Calloway County CES

Title:

2024 Agriculture Literacy and Social Sustainability

MAP:

Sustainability

Agents Involved:

Matt Chadwick, Calyn Colston

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Agritourism Planning

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Local Food System Development and Mapping

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Soil testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Workforce Preparation - ANR

Situation:

Calloway County's population has dramatically increased in the last decade, the majority of that population lives within the city limits. Although traditionally viewed as a rural county, the ratio of urban to rural residence is shifting. Due to this shift we are seeing a larger disconnect with our traditionally agriculture community. Greater understanding and communication between rural and city dwellers is needed. A portion of the new rural population has moved to Calloway County to retire. In retirement they desire to have a small farm or agricultural enterprise. This population needs to have information and assistance as they make decisions about their small farm operations. Additionally, the scientific aspects of GE crops (=GMOs) are not widely understood. Furthermore, credible scientific information is sometimes misrepresented in the public domain. While value judgement rightfully drive public decision-making, the public has the right to credible scientific information as it deliberates controversial issues such as this.

Long-Term Outcomes:

-The general population of the county will develop a link to agriculture within the county. They will become more familiar, and acclimated with the process of production agriculture in the county.

-New small farms producer will be successful at producing their intended crop/livestock at a sustainable profit.

-Youth will consider the field of agriculture as a viable career path.

-Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.

-Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H.

-Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.

Intermediate Outcomes:

-The general public become aware of where their food is produced and will desire to select more locally produced food.

-Producers will make efforts to market locally produced foods for local residents to purchase.

-Consumers will be understanding of crop seasons, and there for the seasonal availability of local products.

-Youth will value local producers.

-Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas

of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.

-Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employ ability.

-Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.

-Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.

-Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.

-Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.

Initial Outcomes:

-The general population will feel comfortable and confident that local producers are using the best practices available to produce commodities.

-Producers understand the value in telling their story, and feel a greater comfort in doing so.

-Youth will have an understanding of the crops grown in the county.

-Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant

sciences, horticulture and animal 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.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: The general population will feel comfortable and confident that local producers are using the best practices available to produce commodities

Indicator: Interaction between producers and public

Method: One on one conversations

Timeline: 2024

Intermediate Outcome: Producers will make efforts to market locally produced foods for local residents to purchase.

Indicator: More diversity in locally available products

Method: Survey of weekly farmers market vendors

Timeline:2024

Long-term Outcome: The general population of the county will develop a link to agriculture within the county. They will become more familiar, and acclimated with the process of production agriculture in the county.

Indicator: Better Communication

Method: One on one conversations

Timeline: 2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers Market Consumers and Vendors

Project or Activity: Educational Booth

Content or Curriculum: Plate it up, Ag Literacy Information

Inputs: Volunteers, Agents, Publications

Date: Monthly during 2024 market season

Audience: General Public of Calloway County

Project or Activity: Agriculture based tour

Content or Curriculum: Visiting a diverse section of Agriculture Based businesses and farms within the county

Inputs: Volunteers, Agents, publications, local market administration

Date: 2024

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Welcome to the county brochure

Content or Curriculum: County based stats and information

Inputs: Local Data, Agents.

Date: 2024

Audience: High School aged Youth

Project or Activity: Leadership Tomorrow Ag Day

Content or Curriculum: Tour of local Ag based businesses and farms

Inputs: Agents, teachers, bus, local producers and volunteers

Date: Annually 2024-2026

Audience: Youth

Project/Activity: Ag Day

Content/Curriculum: Natural Resources in Kentucky

Inputs: Volunteers, program assistant, teachers

Date: Annually 2024-2026

Audience: Youth

Project/Activity: 4-H Project Clubs

Content/Curriculum: Geology, Archery, Shotgun, Horse, Livestock, Animal Science, Bee, Robotics, Sewing, Fine Arts, Teen, etc.

Inputs: Volunteers, program assistant, agents

Date: Annually each program year

Audience: Youth

Project/Activity: 4-H Summer Day Camps

Content/Curriculum: Special Interest workshops, Project Days, Short Courses

Inputs: Volunteers, program assistants, agents

Date: Annually each program year

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Success Stories