Sustainable AgriculturePlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Woodford County CES

Title:
Sustainable Agriculture
MAP:
Agricultural and Environmental
Agents Involved:
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Master Gardener
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Beef
Situation:

Farms are an essential and diverse part of Kentucky’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year across the State. In Woodford County alone, agriculture and the businesses that support it are responsible for one out of three jobs and $565 million in annual revenue.  The Extension Service continues to work toward a strong agricultural community and local food system.  Educational programs must holistically target farm viability by teaching sustainable production practices including enhancing soil quality and health, economic profitability, and natural resource conservation to ensure the longevity of farms and landscapes within the community. In addition, agricultural awareness in the community must be addressed through educational programs about where and how food and other agricultural products are produced. 




Long-Term Outcomes:

Preservation and improvement of financial health of farms in the community.

Increased interest in agriculture and horticulture production.

Homeowners will save more money on home landscape.

Increased diversification of crops produced in Woodford county.



Intermediate Outcomes:

Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.

Initial Outcomes:

Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve the well-being of their farms, gardens and landscapes.

Increased interest in local foods




Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve natural resources on their farms.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Personal Interviews

Timeline: Yearly


Intermediate Outcome: Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Site visits, personal interviews

Timeline: Yearly


Long-Term Outcome: Enhancement of economic and ecological sustainability for farmers and homeowners within the community.

Indicator: Ag Census, Soil test reports

Method: National Ag Statistics Service, U.K. Regulatory Services

Timeline: Yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers/Landowners

Project or Activity: Educational Programs, Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Sustainable farm management and agricultural production.

Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford County Beef Cattle Association, Farmer Cooperators

Date: Yearly


Audience: Homeowners/Farmers/Landowners

Project or Activity: Soil Testing Service

Content or Curriculum: Soil testing for residents to promote sustainable management decisions

Inputs: Agent Time

Date: Yearly


Audience: Homeowners/Farmers

Project or Activity: Horticulture Educational Programs/Events/Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Sustainable horticultural practices for farms, home gardens, and landscapes.

Inputs: Agent Time, Specialist Time, CES publications

Date: January - December


Audience: Woodford County Residents

Project or Activity: Diagnostic Services and Recommendations

Content: UK Extension Resources

Inputs: ANR and HORT agents, UK Extension Specialists and Resources

Date: On-going Year round


Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families, Producers

Project or Activity: Local Foods Directory, Farm to Table Dinner

Content or Curriculum: Commercial Horticulture and Marketing to Promote Local Foods

Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant's time

Date: Annually



Audience: Youth

Project or Curriculum: Plant Camp, Junior Master Gardener 

Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, Specialists, local farmers, CES publications

Date: Yearly


Audience: Woodford County Residents

Project or Curriculum: Community Gardens

Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, local community members, CES publications

Date: Yearly


Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families, Producers

Project or Activity: Beginning Farmer Program

Content or Curriculum: Educational program

Inputs: Farmer cooperators, Agent/Program Assistant's time, , Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Woodford County Conservation District, Farm Service Agency, UK Specialists

Date: Every other year


Audience: Homeowners/Landowners

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Training

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum

Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, CES Publications

Date: Every other year




Success Stories

Funding Resources for Farmers Virtual Workshop

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Funding resources for farmers are often crucial to starting a new farm business and even sustaining an existing one. The Woodford County Extension Service receives many inquiries from clientele asking about grants, loans, and cost share opportunities to help offset the costs of either starting their farm business or expanding, sustaining, and/or diversifying their current operation. In response to this, the Woodford County Extension Service partnered with the Woodford County Conservation Distric

Full Story

Everyday Gardener Webinar Series reaches audiences across Central Kentucky

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Continuing efforts to meet the public desire for horticultural educational classes in the ever-changing climate of the post pandemic world, horticulture agents in 7 counties of Central Region collaborated in the Fall of 2021 to offer the Everyday Gardener Webinar Series once again. The series, taught by agents and specialist, provided educational classes related to horticulture under the fields of: Insects: The Good , the Bad and the Ugly, Wildlife and Woodlands, and Season to Season Horticultur

Full Story

Living on a Few Acres Series

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Woodford County is becoming more urbanized, and the Horticulture and Agriculture Extension Agents get more questions from residents with small acreage who are considering what enterprise may be available to help supplement their income in the future. In response to this need, the Agriculture and Horticulture Agent developed a four-week series entitled ‘Living on a Few Acres’. The series was held at the Woodford County Extension Office. It opened with a session called “Where Do

Full Story

Living on a Few Acres

Author: T. Adam Probst

Major Program: Small Farm Management

Woodford County is becoming more urbanized, and the Horticulture and Agriculture Extension Agents get more questions from residents with small acreage who are considering what enterprise may be available to help supplement their income in the future. In response to this need, the Agriculture and Horticulture Agent developed a four-week series entitled ‘Living on a Few Acres’. The series was held at the Woodford County Extension Office. It opened with a session called “Where Do

Full Story

Equine Farm & Facilities Expo

Author: T. Adam Probst

Major Program: Equine

In order to help equine producers be efficient and profitable, Central Kentucky County Extension Agents for Agriculture & Natural Resources collaborated with Ag Equine Programs to offer the Equine Farm and Facilities Expo. The assistance of long-time business community sponsors allowed producers to see what the latest offerings are in farm machinery, equine nutrition products, and numerous other necessities for equine operations. Just like in years past, the expo included discussions an

Full Story
Back to Plans for the County