Improved Management Practices, Animal Science, Grain & Forage Crops Plan of Work

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Meade County CES

Title:
Improved Management Practices, Animal Science, Grain & Forage Crops
MAP:
Sustainable Agriculture and Environment
Agents Involved:
Mills, Reed
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Grains
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture
Situation:

With the decline in available land for farming and steep increases in production costs, farmers in the county need to become more efficient producers. Adding value to the existing commodities grown or adding value to the existing operation by diversifying is a major means of increasing net farm profit. Extension clientele realize new sources of farm income need to be explored because of their decreased revenues in traditional agriculture production crops.


Due to urbanization and consumers’ demands, farmers need to be more conscientious of their practices. This along with environmental concerns have also created a necessity for the average homeowner to be more diligent in how he/she manage his/her lawn and garden


Kentucky Ag Stats show that Meade County ranks in the top third in production of commodities and livestock. However, income generated falls to a much lower ranking. This indicates that optimizing farming practices by improving management skills is needed to improve net profits.


Kentucky Ag Stats has shown a decline in the number of farms in the county. However, in the past 10 years there has been an increase in gross sales of grain and livestock. The trend has been and should continue to be more efficient with productions which should lead to higher profits.


While Kentucky’s population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore, the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact that agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the commonwealth.


Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky.  The National Agriculture Literacy Logic Model defines an agriculturally literate person as one “…who understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life” (Spielmaker et al., 2014, p. 2). One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life.


Today’s youth spend less time outdoors than previous generations (Clemonts, 2004; Karsten, 2005; Carver et al., 2008) and are likely able to identify a Pokémon character more easily than a native plant or animal (Balmford et al., 2002).  Kentucky Statute (KRS 157.905) defines environmental education as “…an education process dealing with the interrelationships among the natural world and its man-made surroundings; is experience-based; interdisciplinary in its approach; and is a continuous life-long process that provides the citizenry with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to individually and collectively encourage positive actions for achieving and maintaining a sustainable balance between man and the environment” (Kentucky Legislative Research Committee, 2020, p.1). Kentucky 4-H provides environmental education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation for natural resources and environmental sciences.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:

Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship

Evaluation:

Outcomes for AG & NR Programming


Long-Term Outcome: Meade County Farmers will increase profits from grain and beef cattle.

Indicator: Agricultural statistical farm income numbers, decrease input cost

Method: Individual consultations

Timeline: May 2021 - February 2025


Long-Term Outcome: Producer will improve hay use efficiency

Indicator: Reduction in hay fed

Method: Meetings and or farm demonstrations

Timeline: Fall 2020-March 2022


Intermediate Outcome: Increase Pounds of Feeder Calves Sold

Indicator: Farm Records

Method: Trainings and on farm trials

Timeline: Spring 2021-2025


Initial Outcome: More genetically suited bulls will be used

Indicator: Evaluation of Bull registration papers

Method: Meetings and field days

Timeline: February 2021-Febraury 2022


Initial Outcome: Producers will make variety selections based on county trial results.

Indicator: Seed Dealers sales

Method: Seed dealer visits

Timeline: November 2020 - November 2024


Intermediate Outcome: More food producers will learn to grow, harvest, and market fruits and vegetables.

Indicator: number of people attending horticulture meetings.

Method: Horticulture presentations and demonstrations

Timeline:  March 2021-March 2025

Outcomes for 4-H Programming 


Outcomes for 4-H Youth Development Programming


Long Term Outcome:  Youth will be agriculturally literate

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

Method: 4-H Animal Project Book

Timeline: September 2021 - June 2022


Long Term Outcome: Youth will demonstrate an understanding of the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.

Indicator: Total number of youth who reflect on their understanding of the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.

Method: 4-H Common Measures Evaluation tool

Timeline: September 2021 - May 2022


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

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

Indicators: Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H agriculture programming (PRACTICE)

Method: 4-H Animal Project Record Book

Timeline: September 2021 - June 2022


Initial Outcome: You will   develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.

Indicator: The number of youth that keep production, performance or financial records on their 4-H animal science projects.

Method: 4-H Animal Project Record Book

Timeline: September 2021 - June 2022


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

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

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline: September 2021 – June 2022

Intermediate Outcome: Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect natural resources.

Indicator: Number of youth who used the skills and knowledge learned in 4-H to conserve natural resources (PRACTICE)

Method:  4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline: September 2021 – June 2022


Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content.

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

Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline: September 2021 – June 2022


Initial Outcome: Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship.

Indicator: Number of youth who have gained an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship (KOSA)

Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey

Timeline: September 2021 – June 2022

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Grain and Beef Producers, Agribusinesses

Project or Activity: Ag Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Data collection and results

Inputs: collaboration with Conservation District, Agribusinesses, Meade County Young Farmers, Meade County Cattlemen's Association, Meade County Homemakers, Lincoln trail Antique Tractor Club, University of KY Extension Specialists, farm machinery, producers cooperation with time, machinery, and land, seed donations.

Timeline:   August 2022, 2024


Audience: Grain and Beef Producers, Agribusinesses

Project or Activity: Winter meetings

Content or Curriculum: Data collection and results

Inputs: University of KY Extension Specialists, Published trials and test plot results.

Timeline: November – March


Audience: Beef Producers/Agribusiness dealers/Community leaders

Project or Activity: Beef and Forage Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Field Plots and Trials

Inputs: UK Beef Specialists, ANR agent, local beef producers

Timeline:  Fall 2021-2025


Audience: Produce Growers

Activity: Production Meeting

Content or Curriculum: Best Management Practices for Producers

Inputs: Publications and Research

Timeline: Spring 2021-2023


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity:  On Farm Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: Beef IRM Plan

Inputs: Beef Producers, Volunteers, UK Beef Specialists, Meade County Cattleman's Assoc.

Timeline:    Winter 2021-2025


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club Meetings (Large Animal: Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep)

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for animal science projects and KY Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Manuals and Kits, Livestock Discovery CD, Meats & Livestock Materials & Handouts CD

Inputs: 4-H Livestock/Horse Certified Volunteers, parents, extension staff, extension specialist, local animal science supporters

Timeline: Monthly, September 2021 - June 2022


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club (Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep) Mandatory Meeting & Skill-a-thon Event

Content or Curriculum: Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit; Beef Resource Handbook; Beef Project and Record Book; Beef, Sheep, Swine Selection Evaluation; Goat Project and Record Book; Goat Resource Book; Sheep Resource Handbook; Market Lamb Project and Record Book; Sheep Breeding Project and Record Book; Swine Resource Handbook; Market Hog Project and Record Book; Swine Breeding Project and Record Book Meade County 4-H/FFA/Fair Auction Committee and KY KDA Shows will establish paperwork for mandatory meeting.

Inputs: 4-H Livestock/Certified Volunteers, extension staff, parents

Timeline: Spring 2022


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club (Horse) 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Project Horse Record Book; Horse Achievement Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4; Horse Safety Guidelines; Horse Smarts: Equine Reference and Youth Activity Guide; Horse Volunteer Certification Resource Kit 

Inputs: 4-H Horse Certified Volunteers, extension staff, parents

Timeline: September 2021 - June 2022


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club (Small Animal: Rabbit, Poultry, Dog) 

Content or Curriculum: Rabbit: : 4-H Rabbit 1, 2, 3, and Helper’s Guide; Rabbit Learning Lab Kit, Poultry: Poultry Project and Record Book, Poultry Learning Lab Kit; Dog: 4-H Dog 1, 2, 3, and Helper’s Guide; Dog Project and Record Book; Dog Resource Handbook; Dog Learning Lab Kit

Inputs: Approved/Certified Volunteers, extension staff, parents

Timeline: September 2021 - June 2022


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science (Country Ham Project)

Content or Curriculum: How to Make a Country Ham Publication; How to Cure a Country Ham Video

Inputs: Certified Volunteers, extension staff, parents

Timeline: November 2021 - June 2022


Audience:  Youth & Families

Project or Activity:  4-H Horticulture Program

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

Inputs:   Volunteers, parents, extension staff, extension specialists, local horticulture growers or businesses

Timeline:   September 2021 - August 2022


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Embryology Program

Content or Curriculum: ChickQuest: A Classroom Journey through the Life Cycle; ChickQuest Logbook; Hatching with my “Peeps” Embryology Countdown Calendar

Inputs: school personnel, extension agent, local volunteers

Timeline: Spring 2022


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Forestry Projects

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Forestry Project Introducing Yourself to Trees; Kentucky’s Useful Forests; Kentucky 4-H Forestry Project Planting Trees; Project Learning Tree Environmental Education Guide

Inputs: school personnel, extension agent, local volunteers

Timeline: Spring - Summer 2022


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Entomology Projects

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Bee Ambassador Leader’s Guide; 4-H Teaming with Insects Levels 1, 2, 3, and Facilitator’s Guide; 4-H Entomology State Fair Resources

Inputs: school personnel, extension agent, local volunteers

Timeline: September 2021 – June 2022


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-HTeen Environmental Camp (overight)

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Backyards and Beyond Club Leader Curriculum, Organizational Guide and Toolkit, and Explorers’ Journal; 4-H Exploring Your Environment Series, State Fair Resources

Inputs: school personnel, extension agent, local volunteers, WKY 4-H Camp staff

Timeline: October 2021



Success Stories

Stoker operation Development

Author: Andy Mills

Major Program: Beef

With the cattle market so volatile, especially for the cow calf operators, producers are looking to diversify their operation. One producer in the county is wanting to start a stocker operations. This will allow him to background his feeder calves and longer when the market is low. It will also allow to buy other feed calves and try to add value to them while feeding them over a four to six month period. This ANR agent has made several farm visits to this operation bringing in University of Kent

Full Story

Ag Field Day

Author: Andy Mills

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

The purpose of the Meade County Ag Field Day is to educate farmers and landowners on improved agricultural practices that are economical and safe to man as well as the environment.  Mead County has a tradition of holding a field day on a local farm and producers expect the Extension Office to implement it. For many years now the Meade County Extension Office collaborates with the Meade County Conservation District and the Natural Resource and Conservation Service to plan and host an Ag Fiel

Full Story

Youth Beef Show at KY State Fair

Author: Andy Mills

Major Program: Agriculture

For 30 years this ANR agent has been working the state fair youth beef show as the superintendent for the last 17. For many youths, showing at the state fair marks the end of their beef project. One intent of the youth beef project is to encourage youth to produce cattle in their adult lives. Therefore, to help foster this desire, the experiences the youth have during their project need to be real but also, hopefully, positive. As the superintendent of the show, this ANR agent can try to make su

Full Story
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