Extension
It Starts With Us
Sustainable Agriculture, Non-Traditional Agriculture, and Natural Resources
Agriculture
Bryce Roberts, Elizabeth Maxedon, Mollie Tichenor
Pollinators
Chemical Management
Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud
Agriculture & Natural Resources
With the continued increase in population in Spencer County, we are seeing reduction of traditional farm land. We are noticing an increase in modern age agriculture, including sustainable and non-traditional. The Spencer County Extension Council and Agents realize that there is a definite need for programs and resources dealing with all types of agriculture.
Producers will increase their profits from their agricultural endeavors by incorporating new and improved production techniques. All residents of Spencer County will employ farm safety practices and procedures in their lives.
Producers will begin using improved variety of fruits and vegetables, new watering techniques, and increase the use of new marketing outlets. Families and youth begin to use safety practices.
Producers will learn how to properly grow and select varieties of fruit and vegetables. Youth will be able to identify proper animal husbandry and animal well being.
Outcome: Farmers market participants will increase their net income.
Indicator: Increase in sales at local farmer’s market.
Method: End of market survey.
Timeline: November 2023 – January 2024.
Outcome: Youth will practice and recognize proper animal husbandry techniques.
Indicator: Increase number of youth participating in livestock, dairy, and animal science programs.
Method: Observation.
Timeline: July 2023 – June 2024.
Outcome: Producers will gain knowledge and apply proper skills in pesticide application.
Indicator: Pre/Post Test.
Method: Observation.
Timeline: November 2023 – February 2024.
Outcome: Youth and adults gain knowledge in areas of nutrition, gardening and youth development.
Indicator: Increase in participation and awareness of Farmers Market.
Method: Observation and number of volunteers, including 4-H Members, and Homemakers.
Timeline: July 2023 - October 2023, April 2024 - June 2024.
Audience: Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families
Activity: Farmers Market (BR, EM, MT)
Content or Curriculum: Produce Best Practices Training, farmer’s market materials, food sampling.
Inputs: Farm Bureau, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farmer’s Market Committee, and Community Volunteers.
Date: July 2023 - June 2024.
Activity: Vegetable Gardening (BR, EM, MT)
Content or Curriculum: Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky, Container Gardening
Inputs: Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Volunteers, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County Library.
Date: March 2024 - June 2024.
Activity: Pesticide Application Training (BR)
Content or Curriculum: Private application training and commercial applicator training
Inputs: Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Volunteers.
Date: February 2024.
Activity: Agriculture Field Day (BR)
Content or Curriculum: Production Methods, Water Quality, UK publications.
Inputs: Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Community Volunteers, University of Kentucky CES, Spencer Co. Soil Conservation.
Date: August 2023 – September 2023.
Activity: Beginning Producer Sessions (BR)
Content or Curriculum: Various topics picked by participants.
Inputs: University of Kentucky Specialists, Bullitt and Spencer Co Agriculture Agents.
Date: September 2023 - May 2024.
Project or Activity: Farmer’s Dinner Theatre (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum: Farmer’s Dinner Theatre Curriculum and Supporting Materials
Inputs: County Extension Council, Local Producers, Louisville Area Cattleman’s, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Spencer County Schools.
Date: January 2023 - February 2023.
Project or Activity: Master Gardner Activities/Class (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum: Master Gardner Materials, University of Kentucky gardening resources, University of Kentucky Marketing resources
Inputs: Master Gardner Volunteer, local Farmer's Market Committee, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Date: July 2023 - June 2024.
Project or Activity: Spencer County Beekeepers Association (BR)
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky beekeepers and pollinator resources, University of Kentucky Marketing resources
Inputs: University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, local producers.
Date: July 2023 - June 2024.
Audience: Youth
Activity: Livestock, Country Hams, Rabbits, Poultry, and Dairy (MT)
Content or Curriculum: Animal science materials and approved curriculum.
Inputs: Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farmer’s Market Committee, Spencer County FFA, Certified 4-H Livestock Club Leaders, Certified Horse Club Leader, Community Volunteers.
Date: July 2023 – June 2024.
Activity: Farm Safety (MT)
Content or Curriculum: Small and large tractor safety materials, classes, and contests.
Inputs: Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Volunteers.
Date: July 2023 - June 2024.
Activity: School Aged Windowsill Gardens (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum: Windowsill Garden Curriculum.
Inputs: Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Local Producers, Farmer’s Market Committee, Community Volunteers.
Date: April 2023 - June 2024.
Activity: Elementary Ag Day (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum: Teaching youth about local agriculture.
Inputs: Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Farm Bureau, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farmer’s Market Committee, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Spencer County FFA, Certified 4-H Livestock Club Leaders, 4-H Members, Community Volunteers.
Date: September 2023 - October 2023.
Activity: Early Elementary Grow It Learn It (EM, BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky Extension Curriculum.
Inputs: Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Farm Bureau, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farmer’s Market Committee, Community Volunteers.
Date: January 2024 - June 2024.
Project or Activity: Beekeeping (BR, MT)
Content or Curriculum: University of Kentucky beekeepers and pollinator resources, University of Kentucky Marketing resources, local producers
Inputs: University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, local producers.
Date: July 2023 - June 2024.
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Chemical Management
The Rinse and Return Program is coordinated with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture with local Cooperative Extension Service Offices throughout Kentucky. It is a recycling program that allows for the reuse of plastic containers that previously held pesticides and these containers cannot be recycled with other ordinary household plastics. According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, “this reduces the amount of material enterin
Author: Mollie Tichenor
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Children need to learn about agriculture to understand where their food comes from and appreciate the importance of farming in providing sustenance. It also helps them develop a deeper connection to the environment and learn about the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry, which is crucial for sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.The Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service, along with school administration and staff from the two elementary schools, s
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Children need to learn about agriculture to understand where their food comes from and appreciate the importance of farming in providing sustenance. It also helps them develop a deeper connection to the environment and learn about the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry, which is crucial for sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.The Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service, along with school administration and staff from the two elementary schools, s
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Chemical Management
Each fall, the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service hosts a meeting for commercial pesticide applicators to help them receive Continuing Education Units so that they can keep their licenses up to date from year to year. For 2023, this was a hybrid meeting, with 11 in attendance in person and 40 on Zoom. Topics for the meeting included: Turf Disease and Weeds Update, In
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Master Gardener
With the continued growth in population in Spencer County, the number of horticulture questions continues to increase. Over the past few years, there has been some interest in starting a Master Gardener program to help educate our local residents in proper horticulture techniques. In January 2023, the Spencer County Master Gardener program started. Master Gardener is a volunteer dri
