Increase Farm ProfitabilityPlan of Work

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Pulaski County CES

Title:
Increase Farm Profitability
MAP:
Increase Farm Profitability
Agents Involved:
Harper, Wilson
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Commercial Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farmer's Markets
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Integrated Plant Pest Management
Situation:
Pulaski County has a strong commercial horticulture industry. We have several green industry businesses as well as a very healthy number commercial growers of fruits, vegetables and processed products. Three farmers' markets serve the consumers of this area and meet their needs in different ways. Pulaski Co is also very near two produce auctions.

Emerging issues pop up in any industry and commercial horticulture is no different. Profitability is maximized when crops are produced successfully and marketed equally successfully.

Marketing is key. Produce growers do not make a dime growing a product, only selling it. More markets need to be explored, especially with kids and our school systems.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Growers will gain income and markets from produce crops, processed goods, and other tangential products.
Intermediate Outcomes:
Growers will employ IPM practices to successfully grow crops.
Growers will gain markets in wholesale and/or retail produce.
The general public will buy more from local growers at farmers markets and roadside stands.
Schools will buy produce from local growers.
Initial Outcomes:
Growers will learn about emerging issues as it relates to what they grow.
Growers will learn about markets available and how to get into those markets.
Consumers will learn about local foods & their availability.
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Growers will learn about IPM, markets, emerging issues, etc

Indicator: attendance at meetings, farm visits

Method: various meetings for commercial growers

Timeline: throughout year 2017-18



Intermediate Outcome: Consumers will buy more local products (fresh and processed)

Indicator: increase in sales at farmers' markets

Method: personal communication

Timeline: fall 2017


Long-term Outcome: Growers will gain income

Indicator: More gross sales

Method: personal communication

Timeline: end of growing season

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Commercial growers

Project or Activity: GAP Training

Content or Curriculum: GAP curriculum and 3rd party audits

Inputs: KDA specialists, powerpoints

Date: winter 2018


Audience: Commercial growers

Project or Activity: Farmers' markets meetings, Senior Farmers Market nutrition program training

Content or Curriculum: updates from KDA personnel

Inputs: KDA specialists

Date: mainly winter but throughout 2017-18


Audience: Consumers

Project or Activity: info booth at farmers' markets

Content or Curriculum: UK publications & recipes

Inputs: Plate It Up Recipe cards, food

Date: during farmers' market season


Audience: Consumers

Project or Activity: Local foods program

Content or Curriculum:UK publications & recipes

Inputs: Lexington Local Food coordinator, local Market on Main founder

Date: Prior to growing season



Success Stories

City to Farm Tour

Author: Bethany Wilson

Major Program: Local Food Systems

     The 2017 City to Farm Tour was held on September 14, 2017 with well over 70 local business leaders and Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce members in attendance.      Extension partnered with the Somerset-Pulaski Co Chamber of Commerce to plan the event. The event helps educate our community about the changes that have occurred in agriculture over the past decades. This behind-the-scenes look at local agriculture allowed community leaders the opportunity to

Full Story

Agriculture Efforts

Author: Bethany Wilson

Major Program: Farm Management

Pulaski County is the third largest county by area in Kentucky. It is third in cattle and calf production, third in forage production, and grain crops are growing in importance. Over 1700 individual farms are in Pulaski County and farm size is increasing.Pulaski County has been with and without an ANR agent since late 2015. Producers still have issues and are still coming to the Extension office for help. The Pulaski County Agriculture Council still meets. The Phase I Council still must fun

Full Story
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