Agricultural Production 2Plan of Work

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Shelby County CES

Title:
Agricultural Production 2
MAP:
Production, Marketing & Profitability
Agents Involved:
Corinne Belton, Regina Browning, Candice Hollingsworth, Skye Drane (Hort Tech)
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Horticulture, Commercial
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Small Farm Diversification
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture
Situation:

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 agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth. Shelby Countians are faced with maintaining a balance between industrial development, community growth and preserving the rural landscape. In order to increase sustainability and profitability, producers must take advantage of local markets as well as our close proximity to the large population centers of Lexington and Louisville. Diversification of agriculture operations is key to long-term viability. Producers must engage in practices that ensure the preservation and availability of natural resources for future generations.

In 2018 the National Gardening Survey indicated 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 ornamentals remains high, particularly in the area of gardening to support pollinators and other ecological uses of plants. American gardens 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 Ag 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:

*Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.

*Youth will be agriculturally literate.

*Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life-skill development through 4-H.

*Youth will be advocates for agriculture and health and sustainable food systems.

*Long term viability

*Producers save money by making informed selection decisions

*Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

*Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

*Increased sales/ profits, reduced expenses, or reduced risk 

* Maintained or expanded access to local food (i.e. farmers markets) 

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

*Volunteer for community horticulture projects

Intermediate Outcomes:

*Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.

*Youth will adopt and practice skills that apply to employability

*Youth can explain the role of agriculture to others in their daily lives.

*Youth will set a goal and accomplish it

*Youth can practice entrepreneurial skills related to agriculture and food systems.

*Growers will establish new markets 

*Growers will create or update online presence and marketing 

*Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds

*Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations

*Use Extension diagnostic services 

*Be active in gardening

*Diversify plant varieties 

*Add native plants to landscaping 

*Use Integrated Pest Management practices

Initial Outcomes:

*Youth will gain knowledge and skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.

*Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.

*Youth will develop valuable life skills including decision making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service.

 *Increase understanding of production regulations

*Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production

 Growers will increase knowledge about :  Crop diversification and growing practices/methods to extend season  

*Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests

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

*Recognize the value of diagnostic testing

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth and adults increase KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices

Indicator: Increased KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices

Method: Post-training evaluations, observation

Timeline: Annually


Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults implement production management practices such as: evaluation, variety selection, pesticide management, marketing

Indicator: Improved management practices in evaluation, variety selection, pesticide management, marketing

Method: Self-reporting, observation

Timeline: Yearly


Long-term Outcome: Increased agriculture production and profitability

Indicator: Higher production and increased profits

Method: Self-reporting, observation

Timeline: Year-to-year over the next decade

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-H Youth

Project or Activity: Livestock Club Meetings

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum

Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders

Date: monthly


Audience: 4-H Youth

Project or Activity: Dairy Club Meetings

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum

Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders

Date: monthly


Audience: 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Horse Club Meetings

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Horse Curriculum

Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders

Date: monthly


Audience: 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Rabbit and Poultry Club meetings

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Curriculum

Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders

Date: monthly


Audience: 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Livestock, Dairy and Horse Judging

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum

Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders, local farms

Date: March - June 2023


Audience: 4-H Members and Adults

Project or Activity: Country Ham Project

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Country Ham Curriculum

Inputs: curriculum, curing supplies, ham house

Date: January - August 2023


Audience: 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Livestock Skillathon

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum

Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders, volunteer instructors

Date: September 2022-February 2023


 

Audience: Home Gardeners

Project or Activity: Basics of fruit and vegetable production

Content or Curriculum: Classes on basic production

Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents, horticulture technician

Date: Winter 2022-2023


Audience: Home Gardeners

Project or Activity: Produce Best Practices Training (PBPT)

Content or Curriculum: PBPT Guidelines

Inputs: PBPT Powerpoint, KDA information

Date: Year Round


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Classes

Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications

Inputs: MG curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists, horticulture technician

Date: Spring 2023


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Garden Tours

Content or Curriculum: MG Curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications

Inputs: MG Curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists, horticulture technician

Date: As scheduled


Audience: Fruit Tree Owners

Project or Activity: Fruit Tree Pruning Demonstration

Content or Curriculum: MG curriculum, UK publications

Inputs: UK publications, horticulture technician

Date: February 2023


Audience: Small Farmers

Project or Activity: Diversifying Farming Operations

Content or Curriculum: small farm, diversification, marketing opportunities

Inputs: UK publications, agents, specialists

Date: Winter 22-23


 



Success Stories

Small Acreage Farming Series

Author: Corinne Belton

Major Program: Small Farm Management

As in other communities, Shelby County is seeing a trend toward land ownership of small acreage by families with new or renewed interest in local foods, homegrown food production and small farming. The county has seen steady growth in land ownership in the 1-49 acre range with landowners being a mix of retirees, new-to-farming, and farmers looking to scale-back or diversify their operations away from traditional crops and livestock.  According to the 2017 Census of agriculture, 472 farms re

Full Story

Small Acreage Farming (2)

Author: Corinne Belton

Major Program: Small Farm Management

As in other communities, Shelby County is seeing a renewed interest in local foods, homegrown food production and small farming. The county has seen steady growth in land ownership in the 1-49 acre range with landowners being a mix of retirees, new-to-farming, and farmers looking to scale-back or diversify their operations away from traditional crops and livestock.  630 farms in Shelby County had a new/beginning principle producer according to the 2017 ag census.  Farms reporting sales

Full Story
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