Extension
It Starts With Us
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Amanda Sears, Brandon Sears, Julia Reid, Scott Darst, Jessica Hunley
Horticulture, Commercial
Beef
Forages
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The Madison County Agriculture Economy has undergone significant changes in recent years. As a result farmers are seeking new opportunities to generate on farm income.
Local leadership including Madison County agriculture and horticulture councils as well as local agricultural organizations have identified a need to improve agriculture productivity and assist beginning farmers. Producers need to implement best management practices that will promote profitable operations while responsibly utilizing natural resources. (Madison County Agricultural Development Council Comprehensive Plan, 2020)
Vegetable and Fruit producers will decrease the amount of chemicals used on farm.
Less chemical use on lawns.
Residents will not have to replace trees and shrubs as often.
Vegetable and Fruit producers will apply IPM principles to their farming practice.
Lawns will be healthier and less problematic.
Trees and shrubs will show less problems related to environmental stresses.
Vegetable and Fruit producers will learn IMP (integrated pest management).
Residents will learn how to manage their lawns.
Residents will learn how to care for trees and shrubs.
Outcome: Livestock producers will increase efficiency through utilization of extended grazing, reduced feed costs, better reproductive management.
Indicator: Percentage increase in value added sales such as CPH-45 and Bred Heifer Sales. Increased utilization of estrus synchronization products. Adoption of alternative forage systems such as summer annual forages, extended grazing and native warm season grasses.
Method: Surveys and evaluations of workshops, sales and programs
Timeline: After conclusion of event
Outcome: Producers will utilize the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service to make research based decisions.
Indicator: Increased number of farmers and producers use the diagnostic services of the extension office.
Method: Keep records of the number of producers who use the diagnostic services at the extension service
Timeline: year round
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Classes about gardening (vegetable and fruit), urban gardening, pests, trees
Content: UK, other land grant institutions
Input: UK, other land grant institutions
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Articles, classes about tree and shrub care
Content: UK, other land grant institutions
Input: UK, other land grant institutions
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Articles, classes about lawn care
Content: UK, other land grant institutions
Input: UK, other land grant institutions
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Diagnostic Services included including soil samples, plant diseases and identification, insect identification, manure and water samples, livestock feed testing, hay testing
Content: UK Extension Resources
Input: ANR and Hort agent, UK Extension Specialists, Diagnostic Labs and Resources
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: PATIM training and certification
Content: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent
Input: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent
Date: February, March or April
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Extension Forestry Webinars, social media education, articles
Content: Managing woodlands, invasive plants and insect control, income and recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat improvement
Inputs: UK Extension Forestry, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Association of Consulting Foresters and Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association
Audience: Madison County Farmers
Activity: Farm Safety Day
Content: KDA and Kentucky Farm Bureau
Date: TBD
Audience: Madison County Hay Producers
Activity: central Kentucky hay contest & testing program
Content: UK Extension Forages Group guidelines
Date: Fall/ Winter 2024/25
Audience: Madison County Youth
Activity: 4-H Clubs including Livestock, Poultry, Saddle, Vet Science, Country Ham Project, and Rabbit Club
Content: 4-H agents, 4-H curriculum, specialists
Date: Year Round
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Soil Health and pH adjustment meeting
Content: NRCS
Date: October 2024
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Homesteading Expo
Content: Resources from Extension Agents
Date: September 2024
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Forages
Kentucky has long been known for our Bluegrass Pastures and green, rolling hills. We have an abundance of forages with nearly 5 million acres of hay and pasture lands. Recent programming surveys by the UK Beef Extension group indicate that about only 35% of livestock producers test hay for quality. Utilizing hay testing to determine nutrient content allows for more efficient feeding of livestock through the winter by matching high quality hay with livestock that have the greatest nutrient requir
