Pendleton County CES

Title:

Implementing environmental stewardship at home, on the farm and in the community through STEaM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture Sustainability, & Mathematics) and natural resource education

MAP:

Agriculture and Environment

Agents Involved:

Kenna Knight, Lydia Gosney, Lindie Huffman

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Small Farm Diversification

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Agriculture

Situation:

Situation: 

Pendleton County is a limited resource county that sits 45 minutes south of the major metropolis of Cincinnati.   The county has immense natural resources that have been tapped for agricultural production as well as recreational activities.  While many are appreciative of the natural beauty of the county, there are a number of individuals who lack pride for their community and are unaware of the detrimental impact that littering and pollution has on our wildlife, waterways, parks, etc. Understanding how daily choices can impact our environment is vital to conserving and preserving our natural resources and ensuring a healthy environment for present and future generations.  In 2013, Kentucky was ranked 12^th for total energy production, 11^th for total energy consumed per capita and 15^th for total energy expenditures per capita.  

Small business owners are the backbone of Pendleton County, though they face challenges every day and may only be in business for a short period of time. There are very few commercial/chain operations in the county. Pendleton County is home to a total of 2 grocery stores (1 locally owned and a Dollar General marketplace, which opened in 2013). In addition there are 2 convenience stores, 3 fast food restaurants, and 4 Full Service Restaurants. The establishments serve limited selections of produce and other food staples, which limit resident’s accessibility. Most individuals who have access to vehicles travel outside of the county to 4-5 other counties to conduct their routine grocery shopping. On average the population travels between 35-45 minutes to gain access to a wide selection of produce and food products.

To our knowledge there are a minimum of 4 churches who regularly conduct a food bank with distribution once a week. These food banks serve predominantly processed non-perishable food. There has been discussion between a local minister and the agriculture agent on combining the efforts of the community garden with the efforts of the local food bank. Perhaps moving distribution in the summer to the garden location and providing educational opportunities for healthy eating, healthy lifestyles, and gardening. With continued leadership and cooperation from religious organizations this project is highly attainable and would serve low income families and “Teach them how to fish”, which could potentially alter their lifestyles.

 With the increased efforts and attention to local food, urban agriculture, and rural life there is tremendous opportunity to not only market products into the region, but also to draw those urbanites into the rural area to provide them with local food products, and an experience of rural life and the hard work that goes into producing enough food to feed the world. 

The Pendleton County Farmers’ Market is currently located in the central hub and county seat in Falmouth, KY. Operations of the market take place at a vacant gravel lot along Highway 27. At this time the lot is currently for sale as a piece of commercial retail property. The lot offers stupendous road front visibility along the major highway in the county, but does not provide stability or shelter for the market, its members, customers, or products. The market had 6 active members in 2012, 9 in 2013, and has increased to 15 active members for 2015. Total market sales from 2012 to 2014 increased by $10,000. In addition to increasing membership and market sales, the Farmers’ Market has expanded products from basic produce (corn, beans, tomatoes, etc.) to offering added value and finished products such as; wine, jams, jellies, baked goods, farm fresh eggs, cheese, soaps, trees, house plants, bedding plants, honey, etc. There is tremendous interest from members for the opportunity to continue to develop added value products.

The process for producing these added value and finished products, often requires the use of a certified/inspected commercial kitchen. The specifications and process for building a facility are elusive and the project is expensive. To this date there are no commercial kitchens available for hire in the Northern Kentucky Region. The nearest is in Winchester, KY, though Northern, KY farmers’ markets and added value product sectors are booming.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Long-term Outcomes:

• Create safe homes within the environments that promote and support the physical and mental well-being of families throughout the life cycle
• Improve the build and natural environment to increase active and healthy lifestyles

• A sustainable, living food system that is culturally and environmentally appropriate.
• Farmers are profitable and still in business
• Substantially greater numbers of small to medium-sized farms in Kentucky
• Increased number of urban farmers and gardeners
• Farming is a sustainable practice
• We are less dependent upon external inputs
• More diversified agriculture
• Laborers have improved their quality of life
• Farmers are profitable and still in business
• Improved public health
• A more humane world
• Inequality is reduced
• Healthier eco-systems
• Increased conviviality
• Food is affordable
• Equality of food is assured
• Regenerative food system
• A sustainable, living food system that is culturally and environmentally appropriate.
• More diversified agriculture
• Laborers have improved their quality of life
• Kentucky population will increase average fruit and vegetable consumption by 1 or more servings per day 
• More new mothers attempt to breastfeed their babies and increase the duration of breastfeeding to six weeks or more 
• Kentuckians improve food management skills and healthy eating habits 
• Youth will be food secure when school is not in session
• People accessing emergency food sources will select from nutrient-dense items

Intermediate Outcomes:

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement practices that will improve, have a cost saving benefit and teach a skill in one or more of the following:

• Disaster preparedness
• Pest management
• Going green
• Energy conservation
• Solid waste management
• Water conservation
• Home safety
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• Environmental education and appreciation

• Greater demand for fresh and local foods
• Mutual mode of communication across the food system, esp. between growers and all the other sectors
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more grocery stores
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more processing plants
• Food deserts are eliminated
• A living wage is paid to laborers
• Laborers have adequate working conditions
• Increased respect for labor
• Increased participation in Farm to School
• Increased participation in Farmers Markets
• Food system is valued as is the transportation system
• Improved animal welfare

• Quality and availability disparities by geographic location are eliminated

• Planning/Zoning officials address issues of ag.
• Food deserts are eliminated
• A living wage is paid to laborers
• Laborers have adequate working conditions
• Food system is valued as is the transportation system
• Greater demand for fresh and local foods
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more grocery stores
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more processing plants
• Training programs are created
• Food deserts are eliminated
• Increased participation in Farm to School
• Increased participation in Farmers Markets
• More time is spent cooking, eating, enjoying and socializing around food
• Vouchers for food are available to all who need
• EBT, SNAP, etc. resources are increased
• Consumers become producers
• People demand, buy and use local produce and food
• Food co-ops are created

• Waste is eliminated

• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more grocery stores
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more processing plants
• Access more local foods 
• Redeem Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program benefit. · Plant, harvest and preserve produce 
• Apply improved food preparation skills, food management skills, food safety  and healthy eating habits Number of:   
• New mothers utilize community services to support breastfeeding, such as WIC breast pump services 
• Youth who access other food sources when not in school 
• Households accessing emergency food sources

Initial Outcomes:

Initial Outcome:

Initial Outcome:

Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and /or aspirations in understanding issues related to:

• Disaster preparedness
• Pest management
• Going green
• Energy conservation
• Solid waste management
• Water conservation
• Home safety
• Science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• Environmental Education and appreciation

• People learn the true cost of their food
• More transparency across the food system
• People understand where their food comes from
• Farmers know about Farm to School programs
• Farmers know about farmers markets
• People who know about food begin to talk to decision makers
• Sub-groups of the food system are identified

• Distributors & retailers aware of the need

• Food labels are more accurate

• People who know about food begin to talk to decision makers

• Policymakers learn the true cost of food
• Policymakers        understand where food comes from
• People learn the true cost of their food
• People understand where their food comes from
• Consumers understand food labels
• Food labels are more accurate
• Community’s understanding of how to grow food is increased
• Opportunities for neighbors to join together to learn

• People learn “how and why” to use local food
• Understand the importance of sustainable local agriculture to individual health and financial well-being
• Learn to grow, prepare and preserve food 
• Learn to incorporate unfamiliar foods or foods not currently eaten into a healthy diet 
• New mothers and those who support them increase knowledge about the health and economic benefits of breastfeeding 
• Increase knowledge and understanding of healthy eating, food safety and food resource management 
• Learn about community support services to increase food security

Evaluation:

Evaluation:

Long-term Outcome:

• Create safe homes within environments that promote and support the physical and mental well-being of families throughout the life cycle.
• A sustainable, living food system that is culturally and environmentally appropriate.
• Farmers are profitable and still in business
• Substantially greater numbers of small to medium-sized farms in Mid.-Michigan
• Increased number of urban farmers and gardeners
• Farming is a sustainable practice
• We are less dependent upon external inputs
• More diversified agriculture
• Laborers have improved quality of life
• Farmers are profitable and still in business
• Substantially greater numbers of small to medium-sized farms in Mid.-Michigan
• Increased number of urban farmers and gardeners
• Farming is a sustainable practice
• We are less dependent upon external inputs
• Improved public health
• A more humane world
• Inequality is reduced
• Healthier eco-systems
• Increased conviviality
• Food is affordable
• Equality of food is assured
• Regenerative food system
• A sustainable, living food system that is culturally and environmentally appropriate.
• More diversified agriculture
• Laborers have improved quality of life
• Improved public health
• A more humane world
• Inequality is reduced
• Healthier eco-systems
• Increased conviviality
• Food is affordable
• Equality of food is assured
• Regenerative food system
• Kentucky population will increase average fruit and vegetable consumption by 1 or more servings per day 
• More new mothers attempt to breast feed their babies and increase duration of breastfeeding to six weeks or more 
• Kentuckians improve food management skills and healthy eating habits 
• Youth will be food secure when school is not in session
• People accessing emergency food sources will select from nutrient dense items

Indicator: Number of adults and youth who make a lifestyle change for the purpose of improving water and/or natural resources for the betterment of the environment and individuals living in it currently and in the future

Decreased unemployment, decrease in demand for emergency food supply, increase WIC participation, Increase in redemption rates for SR/WIC FMNP, Increased participation in senior commodity foods, decrease in need for senior commodity foods, participation in federal school meal programs, increased participation of SNAP-ED, increase in youth choosing careers in agriculture, increase in number of farmers/participants in raising food

Method: pre and post surveys to educational programming, USDA reports, visual witnessing, census, program evaluations, % change in redemption rates for commodity/FMNP voucher programs

Timeline: Throughout the Year

Method: observations, pre and post surveys

Timeline: All year

Intermediate Outcome:

• Implement practices that will improve, have a cost saving benefit and teach a skill that will create safe homes within environments that promote and support the physical and mental well-being of families throughout the life cycle.

• Greater demand for fresh and local foods
• Mutual mode of communication across the food system, esp. between growers and all the other sectors
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more grocery stores
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more processing plants
• Food deserts are eliminated
• A living wage is paid to laborers
• Laborers have adequate working conditions
• Increased respect for labor
• Increased participation in Farm to School
• Increased participation in Farmers Markets
• Food system is valued as is the transportation system
• Improved animal welfare

• Quality and availability disparities by geographic location are eliminated

• Planning/Zoning officials address issues of ag.
• Food deserts are eliminated
• A living wage is paid to laborers
• Laborers have adequate working conditions
• Food system is valued as is the transportation system
• Greater demand for fresh and local foods
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more grocery stores
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more processing plants
• Training programs are created
• Food deserts are eliminated
• Increased participation in Farm to School
• Increased participation in Farmers Markets
• More time is spent cooking, eating, enjoying and socializing around food
• Vouchers for food are available to all who need
• EBT, SNAP, etc. resources are increased
• Consumers become producers
• People demand, buy and use local produce and food
• Food co-ops are created

• Waste is eliminated

• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more grocery stores
• Barriers are eliminated to the development of more processing plants
• Access more local foods 
• Redeem Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program benefit. · Plant, harvest and preserve produce 
• Apply improved food preparation skills, food management skills, food safety  and healthy eating habits Number of:   
• New mothers utilize community services to support breastfeeding, such as WIC breast pump services 
• Youth who access other food sources when not in school 
• Households accessing emergency food sources

Indicator: Number of adults and youth who make a lifestyle change for the purpose of improving water and/or natural resources for creating healthy safe homes.

Decreased unemployment, decrease in demand for emergency food supply, increase WIC participation, Increase in redemption rates for SR/WIC FMNP, Increased participation in senior commodity foods, decrease in need for senior commodity foods, participation in federal school meal programs, increased participation of SNAP-ED, increase in youth choosing careers in agriculture, increase in number of farmers/participants in raising food

Method: pre and post surveys to educational programming, USDA reports, visual witnessing, census, program evaluations, % change in redemption rates for commodity/FMNP voucher programs

Method:  Observations, pre and post surveys

Timeline: All year

Initial Outcome 

• Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and/or aspirations in understanding of issues related to creating safe homes within environments that promote and support the physical and mental well-being of families throughout the life cycle.

• People learn the true cost of their food
• More transparency across the food system
• People understand where their food comes from
• Farmers know about Farm to School programs
• Farmers know about farmers markets
• People who know about food begin to talk to decision makers
• Sub-groups of the food system are identified

• Distributors & retailers aware of the need

• Food labels are more accurate

• People who know about food begin to talk to decision makers

• Policymakers learn the true cost of food
• Policymakers  understand where food comes from
• People learn the true cost of their food
• People understand where their food comes from
• Consumers understand food labels
• Food labels are more accurate
• Community’s understanding of how to grow food is increased
• Opportunities for neighbors to join together to learn

• People learn “how and why” to use local food
• Understand the importance of sustainable local agriculture to individual health and financial well-being
• Learn to grow, prepare and preserve food 
• Learn to incorporate unfamiliar foods or foods not currently eaten into a healthy diet 
• New mothers and those who support them increase knowledge about the health and economic benefits of breastfeeding 
• Increase knowledge and understanding of healthy eating, food safety and food resource management 

Learn about community support services to increase food security

Indicator: Number of adults and youth who have increased knowledge, made an opinion, learned a skill or developed aspirations related to the environmental education.

Decreased unemployment, decrease in demand for emergency food supply, increase WIC participation, Increase in redemption rates for SR/WIC FMNP, Increased participation in senior commodity foods, decrease in need for senior commodity foods, participation in federal school meal programs, increased participation of SNAP-ED, increase in youth choosing careers in agriculture, increase in number of farmers/participants in raising food

Method: pre and post surveys to educational programming, USDA reports, visual witnessing, census, program evaluations, % change in redemption rates for commodity/FMNP voucher programs

Timeline: Throughout the Year

Learning Opportunities:

Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):

Audience: Families, pre-school, seniors, youth, volunteers

Project or Activity: Environmental and Natural Resources Education, Appreciation and Beautification

• Environmental Camp (Fall) 4-H, Ag
• 4-H Camp (June/July) 4-H, FCS, Ag
• Clover Bud Camp (May/June) 4-H
• Garden Club (all year) 4-H
• Ag Progressive Safety Day (April) 4-H, Ag, FCS
• Canoeing (Summer) 4-H
• Roadside Clean up (Fall and Spring) FCS 
• Outdoor summer day camp (summer) ANR, 4-H, FCS
• Earth Day (April) - FCS, ANR, 4-H
• Community Health, Farm and emergency professional Day - Summer - (ANR, FCS)
• Recycling Campaign - (April) FCS, ANR, 4H
• Hiking Club - (All Year) FCS, ANR, 4H
• Sustainable Living Homemaker lesson (Fall) FCS

    Content or Curriculum: 

• UK publications
• USDA Material
• 4-H Curriculum

    Inputs: 4-H Agent, FCS Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistants, Local Schools, Extension Office, Curriculums listed above, Farmer’s Market, Advisory Councils, Volunteers, North Central Camp, UK instructors and specialists, fair grounds

    Date: throughout the year as dates state above

Audience: Families, pre-school, seniors, youth, volunteers

    Project or Activity: Create safe homes within environments that promote and support the physical and mental well-being of families throughout the lifecycle

• Recycling Program (April) 4-H, Ag, FCS
• Chemical Management (May and October) - ANR
• Pesticide Applicator Training – January & May (ANR)
• Water Awareness Month –May (ANR)
• Bee Buzz – Throughout the Year (ANR)
• FEMA - Throughout the Year (ANR)
• EOC – Throughout the Year (ANR)
• Earth Day – (April) ANR, FCS, 4H

Content or Curriculum: 

• UK publications
• USDA Material

    Inputs: 4-H Agent, FCS Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistants, Local Schools, Extension Office, Curriculums listed above, Farmer’s Market, Advisory Councils, Volunteers

    Date: throughout the year as dates state above

Audience: Families, pre-school, seniors, youth, volunteers

Project or Activity: Educate individuals on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical concepts (STEM)

• 4-H SET Club (all year) 4-H
• School Enrichment: Snap Circuits (October) 4-H
• FlowerBuds ( monthly) FCS
• Storywalks (quarterly) FCS
• Sprouts - May-Nov - (ANR)

Content or Curriculum:

• UK publications
• USDA Material
• 4-H Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent, FCS Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistants, Local Schools, Extension Office, Curriculums listed above, Volunteers

Date: throughout the year as dates state above  

Audience: Tobacco Producers (AG)
 Activity: Tobacco Programs

• Tobacco GAP – February/March (ANR)

Content or Curriculum: 

• Current Tobacco Issues
• Tobacco GAP Training

Inputs: Leader, Extension and other UK Extension Specialists, County Agricultural Board, FSA, local producers and general public, Certified Volunteers

Date: February and March 

Audience: Forage / Beef Producers (AG)
 Activity: Forage Programs

• Pasture Renovation – February (ANR)
• Have yourselves a Hay Day (Forage Testing Field Day) – July (ANR)

Content or Curriculum: 

• Forage Production
• Soil/Fertility
• KDA Hay Testing Mobile Unit
• Forage Reports
• Stock Piling Fescue
• Fall Seeding 
• Weed Control and Identification
• IPM

Inputs: 

• UK Publications
• Extension and other UK Extension Specialists
• County Agricultural Board
• FSA
• NRCS
• local producers and general public
• Certified Volunteers

Date:

Audience: CAIP Menu Program (AG)
 Activity: CAIP Menu Program

• CAIP Informational Meetings – August/September
• Assorted Educational Field Days (as mentioned in various activities)
• Farm Visits – All Year
• Client Consultations – All Year, As needed

Content or Curriculum:

• Educational Program Supporting CAIP

Inputs: KADF Resources, UK Publications, Breed Associations, Conservation District, Leader, Extension and other UK Extension Specialists, County Agricultural Board, FSA, local producers and general public, Certified Volunteers
 Date: All Year

Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
 Activity: Production, Marketing, Networking, and Education Courses

• Master Cattleman
• Beef Reproductive Efficiency Program 
• BQA Certification – February & September (ANR)
• Bull Selection – January/February (ANR)
• Cattle Handling & Care – February (ANR)
• Expected Progeny Differences – February & September (ANR)
• Herd Health Day – April (ANR)
• Have yourselves a Hay Day – August (ANR)
• Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluations – April (ANR)
• Shared-Use Equipment Field Day – May/June (ANR)
• Beef Tour – September/October – (ANR)
• 4-H Livestock Club- year round (4-H)
• 4-H Livestock Judging- January-June (4-H)

Content or Curriculum: 

• Educational Program Supporting CAIP

Inputs: UK Publications, Breed Associations, Leader, Extension and other UK Extension Specialists, County Agricultural Board, FSA, local producers and general public, Certified Volunteers, local veterinarians , Leader, Extension and other UK Extension Specialists, Farms, Livestock Auctions, UK Meat Lab and Butcher Shop, County Agricultural Board, FSA, local producers and general public, Certified Volunteers
 Date: All Year

Audience: Farmers Market / Horticulture Producers (AG, FCS, 4-H)
 Activity: Develop an organization to allow participants a networking system to enhance production and profitability through various programs and activities. 

• Farmers Market – All Year (ANR)
• Farmers Feast – August (ANR, FCS)
• GAP Training – March/April (ANR)
• Home-Based Processing Training – March/April (ANR, FCS)
• KY Proud – February/March (ANR)
• KY Plate it Up Sampling and Demos – All Year (ANR, FCS)
• flAG tours/FARM Tour (Familiarizing Locals with Agriculture) – June (ANR)
• SR/WIC FMNP – March/April (ANR)

Content or Curriculum: 

• GAP Training
• Home-Based Processing Training
• KY Proud
• KY Plate it Up
• KY Farmers Market Handbook
• SR/WIC FMNP, USDA Publications
• Extension Publications

Inputs: 

• Leader, Extension and other UK Extension Specialists
• County Agricultural Board
• FSA
• SNAP-ED
• local producers and general public
• Certified Volunteers
• KY Plate It UP
• KY Proud
• KDA

Date: All Year, Heavy in Production Season

Audience: Home Horticulture and Consumer 
 Activity: Home Horticulture Programs

• Kitchen Gardening – April (ANR)
• Planning the Garden that is Right for You – February (ANR)
• Herb Gardening – March (ANR)
• KY Plate it Up Sampling – All Year (ANR, FCS)
• Container Gardening – February (ANR)
• Utilizing Raised Beds – May (ANR)
• Buzz Worthy Super Foods – October (ANR)
• The Meat of the Matter: Purchasing Local Meats –   November (ANR)
• Plant Propagation Series – November (ANR)

Content or Curriculum: 

• Lawn and Gardening & Horticulture
• vegetables production
• home fruit production
• landscape design
• landscape management
• beneficial insects

Inputs: 

• Extension Community Education Garden
• SNAP-ED
• Monarch Watch Station Grant
• Leader
• Extension and other UK Extension Specialists
• County Agricultural Board
• FSA
• local producers and general public
• Certified Volunteers

Date: All year

Audience: Youth 
 Activity: Educational programs to cultivate students understanding of where their food comes from

• Sprouts – May to November (ANR)
• 4-H Garden Club – All Year (4-H, ANR)
• LEAP (FCS)
• Professor Popcorn -Sept- April (4-H)
• Cooking Club- monthly (4-H)
• Country hams- Jan-Sept (4-H)
• Livestock Club - all year (4-H)
• Rabbits & Poultry Club - Sept-July (4-H)
• Skillathon - Jan-Feb (4-H) 
• Tractor Driving - July-Aug (4-H)
• Livestock Judging- Oct- June (4-H)

Content or Curriculum: 

• KY Plate it Up
• SNAP-ED
• Star Chef
• Jr. Master Gardener
• The Honey Bee Files
• Nutrients for Life
• Professor Popcorn
• 4-H Curriculum

Inputs: 

• Extension Community Education Garden
• Monarch Watch Station Grant
• Leader
• Extension and other UK Extension Specialists
• County Agricultural Board
• FSA
• local producers and general public
• Certified Volunteers

Date: All year

Audience: Limited Resource Families
 Activity: Outreach and educational programs to foster life skills, awareness and appreciation of local foods

• Farms to Foodbanks – May to November (ANR)
• WIC Education – May – November (ANR)
• SR. Center Education – All Year (FCS, ANR)
• Local Food Team – All Year (ANR)
• LEAP – (FCS)

Content or Curriculum: 

• KY Plate it Up
• The Power of Buying Local

Inputs: 

• Extension Community Education Garden
• Leader
• SNAP-ED
• Extension and other UK Extension Specialists
• County Agricultural Board
• Food Pantries
• USDA
• Religious Organizations
• Fiscal Court
• local producers and general public
• Certified Volunteers

Date: All year

Success Stories

Recycling Education

Author: Kenna Knight

Major Program: Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General

Impact Statement: Recycling Program EnhancementThe Pendleton County Extension Office offered an enhanced recycling program educational effort and drive aimed to encourage more frequent recycling of new items and promote additional sustainable practices within the community.Quantitative results in a follow evaluation and through observation led to our recycling bin having to double it’s service to empty.  99 % of participants have recycling new items.  25 % just started to partici

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