Crop and Livestock ProductionPlan of Work

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Lewis County CES

Title:
Crop and Livestock Production
MAP:
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Agents Involved:
Philip Konopka, Sherrill Bentley, FCS Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Volunteer Development
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Food Preparation and Preservation
Situation:

Lewis County is home to 676 farms operating on 117,955 acres with the average farm size being 174 acres. The County Extension Council and the Agriculture Advisory Committee identified crop and livestock production as major components of Lewis County agriculture production. To increase profits it is important for farms to be efficient and increase yield as well as diversify. Youth need to recognize the impact that agriculture has on our daily lives as well as agriculture in the commonwealth.  It is also important that farm families are able to save money and add value to their products and utilize food preservation techniques that allow them to do that.


Long-Term Outcomes:



Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Knowledge and skills will be gained in the area of food production.

Method: Self Reporting and Project books

Timeline: Fall 2021 to Fall 2024


Initial Outcome: Producers will increase knowledge on herd management, animal handling and welfare, and early recognition of calving problems and corrective measures.

Indicator: Farmers will become BQCA certified

Method: BQCA test

Timeline:  Fall 2020- Spring 2024


Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Youth will turn in record books and be able to offer reasons during showmanship.

Method: Observation

Timeline: Fall 2021-2024


Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Lewis Countians learn to safely preserve fresh, local food products.

Method:  Observation

Timeline:  Fall 2022


Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Youth Livestock Club participants will explain role of agriculture to 5th graders during Field Day.

Method: Observation

Timeline: Fall 2022


Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator:  There are fewer disqualified preserved items at the county fair due to improper techniques used.

Method: County fair entry data

Timeline: Fall 2022


Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: Profits are sustained or increased during tough economic times.

Method: Agent interviews and number of farms are maintained in the county.

Timeline: Winter 2021


Long-term Outcome:

Indicator:  Profits are obtained by selling canned goods at the Farmers Market and other eligible venues.

Method:  Self reporting and observation

Timeline:  Summer 2021


Long-term Outcome:  Farmers implement new technologies.

Indicator: Farmers adopt the usage of new technologies and fertility management recommendations.

Method:  Testimonials and Observation 

Timeline: Fall 2020-Spring 2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Women Farm Managers

Project or Activity: Farm School for Women

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Curriculum and USDA

Inputs: Ag. Agent time, USDA office time, local farm businesses

Date: Fall 2021


Audience: Youth Livestock participants

Project or Activity: Livestock Projects, feeder calf, hogs, lambs, and goats

Content or Curriculum: 4-H approved core curriculum for livestock

Inputs: 4-H curriculum, club leader volunteer, volunteer time, 4-H agent time, program assistant time, ag. agent time.

Date: Fall 2021


Audience: Lewis County 5th graders

Project or Activity: Youth Field Day

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock Kit and curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent time, Ag. Agent time, FCS Agent time, Program Assistant Time, SNAP assistant time, Lewis County Farm Bureau, Woodmen of the World, Local farmers, Livestock project participants.

Date: Fall 2021


Audience:  Lewis County Citizens

Project or Activity:  Food Preservation workshop and Micro-processing workshop

Content or Curriculum:  Extension Food Preservation curriculum

Inputs:  FCS Agent time, UK Specialist, Preservation equipment and supplies, UK curriculum

Date: Summer 2022


Audience:  Lewis County Farmers

Project or Activity:  County Field Day

Content or Curriculum: UK current research on Agriculture production

Inputs: Extension Agents, UK specialist, Local Farm, Advisory Councils, UK curriculum, RIP's Farm Center, Rose Farm Supply, Southern States Cooperative, Ag Pro Supply, WW Industries

Date: Fall 2022



Success Stories

Farm To Plate

Author: Philip Konopka

Major Program: Local Food Systems

The Lewis County Extension Service 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources programs conducted a Farm to Plate Program for all fifth graders in Lewis County.  Approximately 130 students participated in the program.   The program was designed to teach youth where their food comes from and was held at the Tollesboro Lions Club fairgrounds.  It was sponsored by Lewis County Farm Bureau who paid for the meals and transportation for students to attend.  Rip’s Farm Center pr

Full Story

Farm to Plate Youth Field Day

Author: Glenna Bentley

Major Program: Agriculture

The Lewis County Extension Service 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources programs conducted a Farm to Plate Program for all fifth graders in Lewis County.  Approximately 130 students participated in the program.   The program was designed to teach youth where their food comes from and was held at the Tollesboro Lions Club fairgrounds.  It was sponsored by Lewis County Farm Bureau who paid for the meals and transportation for students to attend.  Rip’s Farm Center pr

Full Story

Commercial Pesticide Applicator CEU Training

Author: Philip Konopka

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

 There are many local businesses in the area who are required to have a commercial pesticide license to do their job. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture requires people who have those licenses to maintain them by receiving continuing education units (CEU’s). CEU’s are category specific with the requirements being 9 general hours and 3 specific hours for a total of 12 hours by the end of a 3-year period. These CEU’s can be obtained by attending classes throughout the ye

Full Story

Fertilizer Academy

Author: Philip Konopka

Major Program: Soil testing

Farm fertility programs have always been an important management program for farming operations. Lewis County takes in between 250 to 300 soil samples per year. This tool allows farmers to dial in their fertility program for each crop that is grown on their operation. By applying a proper amount of fertilizer farmers can ensure what is only needed to grow their specific crops.  The soil test recommendations are research based so that each farmer can apply fertilizer based on their crop need

Full Story

Growing a Garden

Author: Lorin Fawns

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Food prices have increased significantly, making it difficult for families to receive their full serving of fruit and vegetables. The Mason County Extension office offered clients vegetable seeds to grow in their gardens and information about gardening. The program allowed anyone to stop into the office to pick up seeds, information, and an opportunity to meet the horticulture agent to discuss questions. Clients grew vegetable and flower gardens throughout the county; for some, it was their firs

Full Story

Learning to Grow Strawberries

Author: Lorin Fawns

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Eating fresh fruit is a common problem not only among children but adults as well. Only 8% of adults meet the daily fruit intake recommendation. Fresh fruit can be costly and does not keep long-term; many times, fruit can go bad, and with increased prices, it can be difficult to keep fresh fruit on hand.The Mason County Extension Office provided educational classes to the public, including a class at the community center at the housing authority to ensure clients who did not have means of transp

Full Story
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