HorticulturePlan of Work

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Mason County CES

Title:
Horticulture
MAP:
Agriculture and Environment
Agents Involved:
Macy Fawns, 4-H Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Master Gardener
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Horticulture, Commercial
Situation:

The 2018 National Gardening Survey found that 77% of American households garden in some way. Other estimates reveal that consumer horticulture and supporting industries contribute nearly $200 billion to the US economy each year and support over 2 million jobs. Recent trends indicate that more and more Americans are growing their own food (35% of households) while interests in ornamental plants remains high, particularly in the area of gardening to support pollinators and other ecological uses of plants. American gardeners will continue to look to Cooperative Extension for specific answers to their gardening questions. The Extension Master Gardener Program equips trained and certified volunteers to assist Extension staff in delivering research-based gardening information to the public. According to the 2017 USDA Agriculture Census, the number of farms and acres for commercial horticulture continues to grow. Consumer preference for affordable, local fresh food can be measured by the 160 farmers markets in 110 counties with over 2,700 vendors. In addition, growers are marketing through community supported agriculture, produce auctions, and direct marketing to restaurants, schools, and institutions.

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

Initial Outcome: Participants will be able to recognize required food safety practices 

Indicator(s): Number of producers who were successfully trained by Extension on food safety (GAP or FSMA)

Method: Observation & Surveys 

Timeline: Spring


Intermediate Outcome: Participants will change their practices to improve sustainability. 

Indicator(s): Number of those indicating an increased awareness of sustainable agriculture practices

Method: Observation and Interviews

Timeline: Spring & Fall


Long-term Outcome: Increase in number of Master Gardener volunteers. 

Indicator(s): Number of master gardeners that have completed certification and were active volunteers in the county during the past year

Method: Observation & surveys 

Timeline: 2023


Initial Outcome: Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems. 

Indicator(s): Number of youth who indicated they are interested in learning more about plant science (Common Measures – SC 2)

Method:  Pre & Post Evaluation

Timeline: spring & fall


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations. 

Indicator(s): Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H natural resource programming

Method:  Pre & Post Evaluation

Timeline: Spring & fall


Long-Term Outcome: Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. 

Indicator(s): Number of youth who have gained an understanding of ecosystems in Kentucky

Method:  Pre & Post Evaluation

Timeline: 2021

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Junior Master Gardener Program 

Content or Curriculum: Junior Master Gardener curriculum, 4-H Gardening Levels A, B, C, D, and Helper’s Guide 

Inputs: 4-H Agent, Horticulture Agent, Cummins Nature Preserve, Master Gardeners 

Date: Late spring 


Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Master Gardener program

Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener curriculum

Inputs: Horticulture Agent, UK specialists, field trips

Date: 2023


Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Mum production 

Content or Curriculum: Field day 

Inputs: Horticulture Agent and UK specialists 

Date: 2021


Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: Wreath and Centerpiece Classes 

Content or Curriculum: Workshop 

Inputs: Horticulture Agent, supplies, volunteers

Date: December 



Success Stories

Mum Field day

Author: Lorin Fawns

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

In 2020 the Buffalo Trace Ag & Horticulture agents offered a class on mum for Farm School for Women. After the program, a local agriculture tourism company contacted the Mason County Extension office, indicating they heard about the mum program and wanted more information to grow mums in 2021. The Mason County Horticulture Agent partnered with a University of Kentucky Extension specialist for Floriculture, Greenhouse Food Crops, and Controlled Environments to offer assistance to the grower t

Full Story

Detention Center High Tunnel Production

Author: Lorin Fawns

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

The Mason County Detention Center was looking for a way to improve mental health and provide healthier food for inmates. The jailer contacted the horticulture agent before the pandemic about building a greenhouse. After discussion, it was determined that a high tunnel would best suit the needs of the project. The horticulture agent provided information on high tunnel production from including how to get started. The horticulture agent worked closely with the jailer as the tunnel was being built

Full Story

Container Gardening & Healthy Eating Program through the Pandemic

Author: Lorin Fawns

Major Program: Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy

Container Gardening and Healthy Eating is a program offered to a low-income area of Mason County. Classes have been provided to families at the community center in years past. Still, due to Covid-19 and space restrictions, it was decided to offer the program virtually with supplies delivered to participants if they lived in the housing areas and supplies were available for pick-up for the general public who participated. The program involved the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

Full Story

Saving trees

Author: Lorin Fawns

Major Program: Pest ID

A client called the office nervous about her tree's declining health. She had a large magnolia tree under stress and was afraid she would lose it. The horticulture agent went to the client's home and determined that the tree was covered in scale (insects); the agent recommended how to eliminate the insects.Three years after the client called about her tree, she called the office and let the agent know the tree was doing well, and it was because of the agent that the tree was alive. The c

Full Story
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