Knott County CES

Title:

Ag Production & Natural Resources

MAP:

Ag & Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Chad Conway, Dora Centers

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Beef

Situation:

According to the CEDIK report, agriculture is one of the emerging Businesses for Knott County. Although, agriculture is not as prevalent in Knott County as in other parts of the state. The county has only 22 full-time farmers but several part-time and small farmers. Most of these producers have very diversified operations with small numbers of livestock and/or acres of pasture and crops. Even though these are smaller operations, they still add financial support to their families and the county. Farm acreage has increased steadily in the last fifteen years, mostly due to the increased use of reclaimed strip mine lands. The major livestock in the county consists of beef cattle, goats, and horses. The major crops consist of hay, corn, ornamentals, bedding plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also, a large number of the people in the county raise a small garden or fruit trees for home use. Forage lands harvested have more than doubled during the last five years, as well as a significant increase in the number of cropland acres harvested due to the use of reclaimed mine land. The County Extension Council and Agriculture & Natural Resources Council have directed us to address the above areas with the necessary emphasis on diversification and small farm production. Emphasis will be on learning experiences that will benefit both youth and adults—mainly directed to those involved or interested in livestock, crops, fruit, and vegetable production, both commercially and family-based.

 

Forestry is also a significant industry in the county, with 84.7% of the land being forested. Since the decline in mining, logging has increased slowly but continues to increase. According to the latest CEDIK report, Forestry, Agriculture, Fishing, and Hunting are the emerging industries in Knott County. Presently, the county's citizens have become more aware of the importance of, and possible financial gain from, their forested lands. However, education is needed to help improve the forest's quality and improve citizen's forest management knowledge. Another agriculture development area that continues to grow is pasture and hay land or reclaimed mine land.

 

Although, we should use all of the natural resources of the county wisely. Citizens must learn conservation practices in order to protect the valuable ecosystem of the county.

 

Like many other counties in the area, environmental concerns are of great importance to the county, with water quality being the #1 concern. A recent survey conducted by the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service shows that over a third of survey residents are concerned about littering and illegal dumping in the county. The extension can help educate the public about the importance of the environment and about conservation methods that help improve environmental conditions. The County Extension Council, Agriculture & Natural Resources Council, Knott County Creeks & Streams (Pride) Committee, Knott County Soil Conservation, and local leaders agreed that the above issues are significant and must be addressed. Major areas to address are to include Knowledge of better management practices related to the protection of natural resources; Understanding of the environmental concerns in the area, and improving forage quality on reclaimed land.

 

Understanding the importance of good water quality; Knowledge of conservation efforts related to the environment, wildlife, and habitat; Knowledge that managing the forest could benefit the environment; and learn the importance of recycling.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Agricultural producers will manage their farms and resources to receive the most profit or production from their operations. They will develop the knowledge necessary to manage their agricultural operations to wisely use the land and resources for sustainability. Youth and adults of Knott County understand the importance of the wise use of natural resources and strive to improve the environmental conditions in the area.

 

• Youth will be environmentally literate.
• Youth will make informed decisions and take responsible action regarding natural resources conservation, protection, and restoration. 
• Youth will be advocates for environmental sustainability and stewardship.
• Youth will be agriculturally literate.
• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services. 
• Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production.
• Adult and youth consumers will manage their resources to maintain and improve the sustainability of natural resources.
• Practicing stewardship in natural resources.
• Ag Production
• Wise use of environment & natural resources.

 

Intermediate Outcomes:

An increase in agriculture production with an emphasis on livestock and horticulture.

 

• Best Management Practices will be used for their agricultural operations
• An increase in the diversity of agriculture operations will occur
• An increase in necessary management skills being used
• Increased utilization of reclaimed mine lands as part of agricultural operations in the county
• Vegetable producers will utilize new innovative techniques to increase the production and quality of vegetable
• Increase access to local fresh fruits and vegetables
• An increase in the management of forests as a renewable natural resource.
• Improvement of wildlife management and conservation of the environment.
• An increase of educational programming on Forest management.
• An increase in the management of forests as a renewable natural resource.
• Increased awareness of recycling programs in the county.
• Youth will explain the importance and role of natural resources in daily life.
• Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect natural resources. 
• Youth will utilize and practice life skills in 4-H natural resources and environmental projects and clubs, and life situations. 
• Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life.
• Youth will utilize and practice life skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.

Initial Outcomes:

Knowledge of better management practices and conservation-related to their enterprises.

 

• Knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability
• Knowledge of new methods to use reclaimed lands.
• Understanding the importance of diversity in small enterprises
• Knowledge of local markets to expand horticulture operations.
• Knowledge of better management practices related to the protection of natural resources.
• Knowledge of new methods to prevent damage to reclaimed lands.
• Understanding of the environmental concerns in the area.
• Understanding of the importance of good water quality.
• Knowledge of conservation efforts related to the environment, wildlife, and habitat
• The knowledge that managing the forest could benefit the environment.
• Learn the importance of recycling.
• Knowledge of best management practices for timber management
• Awareness of pollution and litter negative impact on our environment and community
• The knowledge that managing the forest could be a viable enterprise
• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in environmental sciences and natural resources content. 
• Youth will gain an understanding of environmental sustainability and stewardship. 
• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science. 
• Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems. 
• Youth will develop valuable life skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, the wise use of resources, and leadership.

Evaluation:

Observation and the use of pre and post-test results

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Horticulture Producers & Grow Appalachia Participants

Project or Activity: Insect Disease Control Workshop

Content or Curriculum: Research Information & Educational Curriculum UK Horticulture

Inputs: Specialist & Agents

Date: Spring 2025

Audience: Senior Citizens at Low Income Housing Complex 

Project or Activity: Raised Bed Gardens

Content or Curriculum: Raised Bed & UK Horticulture Curriculum

Inputs: Specialist & Snap-Ed Assistants

Date: Summer 2024, Summer 2025

Audience: Substance Abuse Recovery Centers

Project or Activity: Raised Bed Gardening 

Content or Curriculum: Basic Gardening Curriculum

Inputs: Specialist, SNAP-Ed/Agents

Date: Summer 2024, Summer 2025

Audience: Beef Cow/Calf Producers

Project or Activity: East KY Beef IRM Program

Content or Curriculum: Feeding, Reproduction, Forages, Health, & General Management

Inputs: Specialist, Agents, RCARS Staff

Date: Summer 2024

Audience: Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Improve Cattle Production

Content or Curriculum: Disease/Insect Control, & Small Area Production

Inputs: Reproduction Trend AI Equipment, Specialist, Agents

Date: Spring & Fall 2024

Audience: Landowners/Farmers

Project or Activity: Conservation Sustainability 

Content or Curriculum: Soil Sampling, Cost-Share Programs, & Related Issues

Inputs: Knott Co Soil Conservation District

Date: Continual 

Audience: Famers, Gardeners, & Horticulturalist

Project or Activity: Knott County Agriculture & Natural Resources Newsletter

Content or Curriculum: Address Various Issues at Critical Times and Announcements of Upcoming AGNR Programs. 

Input: UK Specialist, Agents, and Staff

Date: Monthly 

Audience: Bee Enthusiast/Beekeepers 

Project or Activity: Beekeeping 

Content or Curriculum: Beekeeping Club, Annual East KY Beekeeping School, KSU Beekeeping Programs

Inputs: KSU Bee Program & Local Producers Knowledge, Agents

Date: Bi-Monthly

Audience: Horticulture/Local Foods 

Project or Activity: Classes, Workshops for Horticulture Production 

Content or Curriculum: Hot Topics/Trends (High Tunnel Production/Berry Production/& Diversity of Local Foods)

Inputs: UK Specialist, Local Classes, USDA Conservation Service, and Knott County Farmers Market Committee

Date: Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025  

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Land Judging

Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent & teachers

Date: Summer & Fall

Audience: Youth Various Grade Levels

Project or Activity: 4-H Poultry Classroom  Embryology & Life Cycle 

Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Poultry Curriculum 

Inputs: Classroom Teachers & 4-H Agent

Date: Spring 2024

Audience: Youth 9-18

Project or Activity: 4-H Forestry/Win With Wood 

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Curriculum

Inputs: Classroom Teachers & 4-H Agent

Date: August-October 

Audience: Cloverbuds Through 8th Grade

Project or Activity: Environmental Fair Days & Nature Days 

Content or Curriculum: UK & National 4-H Curriculum & PLT Curriuculum

Inputs: Army Core of Engineers, Classroom Teachers, & 4-H Agent

Date: September-June 

Audience: Community Members

Project or Activity: County-Wide Clean-Ups

Content or Curriculum: Promotion & Recruitment for Local Cleanup Program of Roadsides & Streams

Inputs: Knott County Creeks & Streams, Community Volunteers, & Agents

Date: Spring/Fall

Audience: Youth/Teachers

Project or Activity: Recycling, Reuse Programs

Content or Curriculum: Cleanup Program in Schools, Recycling Pays, Rinse & Return, Appliance Buy-Back, & School Recycling Program

Inputs: Knott County Creeks & Streams, Community Volunteers, Knott County Soil Conservation, & Agents

Date: Fall 2024/Spring 2025

Audience: Landowners/Farmers

Project or Activity: Reclaimed Mine Land Forage Improvement Program

Content or Curriculum: NRCS & UK Resources

Inputs: RCARS Resources, Agents, NRCS, Livestock Producers, Specialist

Date: Summer 2025, Fall 2025

Audience: Community/Tourism Board

Project or Activity: Recreational Tourism Events

Content or Curriculum: Educating Civic & Governmental Leadership on the Benefits of Increased Tourism Through Trai Rides & Other Special Events

Inputs: Agents, Extension Partners, & Community Leaders, Chamber of Commerce, & Knott County Tourism

Date: Year-Round

Audience: Youth/Adults

Project or Activity: Knott County Creeks & Streams (PRIDE) Committee

Content or Curriculum: Leadership Involvement in Natural Resources Programs & Projects

Inputs: Agents, Extension Partners, & Community Leaders

Date: Monthly 

Audience: Woodland Owners

Project or Activity: Profitability for Woodland Owners Webinars

Content or Curriculum: Two Night Sessions on Selling Timber & Management

Inputs: Forester, Extension Personnel, & Division of Forestry

Date: As Available From UK Forestry

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Shitake Mushroom Program

Content or Curriculum: Workshop by ANR Agents

Inputs: ANR Agents

Date: Fall 2024

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Robinson Center Beef IRM

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction Mangement 

Inputs: ANR Agents, Specialists, Staff

Date: May 1, May 9, June 10 2024

Success Stories