Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington CountyPlan of Work

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Washington County CES

Title:
Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington County
MAP:
Managing and Growing Environmental, Agriculture, and Horticulture Systems
Agents Involved:
Dennis Morgeson, Taylor Graves, and Melissa Richardson
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Soil testing
Situation:

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.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

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 

Initial Outcomes:

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 

Evaluation:

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 

Learning Opportunities:

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



Success Stories

From Soil Tests to Success!

Author: Melissa Schenck

Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources

From Soil Tests to Success!

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

Full Story

Sunflower Contest Proves Soil Testing Is Important

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Soil testing

Sunflower Contest Proves Soil Testing Is Important

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

Full Story

Farm Service Nights

Author: Taylor Graves

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Farm Service Nights

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

Full Story

Good Ideas Field Day

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

Full Story

Hooray for Hay Day

Author: Taylor Graves

Major Program: Forages

Hooray for Hay Day

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

Full Story

Draped Containers

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Draped Containers

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

Full Story

Horticulture Programs Meet Community Needs

Author: James Morgeson

Major Program: Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy

Horticulture Programs Meet Community Needs

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

Full Story
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