Extension
It Starts With Us
Agricultural Production 2
Production, Marketing & Profitability
Corinne Belton, Regina Browning, Candice Hollingsworth, Skye Drane (Hort Tech)
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Horticulture, Commercial
Small Farm Diversification
Agriculture
While Kentucky's population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth. Shelby Countians are faced with maintaining a balance between industrial development, community growth and preserving the rural landscape. In order to increase sustainability and profitability, producers must take advantage of local markets as well as our close proximity to the large population centers of Lexington and Louisville. Diversification of agriculture operations is key to long-term viability. Producers must engage in practices that ensure the preservation and availability of natural resources for future generations.
In 2018 the National Gardening Survey indicated that 77% of American households garden in some way. Other estimates reveal that consumer horticulture and supporting industries contribute nearly $200 billion to the US economy each year and support over 2 million jobs. Recent trends indicate that more and more Americans are growing their own food (35% of households) while interests in ornamentals remains high, particularly in the area of gardening to support pollinators and other ecological uses of plants. American gardens will continue to look to Cooperative Extension for specific answers to their gardening questions. The Extension Master Gardener Program equips trained and certified volunteers to assist Extension staff in delivering research-based gardening information to the public.
:According to the 2017 USDA Ag Census, the number of farms and acres for commercial horticulture continues to grow. Consumer preference for affordable, local fresh food can be measured by the 160 farmers markets in 110 counties with over 2,700 vendors. In addition, growers are marketing through community supported agriculture, produce auctions, and direct marketing to restaurants, schools, and institutions.
*Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
*Youth will be agriculturally literate.
*Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life-skill development through 4-H.
*Youth will be advocates for agriculture and health and sustainable food systems.
*Long term viability
*Producers save money by making informed selection decisions
*Maximize profits for commercial ag producer
*Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
*Increased sales/ profits, reduced expenses, or reduced risk
* Maintained or expanded access to local food (i.e. farmers markets)
*Minimize environmental impact by following recommended use of pesticides, herbicides, and/or fertilizers
*Volunteer for community horticulture projects
*Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.
*Youth will adopt and practice skills that apply to employability
*Youth can explain the role of agriculture to others in their daily lives.
*Youth will set a goal and accomplish it
*Youth can practice entrepreneurial skills related to agriculture and food systems.
*Growers will establish new markets
*Growers will create or update online presence and marketing
*Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds
*Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations
*Use Extension diagnostic services
*Be active in gardening
*Diversify plant varieties
*Add native plants to landscaping
*Use Integrated Pest Management practices
*Youth will gain knowledge and skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.
*Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
*Youth will develop valuable life skills including decision making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service.
*Increase understanding of production regulations
*Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production
Growers will increase knowledge about : Crop diversification and growing practices/methods to extend season
*Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests
*Increase knowledge of horticulture and best practices in soil health, water conservation, and chemical use
*Recognize the value of diagnostic testing
Initial Outcome: Youth and adults increase KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Indicator: Increased KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Method: Post-training evaluations, observation
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults implement production management practices such as: evaluation, variety selection, pesticide management, marketing
Indicator: Improved management practices in evaluation, variety selection, pesticide management, marketing
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Yearly
Long-term Outcome: Increased agriculture production and profitability
Indicator: Higher production and increased profits
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Year-to-year over the next decade
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders
Date: monthly
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Dairy Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders
Date: monthly
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Horse Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Horse Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders
Date: monthly
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Rabbit and Poultry Club meetings
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders
Date: monthly
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Livestock, Dairy and Horse Judging
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders, local farms
Date: March - June 2025
Audience: 4-H Members and Adults
Project or Activity: Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Country Ham Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, curing supplies, ham house
Date: January - August 2025
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Livestock Skillathon
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders, volunteer instructors
Date: September 2024-February 2025
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Stockman's College
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders, volunteer instructors
Date: October 2024
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Livestock Quiz Bowl
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, certified leaders, volunteer instructors
Date: July 2024-March 2025
Audience: Home Gardeners
Project or Activity: Fruit and Vegetable Production Classes
Content or Curriculum: UK publications, MG Curriculum
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents, horticulture technician
Date: Spring and Summer 2024-2025
Audience: Home Gardeners
Project or Activity: Produce Best Practices Training (PBPT)
Content or Curriculum: PBPT Guidelines
Inputs: PBPT Powerpoint, KDA information
Date: Year Round
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Classes
Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications
Inputs: MG curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists, horticulture technician
Date: Spring 2024-2025
Audience: General Public, Home Gardeners
Project or Activity: Garden Tours
Content or Curriculum: MG Curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications
Inputs: MG Curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists, horticulture technician
Date: As scheduled
Audience: Fruit Tree Owners
Project or Activity: Fruit Tree Pruning Demonstration
Content or Curriculum: MG curriculum, UK publications
Inputs: UK publications, horticulture technician
Date: February/March 2024 - 2025
Audience: Small Farmers
Project or Activity: Navigating Off-the-Farm Product Sales
Content or Curriculum: small farm, diversification, marketing opportunities
Inputs: UK publications, agents, specialists
Date: Winter 24-25
Audience: Small Farmers
Project or Activity: Farming on Small Acreage
Content or Curriculum: small farm, diversification, small business planning
Inputs: UK publications, agents, specialists
Date: Winter 24-25
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H Country Ham Project is one of the most unique 4-H activities offered through Kentucky 4-H. Youth are taught a heritage skill that is a tradition in our state. They are also required to give a speech about a related topic at the Kentucky State Fair. This creates an opportunity to enhance their communication skills. Over 1000 youth enrolled in the project in 2024, including 28 youth in Shelby County.The Shelby County 4-H Agent serves on the Country Ham Committee which ov
