Ag Stewardship, Small FarmsPlan of Work

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Russell County CES

Title:
Ag Stewardship, Small Farms
MAP:
Improving Farm Management
Agents Involved:
ANR, KSU Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Substance Use and Mental Health - ANR
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Small Farm Diversification
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Soil testing
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Forages
Situation:

Land-use decisions are driving more acres from forage production into row crops as grain crops have become the most profitable alternative to landowners. Environmental issues and limited feed production for livestock are concerns for all Russell County residents. Fragile soils are now exposed to soil erosion and degradation of physical properties that lead to low productivity.  

 

Livestock producers are reliant upon abundant hay and pasture bases to feed large herds of animals. Without increased forage yields on fewer acres, livestock numbers will plummet as feed costs escalate.  

 

Fruit and vegetable production is becoming more and more popular in the county. With NRCS offering grants for high tunnels, the number of those structures is increasing year to year.  

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

-Marginal farmland returns to semi-permanent grassland and forage legumes are a part of every paddock.  

-Adequate feed production allows livestock producers to maintain or expand numbers.  

-Grain farmers obtain economical yields by seeding cover crops and releasing control of marginal land. 

-Increase sales of fruit and vegetables at local markets (direct sales to chains – Kroger).  

-Producers follow recommendations on soil samples to reduce excess fertilizer application and reduce amount of runoff. 

-Minimize environmental impact by following recommended use of pesticides, herbicides, and/or fertilizers 

- Increase or maintain access of locally produced foods based on sales and/or % or redemption of alternate payment programs  

-Increased sales or profits and/or reduced risk of selling food  

-Increased the amount and/or variety of locally grown or processed foods 

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production Implementation of on-farm demonstrations 

-Be active in gardening 

-Sell locally grown and/or processed foods 

INITIAL OUTCOMES 

Initial Outcomes:

-Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses 

-Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices.  

-Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species 

-Increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in soil health, water conservation, and chemical use 

-Recognize required food safety practices 

Evaluation:

Outcome: Better management practices adopted in grain, high tunnel, & fruit & vegetable production systems. 

Indicator: Compare changes in production prior to and after meetings.  

Method: Farm Visits  

Timeline: Yearly 

 

Outcome: Evaluate the changes in management practices from forage related class participants.  

Indicator: Note changes in participants adopted from attendance in class.  

Method: Farm visits to see changes in practices 

Timeline: 2x year 

 

Outcome: Smooth transition of farming operations from generation to generation, etc.  

Indicator: Changes in recording keeping, budgeting, etc.  

Method: Follow-up visits and evaluations.  

Timeline: Yearly 

 

Outcome: Recognizes the importance of all steps in producing your own food.  

Indicator: Demonstrates the importance during the growing season.  

Method: Visual evaluation.  

Timeline: Growing Season 

Learning Opportunities:

Overall Audience: Adults

 

Main Audience: Grain Producers (soybean, corn, & wheat)

Activity: Farm Tour/Safety Training

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics  

Date: Early Spring

 

Main Audience: Farmers

Activity: Transitioning a Farm

Content or Curriculum: Budgeting, Loans, Records, etc.  

Date: (every other year)

 

Main Audience: Horticulture Producers

Activity: Production Systems

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Late Winter & Early Fall

 

 

 

 

Main Audience: Fruit Tree Producers

Activity: Pruning & Grafting Workshop

Content or Curriculum: How To’s & Hands-On

Date: Early Spring odd years

 

Main Audience: Fruit & Vegetable Producers

Activity: Farmers’ Market Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Spring, Fall, & Winter

 

Main Audience: Farmers & Gardeners

Activity: Soil Testing

Content or Curriculum: UK Soil Lab

Date: Mainly Spring, but throughout the year

 

Main Audience: Community Members

Activity: Community Garden

Content or Curriculum: Seeding, Planting, Harvesting, & Preparing

Date: Spring – Fall

 

Main Audience: Producers

Activity: CAIP Trainings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: As Needed

 

Main Audience: Bee Keepers

Activity: Educational Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Spring, Fall, and Winter

 

Main Audience: All Producers

Activity: Soil Testing

Content or Curriculum: Fertilizer Recommendations

Date: All year

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