Extension
It Starts With Us
Sustainable Agriculture
Agricultural and Environmental
Ryan Farley, Adam Probst, FCS Agent, Horticulture Agent
Local Food Systems
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Master Gardener
Beef
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. The Extension Service continues to work toward a strong agricultural community and local food system. Educational programs must holistically target farm viability by teaching sustainable production practices including enhancing soil quality and health, economic profitability, and natural resource conservation to ensure the longevity of farms and landscapes within the community. In addition, agricultural awareness in the community must be addressed through educational programs about where and how food and other agricultural products are produced.
Preservation and improvement of financial health of farms in the community.
Increased interest in agriculture and horticulture production.
Homeowners will save more money on home landscape.
Increased diversification of crops produced in Woodford county.
Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.
Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve the well-being of their farms, gardens and landscapes.
Increased interest in local foods
Initial Outcome: Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve natural resources on their farms.
Indicator: Observation
Method: Personal Interviews
Timeline: Yearly
Intermediate Outcome: Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.
Indicator: Observation
Method: Site visits, personal interviews
Timeline: Yearly
Long-Term Outcome: Enhancement of economic and ecological sustainability for farmers and homeowners within the community.
Indicator: Ag Census, Soil test reports
Method: National Ag Statistics Service, U.K. Regulatory Services
Timeline: Yearly
Audience: Farmers/Landowners
Project or Activity: Educational Programs, Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Sustainable farm management and agricultural production.
Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford County Beef Cattle Association, Farmer Cooperators
Date: Yearly
Audience: Homeowners/Farmers/Landowners
Project or Activity: Soil Testing Service
Content or Curriculum: Soil testing for residents to promote sustainable management decisions
Inputs: Agent Time
Date: Yearly
Audience: Homeowners/Farmers
Project or Activity: Horticulture Educational Programs/Events/Workshops
Content or Curriculum: Sustainable horticultural practices for farms, home gardens, and landscapes.
Inputs: Agent Time, Specialist Time, CES publications
Date: January - December
Audience: Woodford County Residents
Project or Activity: Diagnostic Services and Recommendations
Content: UK Extension Resources
Inputs: ANR and HORT agents, UK Extension Specialists and Resources
Date: On-going Year round
Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families, Producers
Project or Activity: Local Foods Directory, Farm to Table Dinner
Content or Curriculum: Commercial Horticulture and Marketing to Promote Local Foods
Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant's time
Date: Annually
Audience: Youth
Project or Curriculum: Plant Camp, Junior Master Gardener
Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, Specialists, local farmers, CES publications
Date: Yearly
Audience: Woodford County Residents
Project or Curriculum: Community Gardens
Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, local community members, CES publications
Date: Yearly
Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families, Producers
Project or Activity: Beginning Farmer Program
Content or Curriculum: Educational program
Inputs: Farmer cooperators, Agent/Program Assistant's time, , Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Woodford County Conservation District, Farm Service Agency, UK Specialists
Date: Every other year
Audience: Homeowners/Landowners
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Training
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum
Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, CES Publications
Date: Every other year
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Forages
Understanding a producer’s forage quality is the backbone of providing a balanced nutrition plan. Hay testing can provide data that producers and Cooperative Extension Agents use to ensure the nutritional needs of the animal are being met. Without a test, farmers are blindly feeding, leading to wasted resources. The Central Kentucky Hay Contest was created to generate friendly competition among producers and educate producers about forage test analysis and the economic im
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Beef
The cattle market has been on a very bullish run in the past year, and cattle prices are at record highs. While it has improved optimism, producers have also becoming cautious and anxious about what decisions to make moving forward in what could be a volatile market. 36 cattle producers from Woodford County attended a program discussing just this topic on March 28th. Dr. Kenny Burdine covered the current market, what it is projected to do, and management decisions that could ben
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Overgrazing of pastures and lack of weed control has been a continual problem on cattle farms both locally and regionally. The purpose of of educating producers on the benefits of rotational grazing is to remedy these issues. Farmers who were lacking in these efficiency practices were targeted during the cost share program timeline and throughout farm visits with producers. Weed control improved, grass stand improved, water preservation improved, and stocking rate increased. Tools us
