Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture PracticesPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

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

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."