Agriculture Production and Environmental LiteracyPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Allen County CES

Title:
Agriculture Production and Environmental Literacy
MAP:
Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment
Agents Involved:
Adam Huber (ANR), Vacant(FCS), Anna Meador (4-H)
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Horticulture, Commercial
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Chemical Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Beef
Situation:

Allen County is located in south central Kentucky where there is an abundant amount of agriculture and wildlife present. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Allen County is the #3 producer of vegetables and #1 producer of cattle and calve sales in the state. With 21% of the land in Allen County being woodlands and Barren River Lake flowing into the county, there are numerous outdoor activities and accommodations that Allen County has to offer outdoor enthusiasts. 

As you can see, Allen County is very diverse and with the help of County Extension Council, we identified the needs in our community, as well as programs that will help community members be more comfortable growing and safely handling their own food, exercising and staying healthy, along with learning the importance of keeping our environment clean and pollution free.     

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
  1. Increase participation in outdoor activities    
  2. Apply safety practices in Ag, Environment & wildlife activities 
  3. Employ best practices in livestock & horticulture production 
  4. Demonstrate food safety practices 
  5. Use habitat improvement methods to increase wildlife populations
Initial Outcomes:
  1. Recognize the importance of environmental footprint 
  2. Increase confidence in growing produce and livestock for consumption 
  3. Utilize safety practices in ag, environment, and wildlife  
  4. Learn 3 or more best practices in livestock, health, nutrition, & production 
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Learn 3 or more best practices in livestock, health, nutrition, & production 

Indicator: Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farming operation

Method: verbal, paper and electronic surveys

Timeline:  Annually after completion of programs 


Intermediate Outcome Increase participation of outdoor activities    

Indicator: Individuals state that they increased physical outdoor activities and exercise 

Method: verbal, paper and electronic surveys

Timeline: Annually after completion of programs 


Intermediate Outcome:  Use habitat improvement methods to increase wildlife populations

Indicator: Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farming operation. 

Method: verbal, paper and electronic surveys

Timeline: Annually after completion of programs 


Long-term Outcome:  Maximize best management practices in farming operations 

Indicator:  Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farm to improve yield, profit and BMP

Method:  verbal, paper and electronic surveys

Timeline: Annually after completion of programs 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Agriculture producers, elected officials, educators and all stakeholders

Project or Activity: Farm to Fork Event

Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market ToolkitFarm to Table

Inputs: ANR, FCS & 4-H agents, Chamber of Commerce members, donated items 

Date: Annually, Summer/Fall 

Project or Activity:  Agriculture Field Day 

Content or Curriculum: General Ag content from UK specialist 

Inputs: ANR, FCS & 4-H agents, Ag Advisory Committee members, UK specialist, Vendors, donated items

Date: Annually Spring or Fall

 

Audience: Youth, Families, Stakeholders

Project or Activity:  Environmental Camp

Content or Curriculum: Forestry, wildlife & fish, environmental sustainability 

 Inputs: ANR, FCS, 4-H agents, 

Date: Annually, Summer

Project or Activity: 4-H livestock and horse projects

Content or Curriculum: 4-H agriculture core

Inputs: Club leaders, community partners

Date: Annually

            

Audience: Agriculture producers, business owners, families, youth and stakeholders

Project or Activity:    Allen County Agriculture Producer Guide

Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Toolkit training, Plate It up KY proud, 

Inputs: ANR Agent, youth participants, Allen County Farmers Market, local agriculture producers 

Date: Annually, Spring-Summer


Project or Activity:  Farmers Market Education 

Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Toolkit training, Plate It up KY proud

Inputs: ANR, FCS, NEP Assistant, Farmers Market manager/vendors 

Date: Annually, May-October


Project or Activity:  Wildlife and commercial vegetable meetings

Content or Curriculum: Research from UK specialist, UK publications

Inputs: UK Specialist, ANR Agent, KY Fish and Wildlife, KY Division of Forestry 

Date: Annually, Spring, Fall, Winter



Success Stories

Farm to Fork

Author: Nan Montgomery

Major Program: Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud

Farm to Fork

On August 28, 2024, the Allen County Cooperative Extension Service and the Farm to Fork Committee co-hosted the second Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork Fundraising Dinner. The event aimed to promote Kentucky Proud foods and support the Allen County 4-H Program. The dinner featured a delicious Kentucky Proud meal by a local caterer, Allen County Homemakers, and 4-H members. This provided an opportunity to enjoy local food while contributing to a good cause. The dinner, was held at Peach Tree Farm and

Full Story

Farm to Fork event

Author: Adam Huber

Major Program: Local Food Systems

On August 28, 2024, the Allen County Cooperative Extension Service and the Farm to Fork Committee co-hosted the second Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork Fundraising Dinner. The event aimed to promote Kentucky Proud foods and support the Allen County 4-H Program. The dinner featured a delicious Kentucky Proud meal by a local caterer, Allen County Homemakers, and 4-H students. This provided an opportunity to enjoy local food while contributing to a good cause. The dinner, was held at Peach Tree Farm and

Full Story

Promoting Local Farms & 4-H through the Allen County Farm to Fork Program

Author: Anna Meador

Major Program: Agriculture

Promoting Local Farms & 4-H through the Allen County Farm to Fork Program

Eating local isn’t just a fashionable trend.  By eating local farm produce and animal products, consumers may just find a positive correlation for improved health, nutrition, personal finances and even a positive impact in your community by financially supporting local farms.  For a second year, Allen County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with local farmers, Extension Volunteers and the 4-H Program to host our Annual Farm to Fork Event.  “The Kentucky Proud Fa

Full Story
Back to Plans for the County