Extension
It Starts With Us
Protecting Green County's Environment
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Ricky Arnett
Soil testing
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Chemical Management
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Green River’s bio-reserve has been named the third most diverse system in the United States. Several different acres of land that surround both the Green River and its tributaries has been listed by the United States Department of Agriculture as a high priority for conservation, with much of this being housed in Green County. The Green County Extension Council has stated that protecting the environment should be a top priority. The youth advisory council has requested more training in utilizing technology in making environmental decisions. Both adults and youth need to be educated to help protect Green County’s valuable land and water resources from erosion, pollution, and contamination.
Agriculture producers, youth, and local citizens will practice, sound and safe environmental practices to help protect the natural resources and the environment. Producers will also utilize government programs to maximize economic benefit for their operations.
Homeowners and local businesses will practice appropriate waste disposal and recycling. Producers will utilize the newest technologies in no-till production to reduce the amount of erosion in fields. Citizens will also understand the advantages of grass waterways, creating buffer zones, and rotating both pastures with livestock and crops with grain production. Youth will move from an isolationist view to a wider approach where their choices impact their community and those beyond through project involvement.
Individuals of the community will understand the impact poor decisions can have on the environment and its sustainability. People will understand the benefits of erosion control. Youth will how various sectors of the 4-H natural resource projects are connected like Forestry, Geology, Entomology, etc.
Initial Outcome: Increase of Environmental Education
Indicator: Program Participation
Method: Survey & Analysis
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Increasing Environmental Practices
Indicator: Participation in NRCS Programs
Method: Survey & Analysis
Timeline: Annually
Long-term Outcome: More Stable Environment in Our Rivers and Streams
Indicator: Participation in NRCS Programs
Method: Survey & Analysis
Timeline: Annually
Audience: Dairy Producers
Project or Activity: Center of KY Dairy Short Course
Content or Curriculum: Environmental Stewardship
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, UK Publications
Date: Winter 2021/22
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Certification
Content or Curriculum: KY Pesticide Safety Training Program
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, UK Publications
Date: Ongoing
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Ag Water Quality Program
Content or Curriculum: Update on Research and Regulations
Inputs: Agents, NRCS, Specialists
Date: Fall 2021
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Noxious Weed Pesticide Program
Content or Curriculum: Thistle Spraying Demonstrations
Inputs: Agent, KY Dept. of Ag, UK Publications
Date: Spring 2022
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Watershed Protection
Content or Curriculum: Using Native Grasses to Protect Watershed
Inputs: Agent, Specialists, UK Publications, NRCS, Fish and Wildlife
Date: Spring 2020 - ongoing
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Water Sample Testing
Content or Curriculum: Analysis of Water Quality
Inputs: Agent, Staff, Water's Lab, UK Publications
Date: Ongoing
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Poultry Litter Program
Content or Curriculum: Controlling levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Inputs: Agent, Specialists, UK Publications
Date: Fall 2021
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Forages
In 2019 the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Natural Resource Conservation Service contacted me about partnering in a warm season grass project. They had maped out certain watersheds in Green County as focus points to start. This project was to intice farmers to use warm season grasses for pasture and hay. We started with one water shed located in the North East corner of the county.
