Extension
It Starts With Us
New opportunities for agriculture in Knox County
Furthering Agriculture Diversification
Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer, Kelsee Dewees
Beef
Forages
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Kentucky has much to offer in the way of agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), over 50% (12.9 million acres) is farmland (NASS, 2019). Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top five agricultural commodities (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include broilers, all other animals and products, soybeans, corn, and cattle and calves.
With an uncertain economy, the need for agriculture diversification and niche production is at an all time high. Through educational workshops and hands-on farm visits, Knox County Extension will be able to help local farm families determine the best commodities to be successful. The ANR program council identified the need for educational programs that educate them on new markets, production techniques and ways to increase farm revenue but also the need for youth to be educated on agriculture. As a result, the ANR & 4-H programs will team to strive to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Knox County through positive youth development programs on agriculture & natural resources.
- Increased agricultural profitability for Knox County Farmers;
- Youth will be agriculturally literate.
- Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
- Farmers will utilize new technology and recommended production techniques to increase productivity and profitability.
- Youths will complete 4-H Country Ham Project.
- Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.
- Gain knowledge of new technology and practices as related to livestock, forages, tobacco, and horses
- Gain skills in farm management.
- Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship,
- Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.
- Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.
Long-Term Outcome: Farmers will increase AG profitability
Indicator: Farmers will expand from traditional methods/crops to diversifying crops/methods to increase profit
Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.
Timeline: Throughout year
Intermediate Outcome: Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.
Indicator: Individuals will successfully raise and/or show animals as part of 4-H and/or Ag Extension Programs.
Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.
Timeline: Throughout program plan year
Initial Outcome: Farmers will gain and utilize new knowledge and skills that will help them increase agricultural profitability.
Indicator:Farmers will attend local workshops and will put new information, methods and techniques into practice.
Method: Testimonials; observation.
Timeline: Throughout program plan
Outcome: Youth will plan & implement an agricultural project
Indicator: Youth will participate in an agricultural project (e.g, rabbit club, country ham project, gardening)
Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey Tool
Timeline: Fall 2023/Fall 2024
Audience: Farmers/ Producers
Activity: Farm Visits
Content/Curriculum: Research based information tailored to needs of the producer
Date: Throughout year 2023-2024
Activity: Ag Producer Meetings
Content/Curriculum: Information on production and management of livestock, forages and commercial crops. Information on promotion and advancement of agri-tourism opportunities.
Date: Fall/Spring
Activity: Test Plots
Content/Curriculum: Commercial crops and grazing
Date: Fall 2023/Spring 2024
Audience: Youths
Activity Agricultural based lessons/club lessons/special projects
Content/Curriculum: 4-H publications on chick incubation / country ham / Rabbit curricula / gardening
Date: Throughout school year
Audience: Youth
Activity: Gardening kits
Content / Curriculum: 4-H curriculum and NEP curriculum
Date: Summer
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: News and Views
Content or Curriculum: ANR curriculum on area needed (horticulture, spraying, feeding)
Inputs: agent, assistant
Date: monthly
Audience: Families, Producers, Youth
Project or Activity: Farmers Market exhibit & participation booths
Content or Curriculum: ANR, FCS, 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: agents, assistants, volunteers
Date: Spring 2024, Summer Fall 2023
**Activities may be completed in an online/virtual experience (if needed) or in the tradition in-person setting.
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
15 loggers met their requirement of 6 hours of continuing education every 3 years to renew their Master Logger Certification by attending a webinar at the Knox County Extension Office. The Webinars were 2 nights 6:00 - 9:00P.M. for 3 hours each which allowed the loggers to attend and meet their requirements and not miss days of work.
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Seeing a need for more education for cattle farmers in the tri-state region agents from Harlan, Bell and Knox Counties Kentucky Lee, Wise and Scott Counties Virginia and Claiborne and Hancock Counties Tennessee on March 23, 2024 held the sixth annual Cumberland Gap Beef Cattle Conference. The Goal was to address the needs and update cattle farmers on renovating pastures, herbicide applications, humane euthanasia, weed control, forage nutrition, forage fertility. Of those in attendance
