Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture PracticesPlan of Work

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Madison County CES

Title:
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
MAP:
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Agents Involved:
Amanda Sears, Brandon Sears
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Horticulture, Commercial
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Forages
Situation:

The Madison County Agriculture Economy has undergone significant changes in recent years. As a result farmers are seeking new opportunities to generate on farm income.

Local leadership including Madison County agriculture and horticulture councils as well as local agricultural organizations have identified a need to improve agriculture productivity and assist beginning farmers. Producers need to implement best management practices that will promote profitable operations while responsibly utilizing natural resources. (Madison County Agricultural Development Council Comprehensive Plan, 2020)

Long-Term Outcomes:

Vegetable and Fruit producers will decrease the amount of chemicals used on farm.

Less chemical use on lawns.

Residents will not have to replace trees and shrubs as often.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Vegetable and Fruit producers will apply IPM principles to their farming practice. 

Lawns will be healthier and less problematic.

Trees and shrubs will show less problems related to environmental stresses.

Initial Outcomes:

Vegetable and Fruit producers will learn IMP (integrated pest management).

Residents will learn how to manage their lawns.

Residents will learn how to care for trees and shrubs.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Livestock producers will increase efficiency through utilization of extended grazing, reduced feed costs, better reproductive management.

Indicator: Percentage increase in value added sales such as CPH-45 and Bred Heifer Sales. Increased utilization of estrus synchronization products. Adoption of alternative forage systems such as summer annual forages, extended grazing and native warm season grasses.

Method: Surveys and evaluations of workshops, sales and programs

Timeline: After conclusion of event

Outcome: Producers will utilize the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service to make research based decisions.

Indicator: Increased number of farmers and producers use the diagnostic services of the extension office.

Method: Keep records of the number of producers who use the diagnostic services at the extension service

Timeline: year round

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Madison County Residents     

Activity: Classes about gardening (vegetable and fruit)

Content: UK, other land grant institutions

Input: UK, other land grant institutions

Date: Throughout year


Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Articles, classes about tree and shrub care

Content: UK, other land grant institutions

Input: UK, other land grant institutions

Date: Throughout year


Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Articles, classes about lawn care

Content: UK, other land grant institutions

Input: UK, other land grant institutions

Date: Throughout year


Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Diagnostic Services included but limited to soil samples, plant diseases and identification, insect identification, manure and water samples, livestock feed testing, hay testing

Content: UK Extension Resources

Input: ANR and Hort agent, UK Extension Specialists, Diagnostic Labs and Resources

Date: Throughout year


Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: PATIM training and certification

Content: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent

Input: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent

Date: February, March or April


Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Extension Forestry Webinars, social media education, articles

Content: Managing woodlands, invasive plants and insect control, income and recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat improvement

Inputs: UK Extension Forestry, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Association of Consulting Foresters and Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association



Success Stories

AppHarvest

Author: Brandon Darst

Major Program: Agriculture

AppHarvest

According to Zareba's article titled Why is Education on Agriculture Important, "By teaching agriculture at a young age, kids can start recognizing how it impacts the world around them and help them learn other important aspects about life. It also explores the significant importance of how agriculture affects the world, how agriculture is interdependent with other significant businesses that make up the economic and social structure, and how it meets the needs of modern-society."

Full Story

Madison County YAIP 2021-2022

Author: Brandon Sears

Major Program: Agriculture

The involvement of youth in agriculture is vital to the existence and future growth of our industry. Many that want to experience agriculture do not have funds to get started with the purchase of plants, equipment, livestock or facilities. Local leaders serving on the Madison County Ag Development Council recognized this need and have allocated $30,000 of county tobacco settlement funds to a program offered through the KY Office of Ag Policy called Youth Agriculture Incentives Program (YAIP).Thi

Full Story

SARE Fellowship

Author: Amanda Sears

Major Program: Local Food Systems

SARE Fellowship

The Madison County Horticulture Agent took part in the SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research Education) Fellows Program in 2018 and 2019. That program allowed her to travel to different areas of the country to study farm sustainability. The capstone to the SARE Fellows program is that participants must lead a seminar and farm tour at the National Association of County Agriculture Agents annual meeting. Due to COVID, the Agent was not able to teach the seminar until the summer of 2022.The goal o

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Seed Swap

Author: Amanda Sears

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Seed Swap

Seed SwapIn spring of 2023, the Madison County Horticulture Agent planned a seed swap. Prior to COVID, it had been an annual event.The majority of participants (over 65%) were able to bring seeds to share. The event was open to everyone, regardless of whether they were able to bring seeds to share or not. Packets of seeds were donated from a local store and so there were plenty for everyone to take home. Reasons for wanting to attend the swap varied among participants. Most wanted to become

Full Story

The Buisness of Farming

Author: Amanda Sears

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

The Buisness of Farming

Two common questions asked are, “I own land, what can I do with it?” and “I want to farm, how do I get started?” The answers to these questions are complicated and can vary for every person, farm and situation. Everyone has a different idea of what they want their farm to be.The Madison County Horticulture and Agriculture Agents partnered on a series called “The Business of Farming”. This series was for current or future farmers and covered the business basics

Full Story

Business of Farming

Author: Brandon Sears

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Business of Farming

Madison County is one of the fastest growing counties in Kentucky. Several new residents are from out of state and some are purchasing a farm for the first time. As such, there are many things to learn about getting started with owning land or a farm. More than just production aspects, the business side of farming can be daunting. There is a need to educate both experienced and beginning farmers alike. The Madison County Horticulture Agent and ANR Agent partnered on a series called “T

Full Story

Fence School

Author: Brandon Sears

Major Program: Forages

Fence School

Madison County is the third largest county for beef cattle production in the state of Kentucky. Forage management and utilization is an important part of producing livestock in an efficient and profitable manner. However, proper forage use and animal performance is not maximized unless rotational grazing practices are implemented. This requires the use of correctly selected and constructed fences. There are various types of fence options and associated costs pertaining to installation and mainte

Full Story
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