Extension
It Starts With Us
Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington County
Managing and Growing Environmental, Agriculture, and Horticulture Systems
Dennis Morgeson, Taylor Graves, and Melissa Richardson
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Soil testing
The 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment reported these issues within Agriculture and Environment: less illegal dumping and littering, more market opportunities for farmers, and sustainability of family farms. Our local advisory councils for Agriculture, Horticulture, and 4-H Youth Development contributed to this assessment.
Maintain and increase family owned farms
Increased home horticulture participation
Youth and adult program participants will be educated advocates for sustainable agriculture and food systems
Producers utilize Extension resources to make fiscally sustainable decisions about farm management practices
Clientele will engage in horticultural programming and utilize research-based knowledge
4-H clientele will apply skills and knowledge in the production of agricultural commodities and environmental practices
Increased awareness and availability of research-based Extension resources, including cost share opportunities through the Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy Funding
Learn the most successful varieties to plant in Washington County, including proper planning, planting dates, and management
Community members will receive trainings, certifications, and accreditations in agriculture and natural resources programming
Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and availability of research-based Extension resources, including cost share opportunities through the Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy Funding
Indicator: Increased use of Extension resources and programming
Method: monitoring participation in CAIP, YAIP, and Next Generation Farmers
Timeline: annually
Intermediate Outcome: Producers utilize Extension resources to make fiscally sustainable decisions about farm management practices
Indicator: Increased soil testing in the community
Method: monitoring the numbers of soil tests
Timeline: bi-annually
Long-term Outcome: Increased home horticulture participation
Indicator: Increased participation in Wheelbarrow Series
Method: sign up sheets and registration
Timeline: bi-annually
Audience: Washington and Surrounding Counties
Project or Activity: Wheelbarrow Series
Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Publications and Research
Inputs: Extension Funding, Fees from participants, Extension Staff
Date: February through November 2023 (starting again in February 2024)
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Country Ham, Livestock Projects, Horse Projects, Horticulture, School Based Programming
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculums
Inputs: Extension resources, Fees, Volunteers, Extension Staff
Date: Country Ham- February - August 2023; Livestock Projects- continuous; Horse Projects- continuous; Horticulture- spring 2024; School Based Programming- August 2023-May 2024
Audience: Washington County Farmers
Project or Activity: Meetings, Educational Activities, and Programs
Content or Curriculum: Extension resources
Inputs: Extension resources, staff, and specialists
Date: cost share opportunities - February 2024 (annual program); monthly educational programs
Author: Melissa Schenck
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
The problemAcross the country homeowners do not see the success in their gardens and landscaping they are hoping for because they are not having their soil tested. By not fertilizing at all plants may not receive the nutrients that are needed and by applying unneeded fertilizers they are are contributing to environmental damage from runoff and leaching. While soil tests are often used by farmers, they may be forgotten by your average homeowner. To inspire our community to increase their soi
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Soil testing
In Washington County, as in other Counties in Kentucky, gardeners don’t understand the importance of soil testing and then actually following the recommendations. To combat this the Horticulture and 4H agents developed a contest on growing the largest and tallest sunflowers with an adult group and a 4H group. Each participant attended a session on the culture and care of sunflowers, was given seeds of two varieties of sunflower varieties, and was given instructions on how to ta
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
There are so many resources available to assist producers in making modifications to their operations. These resources can come in the form of education and financial assistance. But where are these resources available and what steps do producers need to take to get them? These are the questions that the Farm Services night program was able to answer. There are times I will receive phone calls at the office and the producer will need assistance from another entity other than the Extension O
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
UK Extension specialists partnered with Loretto Motherhouse Farm and the Washington County agriculture and natural resources agent to offer an in-person field day highlighting stewardship practices used on the farm. The Good Ideas Field Day was held at Motherhouse Farms in Nerinx, KY on April 6, 2024. Motherhouse farm manager, Cody Rakes, serves on the farmer advisory board for a multi-state project focused on farmer engagement in watershed protection and conservation efforts. He has been a
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Forages
The Hay Day Field Day was a successful event that saw the participation of over 50 individuals, all with a shared interest in hay production. The event was an opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions and presentations on various topics related to hay production and marketing. Attendees learned about effective marketing strategies for hay, including different avenues to reach buyers and optimize sales. Additionally, there was a focus on establishing and managing alfalfa crops, covering
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The Horticulture How To program participants requested a class on making and taking draped containers. In this class, participants learned how to create a container using concrete and fabric. They explored the different fabrics, textures, shapes, and ways to recycle materials into useful garden art. By learning how to repurpose everyday materials into functional and decorative items, participants contributed to reducing waste and minimizing their environmental footprint. Evaluations were conduct
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy
Each year the Washington County Extension Horticulture Agent offers numerous programs for residents. These programs are offered because of surveys and requests from the community. Over the last year, participants learned about insect identification and control, soil health and composting, how to grow perennials, bulbs, house plants, living wreaths, annuals, vegetables, small fruits, citrus in Kentucky, and much more.There were over 450 participants in total. Statements by participants are as fol
