Fleming County CES

Title:

Adapting to Changing Agricultural Markets

MAP:

Securing Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability

Agents Involved:

Thrasher, Wilhoit, Fryman

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Horticulture, Commercial

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Situation:

Over the past 20 years agricultural production in Fleming County has changed significantly.  The heavy decline in tobacco and dairy production has found the need for agriculture diversification and sustainability.  Agribusinesses supporting agriculture production have also found the need to adapt to changing markets and opportunities.  With the ever-changing agriculture markets, diversification and sustainability, is needed for farm families to remain profitable and sustainable for years to come.  Educational opportunities are important to keep farmers moving forward with profitability and relevant in the current agriculture climate, as well as introduction of new agriculture production opportunities.  Additionally, emphasis should be placed on educational opportunities for young farmers to be successful in the current agriculture climate.  For agriculture to remain sustainable for many years to come, youth educational opportunities geared toward agriculture production is imperative to keep agriculture alive through farming and through interest in agriculture careers.                    

Long-Term Outcomes:

-Agricultural producers will adapt to the changing agricultural markets 

-Producers will continue to be profitable in a changing agricultural market 

-Producers will modify their operations in order to produce a commodity that is marketable 

-Producers will become more efficient and effective in their farm management and implementation of good management practices 

-Farmers will create operations that include sustainable agricultural practices to weather fluctuating agricultural markets and remain profitable 

-Youth will be educated on the current agricultural markets through 4-H 

-Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H Projects, record keeping and activities. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Agricultural producers will implement changes needed in their operations according to the needs of the fluctuating markets 

-Producers will make changes necessary to continue being profitable in their enterprises 

-Producers will implement techniques and strategies learned from research and extension to become more effective and produce higher quality products 

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

Initial Outcomes:

-Producers will gain knowledge of new and changing agricultural markets 

-Producers will become more open minded to new and changing markets for beef, dairy, crops and horticultural products 

-Producers will learn how they can change their operations to become more efficient 

-Producers will learn how they can change their operations to produce a higher quality product 

-Producers will become familiar with cultural practices that will allow them to make more profit from their products 

-Youth will gain knowledge and skills in production in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences. 

-Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service. 

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increase efficiency and profits on the farm

Indicator:   Number of individuals that report; knowledge and skills gained about new efficient ways to manage the farm and increase profits 

Method: self-report survey

Timeline: pre-post implementing curriculum or program evaluations

Outcome:  Increase knowledge of changing agricultural markets and opportunities for providing higher quality products 

Indicator:   Number of individuals that report; Number of individuals that gain and renew certifications in production areas (I.e. Tobacco GAP, BQCA, Private Pesticide, PBPT, etc...); increase in knowledge and skills gained in agricultural market opportunities and high-quality production  

Method: Self-report surveys; specific curricula or program evaluations 

Timeline:  Pre-post implementing curricula or program 

Outcome: -Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service. 

Indicator: Number of individuals participating in 4-H Youth Livestock Projects 

Method: Self-Report; Personal Testimony via Record Book 

Timeline: September Annually 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Local Beef Farmers
Project or Activity: Master Cattleman (Master Stocker, Master Grazer, Master Marketer Programs; Master Hay Maker)
Content or Curriculum: UK Master Cattleman Curriculum, BQA, Cattle Handling and Care
Inputs: UK Beef & Forage Specialists, Agents
Date: January-December (every 3 years)

Audience: Crop Farmers
Project or Activity: Crop Classes
Content or Curriculum: Private Pesticide Applicator Training, Market Updates, Production Information, Farmers Market, PBPT, Soil Fertility Programs
Inputs: Agent, UK specialists
Date: January- December

Audience: Local Tobacco Farmers
Project or Activity: Annual GAP Meetings
Content or Curriculum: GAP Training curriculum
Inputs: University Specialists, Tobacco GAP Connections
Date: February-June

Audience: Vegetable Growers
Project or Activity: Farmer’s Market Vendor Meetings & Trainings
Content or Curriculum: Information chosen by farmers directly related to the production of fruit and vegetable crops
Inputs: Agents, UK Horticulture Specialists, KDA
Date: January- May 

Audience:  All Farmers
Project or Activity: Farm Management
Content or Curriculum: Farm Business Planning Trainings
Inputs: University Econ Specialists
Date:  November 

Audience: All Farmers
Project or Activity: Diagnostic Testing
Content or Curriculum: Weed ID, Soil Testing, Hay Testing, Plant Disease Diagnostics, Animal Disease Diagnostics
Inputs: Agents; UK Specialists
Date: January-December 

Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H livestock Project
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock Certified Leaders, and 4-H Livestock Kit
Inputs: Agents, FFA Advisors, Certified Volunteers, Community Partners
Date: September - August

Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Certified Leaders, Community Partners
Date: January - August

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Youth Gardening Program
Content or Curriculum: Sprouts Program, Bonnie Cabbage Program, UK publications
Inputs: Agents, Garden Club, Volunteer Program, Schools
Date: Spring, Summer 

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity:  Youth ANR Camp
Content or Curriculum: Natural Resources, Entomology, Forestry
Inputs: Agents, Community Partners, UK Specialists
Date: July Annually

Success Stories

Agriculture & Natural Resources Day Camp

Author: April Wilhoit

Major Program: Agriculture

In July 2024, the Fleming County 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources program hosted an intensive three-day day camp focused on Agriculture and Natural Resources. This comprehensive program engaged 21 youth participants, aged 9-12, in a diverse array of topics including Sheep, Beef, Dairy, Kentucky Reptiles, Buffalo and agriculture by-products.Day One: The group visited a local sheep producer, where participants observed the intricate process of sheep shearing as well as learning tips on ra

Full Story