Extension
It Starts With Us
Ag Stewardship, Small Farms
Improving Farm Management
ANR, KSU Agent
Substance Use Recovery - ANR
Small Farm Diversification
Soil testing
Forages
Land-use decisions are driving more acres from forage production into row crops as grain crops have become the most profitable alternative to landowners. Environmental issues and limited feed production for livestock are concerns for all Russell County residents. Fragile soils are now exposed to soil erosion and degradation of physical properties that lead to low productivity.
Livestock producers are reliant upon abundant hay and pasture bases to feed large herds of animals. Without increased forage yields on fewer acres, livestock numbers will plummet as feed costs escalate.
Fruit and vegetable production is becoming more and more popular in the county. With NRCS offering grants for high tunnels, the number of those structures is increasing year to year.
-Marginal farmland returns to semi-permanent grassland and forage legumes are a part of every paddock.
-Adequate feed production allows livestock producers to maintain or expand numbers.
-Grain farmers obtain economical yields by seeding cover crops and releasing control of marginal land.
-Increase sales of fruit and vegetables at local markets (direct sales to chains – Kroger).
-Producers follow recommendations on soil samples to reduce excess fertilizer application and reduce amount of runoff.
-Minimize environmental impact by following recommended use of pesticides, herbicides, and/or fertilizers
- Increase or maintain access of locally produced foods based on sales and/or % or redemption of alternate payment programs
-Increased sales or profits and/or reduced risk of selling food
-Increased the amount and/or variety of locally grown or processed foods
-Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production Implementation of on-farm demonstrations
-Be active in gardening
-Sell locally grown and/or processed foods
-Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses
-Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices.
-Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species
-Increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in soil health, water conservation, and chemical use
-Recognize required food safety practices
Outcome: Better management practices adopted in grain, high tunnel, & fruit & vegetable production systems.
Indicator: Compare changes in production prior to and after meetings.
Method: Farm Visits
Timeline: Yearly
Outcome: Evaluate the changes in management practices from forage related class participants.
Indicator: Note changes in participants adopted from attendance in class.
Method: Farm visits to see changes in practices
Timeline: 2x year
Outcome: Smooth transition of farming operations from generation to generation, etc.
Indicator: Changes in recording keeping, budgeting, etc.
Method: Follow-up visits and evaluations.
Timeline: Yearly
Outcome: Recognizes the importance of all steps in producing your own food.
Indicator: Demonstrates the importance during the growing season.
Method: Visual evaluation.
Timeline: Growing Season
Overall Audience: Adults
Main Audience: Grain Producers (soybean, corn, & wheat)
Activity: Farm Tour/Safety Training
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: Early Spring
Main Audience: Farmers
Activity: Transitioning a Farm
Content or Curriculum: Budgeting, Loans, Records, etc.
Date: (every other year)
Main Audience: Horticulture Producers
Activity: Production Systems
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: Late Winter & Early Fall
Main Audience: Fruit Tree Producers
Activity: Pruning & Grafting Workshop
Content or Curriculum: How To’s & Hands-On
Date: Early Spring odd years
Main Audience: Fruit & Vegetable Producers
Activity: Vegetable Production Workshop
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: Spring, Fall
Main Audience: Fruit & Vegetable Producers
Activity: Farmers’ Market Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: Spring, Fall, & Winter
Main Audience: Farmers & Gardeners
Activity: Soil Testing
Content or Curriculum: UK Soil Lab
Date: Mainly Spring, but throughout the year
Main Audience: Community Members
Activity: Community Garden
Content or Curriculum: Seeding, Planting, Harvesting, & Preparing
Date: Spring – Fall
Main Audience: Producers
Activity: CAIP Trainings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: As Needed
Main Audience: Bee Keepers
Activity: Educational Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: Spring, Fall, and Winter
Main Audience: All Producers
Activity: Soil Testing
Content or Curriculum: Fertilizer Recommendations
Date: All year
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Major Program: Small Farm Management
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in homesteading practices, particularly in rural areas like Russell County. As residents seek sustainable and efficient ways to manage their homes and farms, the demand for practical knowledge has intensified. The need for self-sufficiency has become increasingly pressing, driven by economic challenges and a desire for greater control over food sources. This shift reflects a broader trend towards sustainability, where individuals are motivated t
