Extension
It Starts With Us
Agri-tourism and Promoting Commodities
Tourism & Economic Development and Agriculture Diversification
Chaney, Porter, ANR Agent, Workman
Agritourism Planning
Poultry/Small Flocks
Beekeeping
Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Pike County is in the process of developing and has developed multiple—Multi-use trails, for hiking, horseback riding, and 4 wheeling. Pike County is uniquely located for access to multiple strip-mined areas which are ideal for developing outdoor tourism. Located within Pike County are multiple trails including the Appalachian Trail, the Hatfield McCoy Hiking Trail and in process of building the Hatfield McCoy trail for 4-wheeling. Pike County is developing multiple camping areas with good access to the trails. Expansion of all aspects is critical to their future success as a tourism go to location. These trails not only encourage tourism, but also help residents do physical activity to improve health and obesity.
The locally sponsored Appalachian Heritage Annual Seed Swap historically brings in tourists & seed aficionados from 10-12 states. It is recognized as one of the largest Heirloom Seed Swaps in the nation and provides training in saving heirlooms seed and multiple nationally known guest speakers in heirloom and related topics.
Pikeville Farmers Market regularly brings in tourists for fresh local vegetables and the craft section allows for the sale of many locally produced crafts. Market sponsors the Double Dollars, WIC, Sr Vouchers, and Health Care Vouchers.
The Pike County advisory council has identified diversification in Agriculture as the goal to be working towards. Small farms produce bees, cattle, goats, horses, and poultry. Many farmers have the potential and interest in expanding their operations into a commercially viable one. Pike County has recently acquired a farmer wanting to raise dairy cattle and produce cheese.
Goal 1: Increased participation of out-of-state tourists and business people.
Goal 2: Increased health & lowered obesity in residents.
Goal 3: Increased sale of heirloom seed.
Goal 4: The increase in amount and diversity of Agricultural Production in Pike County
Goal 1: Gain membership in the Farmers Market.
Goal 2: Gain volunteers to do training for expansion of the Appalachian Heirloom Seed Swap.
Goal 3: The increased production of marketable products to be sold at farmers’ markets.
Goal 4: Honeybee populations will increase.
Goal 5: Horse owners will improve management skills.
Goal 6: Youth will become actively involved in livestock, animal science, horticulture, and beekeeping.
Goal 7: The development and expansion of alternative agriculture markets and farmers’ markets.
Goal 8: Producers will show an increase in use of BMPs
Goal 9: Producers will increase utilization of forested lands
Goal 1: Expand knowledge of the abilities and unique characteristics of Heirloom Seed.
Goal 2: Expand understanding of the benefits both fiscally and financially of trail systems within the county.
Goal 3: County farmers will demonstrate changes in knowledge of diversification and efficiency of their operations through Extension offered workshops, classes, and tours
Goal 4: Local Farmers will demonstrate knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability
Goal 5: County Farmers will demonstrate knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises
Goal 6: County Farmers will demonstrate understanding the importance of diversity in small operations
Goal 7: County farmers will demonstrate that management & use of forest and forest products can be a viable enterprise
Goal 8: Local people will demonstrate knowledge of home food production and adopted practices.
Goal 9: Youth will gain consumer knowledge of fruits, vegetables as well as animal science through participation in "hands-on" programs
Initial Outcomes
Indicator: Changes in participation at livestock activities
Method: Agent observations, follow-up surveys, informal question/response
Timeline: Primarily May-Sept.
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes in understanding and implementation of BMPs
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round
Indicator: Number of individuals that show changes in necessary agricultural management skills that prepare them to operate an agricultural enterprise
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation
Indicator: Number of participants that utilize proper and safe management dealing with livestock
Method On-Site/Phone consultations, observations, and surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation
Intermediate Outcomes
Indicator: An increased number of participants will report a change in practices or behaviors related to an educational program.
Method: Various educational programs offered year-round.
Long-term Outcome
Indicator: Increase in diversity the of farming operations.
Method: Follow-up survey and observations of FM participants
Timeline: Primarily May to Sept each year
Audience: Local people & Farmers, & Tourists
Project or Activity: Pikeville Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: As needed and as required
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Volunteers, CFA, USDA, KDA
Date: Sales May - Nov., information gathering Dec., training Jan-April, each year
Audience: Heirloom Seed Enthusiasts
Project or Activity: Annual Appalachian Heritage Seed Swap
Content or Curriculum: Extension Materials
Inputs: Agent, Specialists, volunteers
Date: Spring, yearly
Audience: Trail Enthusiasts - 4 Wheelers
Project or Activity: County Rides
Content or Curriculum: As needed
Inputs: Agents, County, volunteers as needed
Date: Year-round, especially during warmer months
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: pasture improvement
Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Soil Conservation Service
Date: Trainings/soil samples offered as needed
Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Monthly educational meetings
Content or Curriculum: as needed
Inputs: Agents, specialists, volunteers
Date: monthly
Audience: Horse Owners
Project or Activity: Trail Rides & workshops
Content or Curriculum: UK materials
Inputs: Agents, UK Specialists & volunteers
Date: Spring 2021-2024
Audience: Misc. livestock producers
Project or Activity: Poultry, swine, aquaculture, etc. production, training, and workshops.
Content or Curriculum: UK, KSU, SARE, other
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, SARE trainers, KSU personnel, volunteers
Date: Trainings offered as needed, concentrated Jan and February
