Magoffin County CES

Title:

Addressing Water Quality Issues

MAP:

Understanding Water Quality

Agents Involved:

Courtney Jenkins and Lacy May

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Ag Water Quality Program

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Sustainable Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beef

Situation:

Agriculture is a leading contributor to water pollution in Kentucky. Developing and implementing Agriculture Water Quality Plans and Nutrient Management Plans can help farmers stay compliant with state laws, protect water quality, improve farm operations, and maximize profits.

It is also important for youth to understand water quality and the significance of maintaining healthy waterways.

Long-Term Outcomes:

*Reduced environmental impact to water, soil, or air.
*Reduced occurrence of muddy areas on the farm.
*Maximized profits for agricultural producers.
*Reduced environmental impacts of winter feeding areas.

Intermediate Outcomes:

*Producers attempt to protect and improve water quality.
*Improve efficiency of manure handling.
*Producers will develop or update their Ag Water Quality and Nutrient Management Plans.
*Producers will adopt best practices for water quality, nutrient, and/or soil management.
*Producers will evaluate weather and physical conditions before making decisions which could affect water quality and/or the soil.

Initial Outcomes:

*Understand the importance of clean water.
*Increase knowledge of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality.
*Recognize best management practices for soil conservation.
*Identify best management practices for nutrient management.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased understanding of the importance of protecting and improving water quality. 

Indicator: Producers can recognize practices that will allow them to help protect and improve water quality on their operations.

Method: Observations and Informal Surveys

Timeline: Upon completion of an educational program/activity.

Intermediate Outcome: Adoption of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality on the farm. 

Indicator: Producers will develop a plan for implementing best management practices on their farm which will protect and improve water quality (winter feeding/heavy-use areas, stream buffers, etc.) 

Method: Written Surveys & Ag Water Quality Plan Revisions/Updates

Timeline: Ongoing

Long-term Outcome: Reduced environmental impact on water, soil, and air due to implementation of best management practices. 

Indicator: Increased number of producers implementing best management practices on their farm (installing winter feeding/heavy-use areas, stream buffers, etc.)

Method: Written Surveys, Participation in NRCS Funding Opportunities, etc. 

Timeline: Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Agricultural Field Day (Utilizing Winter Feeding/Heavy-Use Areas)

Content or Curriculum: UK CES Publications

Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK CES Specialists, & NRCS

Date: Fall

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Understanding Water Quality 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Water Quality Curriculum

Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK CES Specialists, 4-H Curriculum

Date: Fall/Spring

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Understanding Soil Test Reports (Avoiding Phosphorus when Not Recommended)

Content or Curriculum: UK CES Publications

Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK CES Publications

Date: Fall/Spring