shifting. Due to this shift we are seeing a larger disconnect with our traditionally agriculture community. Greater understanding and communication between rural and city dwellers is needed. A portion of the new rural population has moved to Calloway County to retire. In retirement they desire to have a small farm or agricultural enterprise. This population needs to have information and assistance as they make decisions about their small farm operations. Additionally, the scientific aspects of GE crops (=GMOs) are not widely understood. Furthermore, credible scientific information is sometimes misrepresented in the public domain. While value judgement rightfully drive public decision-making, the public has the right to credible scientific information as it deliberates controversial issues such as this.
-The general population of the county will develop a link to agriculture within the county. They will become more familiar, and acclimated with the process of production agriculture in the county.
-New small farms producer will be successful at producing their intended crop/livestock at a sustainable profit.
-Youth will consider the field of agriculture as a viable career path.
-Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
-Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H.
-Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
-The general public become aware of where their food is produced and will desire to select more locally produced food.
-Producers will make efforts to market locally produced foods for local residents to purchase.
-Consumers will be understanding of crop seasons, and there for the seasonal availability of local products.
-Youth will value local producers.
-Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas
of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
-Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employ ability.
-Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
-Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.
-Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.
-Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.
-The general population will feel comfortable and confident that local producers are using the best practices available to produce commodities.
-Producers understand the value in telling their story, and feel a greater comfort in doing so.
-Youth will have an understanding of the crops grown in the county.
-Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant
sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
-Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
-Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record keeping,
leadership and service.
Initial Outcome: The general population will feel comfortable and confident that local producers are using the best practices available to produce commodities
Indicator: Interaction between producers and public
Method:One on one conversations
Timeline: 2021
Intermediate Outcome: Producers will make efforts to market locally produced foods for local residents to purchase.
Indicator:More diversity in locally available products
Method:Survey of weekly farmers market vendors
Timeline:2020-2021
Long-term Outcome: The general population of the county will develop a link to agriculture within the county. They will become more familiar, and acclimated with the process of production agriculture in the county.
Indicator:Better Communication
Method: One on one conversations
Timeline: 2021-2024
Audience: Farmers Market Consumers and Vendors
Project or Activity: Educational Booth
Content or Curriculum: Plate it up, Ag Literacy Information
Inputs: Volunteers, Agents, Publications
Date: Monthly during 2021 market season
Audience: General Public of Calloway County
Project or Activity: Agriculture based tour
Content or Curriculum: Visiting a diverse section of Agriculture Based businesses and farms within the county
Inputs: Volunteers, Agents, publications, local market administration
Date: 2021
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Welcome to the county brochure
Content or Curriculum: County based stats and information
Inputs: Local Data, Agents.
Date: 2021
Audience: High School aged Youth
Project or Activity: Leadership Tomorrow Ag Day
Content or Curriculum: Tour of local Ag based businesses and farms
Inputs: Agents, teachers, bus, local producers and volunteers
Date: Annually 2021-2024
Audience: Youth
Project/Activity: Ag Day
Content/Curriculum: Natural Resources in Kentucky
Inputs: Volunteers, program assistant, teachers
Date: Annually 2021-2024
Audience: Youth
Project/Activity: 4-H Project Clubs
Content/Curriculum: Geology, Archery, Shotgun, Horse, Livestock, Animal Science, Bee, Robotics, Sewing, Fine Arts, Teen, etc.
Inputs: Volunteers, program assistant, agents
Date: Annually each program year
Audience: Youth
Project/Activity: 4-H Summer Day Camps
Content/Curriculum: Special Interest workshops, Project Days, Short Courses
Inputs: Volunteers, program assistants, agents
Date: Annually each program year
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Local Food Systems
During the 2020 Covid-19 shut down we saw a large interest in individuals desiring to learn to grow food for themselves and their families, as they learned these new techniques several families soon began to ask questions about growing food for sale. In late 2020 a group of agriculture agents in Calloway, Marshall, McCracken, Caldwell, Trigg, Crittenden, and Livingston came together to address a rapidly growing trend of small “homestead plus” farms. We developed a series of “en
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Our first Master Gardener class in Calloway County was in 2015, one of the class participants was a recently retired nurse who claimed to have a "Brown Thumb". Mrs. Betty as she came to be known has developed into one of my most loyal volunteers, however she never felt comfortable teaching or leading a class. This year she decided to give it a try, overcoming her fear of public speaking she lead our hands on pruning sessions. The class has met in 5 different sub groups to do the hands
