Extension
It Starts With Us
New opportunities for agriculture in Knox County
Furthering Agriculture Diversification
Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer
Beef
Forages
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Agriculture
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.
- Increased agricultural profitability for Knox County Farmers;
- Youth will be agriculturally literate.
- Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
- Farmers will utilize new technology and recommended production techniques to increase productivity and profitability.
- Youths will complete 4-H Country Ham Project.
- Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.
- Gain knowledge of new technology and practices as related to livestock, forages, tobacco, and horses
- Gain skills in farm management.
- Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship,
- Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.
- Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.
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
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.
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
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
