New opportunities for agriculture in Knox CountyPlan of Work

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Knox County CES

Title:
New opportunities for agriculture in Knox County
MAP:
Furthering Agriculture Diversification
Agents Involved:
Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture
Situation:

Kentucky has much to offer in the way of agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), over 50% (12.9 million acres) is farmland (NASS, 2019). Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top five agricultural commodities (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include broilers, all other animals and products, soybeans, corn, and cattle and calves. 

With an uncertain economy, the need for agriculture diversification and niche production is at an all time high. Through educational workshops and hands-on farm visits, Knox County Extension will be able to help local farm families determine the best commodities to be successful. The ANR program council identified the need for educational programs that educate them on new markets, production techniques and ways to increase farm revenue but also the need for youth to be educated on agriculture. As a result, the ANR & 4-H programs will team to strive to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Knox County through positive youth development programs on agriculture & natural resources.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Farmers will increase AG profitability

Indicator: Farmers will expand from traditional methods/crops to diversifying crops/methods to increase profit

Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.

Timeline: Throughout year  


Intermediate Outcome: Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.

Indicator: Individuals will successfully raise and/or show animals as part of 4-H and/or Ag Extension Programs.

Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.

Timeline: Throughout program plan year


Initial Outcome: Farmers will gain and utilize new knowledge and skills that will help them increase agricultural profitability.

Indicator:Farmers will attend local workshops and will put new information, methods and techniques into practice.

Method: Testimonials; observation.

Timeline: Throughout program plan


Outcome: Youth will plan & implement an agricultural project

Indicator: Youth will participate in an agricultural project (e.g, rabbit club, country ham project, gardening)

Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey Tool

Timeline: Fall 2021/Spring 2022

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers/ Producers

Activity: Farm Visits

Content/Curriculum: Research based information tailored to needs of the producer

Date: Throughout year 2021-2022


Activity: Ag Producer Meetings

Content/Curriculum: Information on production and management of livestock, forages and commercial crops. Information on promotion and advancement of agri-tourism opportunities.

Date:  Spring 2022


Activity: Test Plots

Content/Curriculum: Commercial crops and grazing

Date: Summer/Fall 2021


Audience: Youths

Activity Agircultural based lessons/club lessons/special projects

Content/Curriculum: 4-H publications on chick incubation / country ham / Rabbit curricula / gardening

Date: Throughout school year


Audience: Youth

Activity: Gardening kits

Content / Curriculum: 4-H curriculum and NEP curriculum

Date: Summer


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: News and Views

Content or Curriculum: ANR curriculum on area needed (horticulture, spraying, feeding)

Inputs: agent, assistant

Date: monthly




**Actitvies may be completed in an online/virtual experience (if needed) or in the tradition in-person setting.





Success Stories

Knox County Cattleman

Author: Robert Kirby

Major Program: Beef

The Knox County Cattleman's had their first meeting following Covid-19 on September 20, 2021. Dr. Ray Smith presented an educational program on Fall and Spring options for reseeding pastures and hay fields. On November 15, Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler presented a Winter feeding program giving farmers options to use commodity feeds to cut production costs. On March 21, 2022 a recorded zoom meeting was shown, giving the advantages of crossbreeding. Through verbal evaluations 20% of the groups responded

Full Story

Farmer's Market

Author: Robert Kirby

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

By following the CDC, KDA and local health department guidelines, the Knox County Farmer's Market started their 9th successful year. The Knox County Farmer's Market outdoor season began Thursday, April 21 through November 11, 2021. On average during peak season we had roughly 300 customers per week. During the beginning and end of the season, Knox Farmer's Market averaged 75-100 customers a week. Individual vendor revenues ranged from $100 to $1,500 per week. Estimated market revenue

Full Story
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