Extension
It Starts With Us
Introduction & expansion of specialty markets and new opportunities for agriculture in Knox County
Furthering Agriculture Diversification
Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer
Beef
Forages
Farm Management
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
With an uncertain economy promising a bleak future for Knox County's farm families, 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.
Increased agricultural profitability for Knox County Farmers
Farmers will utilize new technology and recommended production techniques to increase productivity and profitability. Youths will participate in 4-H Country Ham Project
Farmers will gain knowledge of new technology and practices as related to livestock, forages, tobacco, and horses. They will also gain skills in farm management. Farm families, youth and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.
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 2018-2019
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: 2017-2018
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 year 2017
Audience: Farmers/ Producers
Activity: Farm Visits
Content/Curriculum: Research based information tailored to needs of the producer
Date: Throughout year
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: Throughout year
Activity: Test Plots
Content/Curriculum: Commercial crops and grazing
Date: Summer/Fall 2017
Activity: Knox County Saddle Club
Content/Curriculum: ANR and 4-H publications on equine care and safety
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Youths
Activity:Animal Sciences
Content/Curriculum: 4-H publications on chick incubation/country ham
Date: Throughout year
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Beef
Seeing a need for more education for cattle farmers in the tri-state region, agents from Harlan, Bell and Knox Counties, KY; Lee, Wise, and Scott Counties, VA; and Claiborne and Hancock Counties, TN held the first annual Cumberland Gap Cattle conference.The goal was to address the needs and to update cattle farmers on new federal regulation changes as well as topics of body conditioning and scoring, minerals, disease prevention and management.Of those in attendance, 33 evaluations were retu
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
With the continuing increase of high tunnels production and with the profit potential of tomatoes, making them the produce of choice, along with the intensive practices such as two crops per year coupled with no rotation allowed because of high tunnel construction, uncontrollable soil borne diseases and insects made in ground production impossible. By following Specialists recommendations it was agreed that Soiless Culture was the only choice for a solution. Knox County became the fi
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Logging Training and Professional Education
On February 6, 2018 UK Forestry Extension broadcast a live Logger Web TV Program to 25 counties strategically distributed around the state, from the Webcast studio in the Forestry Extension Office. Assistance from the county agents and supporting staff was critical to the success of this program. Counties opened their offices up, assisted with registration, answering and conveying questions, and much more. By hosting this Logger TV program from our webcast studio in the format that we did, we we
