Extension
It Starts With Us
Farm Profitablity
Agriculture & Environment
Paul Sizemore
Beef
Forages
Horticulture, Commercial
Owsley County is a small agrarian county located in the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Over the last decade tobacco production has decreased more than 95% therefore leaving only about 100,000 pounds county wide. Many producers have diversified their operations by implementing other practices or commodities such as an increased number of livestock and increased acreage for vegetable production for home and commercial Horticulture. Other crops grown in Owsley County include cabbage, pepper, strawberries, corn, brambles, forages and various fruit trees. Animals produced in Owsley County include beef cattle, horses, goats and some small scale swine and poultry operations. Agriculture still remains one of the top ten industries in Owsley County. The Owsley County Extension Council and Agriculture and Natural Resources Council have directed us to address the above issues in terms of diversification into small and large scale production. Emphasis will be on learning experiences that will benefit both youth and adults. Mainly directed to those individuals involved or with an interest in livestock, crops, fruit and vegetable production both commercially or family based.
Agricultural producers will manage their operations in a more profitable manner as well as increase the quality of the products they are producing.
*An increase in necessary management skills being used.
*An increased understanding of pesticide usage.
*An increase in the diversity of agriculture operations will occur.
*Understanding the importance of diversity in small enterprises.
*Knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises.
*Knowledge of new and improved management skills for increased profitability.
*Understanding the direct market approach.
Initial Outcome: Number of participants that diversify their agricultural operations
Indicator: Percent of program participants that show changes.
Method: Observations and surveys
Timeline: Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that utilize new management skills.
Indicator: Percent of program participants that show changes.
Method: Observations and surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and time for implementation 2023-2024.
Long-term Outcome: Number of participants that increase their farm profitability.
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes.
Method: Observations and surveys
Timeline: Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Audience: Beef Cattle Producers.
Project or Activity: Producers Meetings.
Content or Curriculum: Feeding, Reproduction, Forages, Health, Record Keeping and General Management.
Inputs :Agent and Guests Speakers.
Date: Spring and Fall Meetings.
Audience: Interested Consumers
Project or Activity: Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: Curing a Country Ham.
Inputs: Agent Led Program.
Date: Winter 2024
Audience: Farmers/Producers
Project or Activity: Educational Programs for The Agriculture Development Program.
Content or Curriculum: Hay Storage, Equipment Storage, Beef Quality Assurance
Inputs: Agent Led
Date: Throughout the year 2023-2024
Audience: Farmers and Producers
Project or Activity: Agriculture Production Programs.
Content or Curriculum: Various Agriculture and Economic Related Issues and Sustainable Agriculture.
Inputs: Agent and Specialist.
Date: Throughout the year 2023-2024 as Needed.
Audience: Farmers, Producers and Landowners.
Project or Activity: Conservation Programs.
Content or Curriculum: Soil Sampling, Cost Share Programs and Related Issues.
Inputs: Agent and Guest Speakers.
Date: Spring and Fall 2023-2024.
Audience: Farmers, Producers and Landowners
Project or Activity: Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: Farmers Registration, Training for Market Programs FARMACY, Senior Vouchers and Wic. Marketing and Marketing Techniques.
Inputs: Agent, Specialist and Guest Speakers
Date: Summer 2023 - 2024
Author: Paul Sizemore
Major Program: Beef
.Much of the Hay produced in the area is stored outside resulting in a great deal of waste, low nutrient levels and low digestibility. This can lead to many issues in the herd when the winter weather comes barreling in. To address the need for improved forage quality and to increase farmer understanding of the economics of hay production a workshop was held in Owsley County with Dr. Steve Higgins speaking on Fence Line Feeding systems. Dr. Higgins reported his findings on the practices that were
