Extension
It Starts With Us
Commercial Production
Competitive Agriculture
Elizabeth Creed, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
Commercial Horticulture
Grain Crops
Beef
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
In 2012, the National Agriculture Statistics Service has estimated that cash receipts for Woodford County were almost $247 million less than in 2007. Coupled with this alarming 78% reduction in cash receipts, there are now 22% fewer farmers whose primary occupation is farming. Crops, livestock, and horticulture enterprises are all very important to the Woodford County agriculture economy and programs designed to improve productivity and profitability of these enterprises is essential. Educational and community development programs that not only address production practices, but marketing and risk management tools for farms is needed.
An increase in farm revenue and input efficiency. Financial stability of farming operations.
Diversified operations and sound risk management practices will allow producers to remain profitable by making informed decisions from research based knowledge.
Informed decisions by farmers will allow them to stay current on new technologies, production and risk management practices, and research data.
Long-Term Outcome: Increase in farm revenue and principal operators whose primary occupation is farming.
Indicator: Agriculture Statistics
Method: Observation
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Diversified operations and sound risk management practices will allow producers to remain profitable by making informed decisions from research based knowledge.
Indicator: Statement/Observation
Method: Personal Interviews
Timeline: Annually
Initial Outcome: Informed decisions by farmers will allow them to stay current on new technologies, production and risk management practices, and research data.
Indicator: Attendance records
Method: Observation
Timeline: Monthly
Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families
Project or Activity: Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Test plot observation, pasture walks, current agriculture topics
Inputs: Farmer cooperators, Agent/Program Assistant's time, Ag Resource Building, local business sponsorships, specialist's time, program support funds
Date: Annually
Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families
Project or Activity: Educational Programs
Content or Curriculum: Livestock, Equine,Crop Production, and Risk Management Meetings
Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant's time, Ag Resource Building, local business sponsorships, Specialist's time, program support funds, Woodford Co. Beef Cattle Association, Farm Bureau
Date: Annually
Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families
Project or Activity: Farmer's Market
Content or Curriculum: Commercial Horticulture and Marketing
Inputs: Phase I Cost-share programs, farmer cooperators, Agent/Program Assistant's time, Woodford Co. Commercial Kitchen
Date: Annually
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science curriculum
Inputs: Certified Volunteers, Country Ham project barn, agent & assistant
Date: Monthly meeting & activities September - August
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Youth Expo
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Show & Country Ham speech presentation
Inputs: Expo Planning Committee, Sponsorship
Date: July
Author: Ryan Farley
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Creating the next generation of ag-aware citizens has been stressed as a priority for Woodford County 4-H. According to 2013 data approximately 14% of Woodford County citizens are employed in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry. In response and in order to attract and engage otherwise uninterested youth audiences and families in Woodford County, Woodford County 4-H offers the 4-H Country Ham Project. This projects offers an opportunity for youth to engage in livestock educati
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Farms are an essential and diverse part of Kentucky’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year across the State. In Woodford County alone, agriculture and the businesses that support it are responsible for one out of three jobs and $565 million in annual revenue. In an effort to promote agriculture, local farms, and producers in the County, the Woodford County Cooperative Extension Service hosted the first annual Woodford County Farm to Table dinner. The dinner was made pos
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Farms are an essential and diverse part of Kentucky’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year across the State. In Woodford County alone, agriculture and the businesses that support it are responsible for one out of three jobs and $565 million in annual revenue. In an effort to promote agriculture, local farms, and producers in the County, the Woodford County Cooperative Extension Service hosted the first annual Woodford County Farm to Table dinner. The dinner was made pos
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Grain Crops
With the decline in tobacco income, producers in Woodford County have been looking for alternative farm enterprises to increase profitability. One crop that has gained some attention is barley for the booming brewing industry. In 2014, the Woodford County Extension Service helped establish various varieties of barley with a cooperating producer. By working closely with the producer using university recommendations, over the last 2 years this producer has been able to increase his profitability p
