Nicholas County CES

Title:

New Agriculture Opportunities

MAP:

Diversified Agriculture Opportunities

Agents Involved:

Shelby Cleaver & Ashley Vice

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Nutrition and Food Systems General

Situation:

Nicholas County has traditionally been one of the most tobacco-dependent counties in the state, both through history and total county revenue. There is a critical need to find crops/resources to fill this growing void. The diversification of the agriculture community is the only viable way to resolve this issue. Farmers must realize the need to add additional crops to diversify their operations and to keep a consistent flow of income to their operation and to the county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Create diversified commodities that are sustainable in Nicholas County with markets for them. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased acreage of nontraditional crops

Growth in local farmers market with increased customer base

Utilize nontraditional marketing options in the county

Initial Outcomes:

Producers investigate marketing options available to them
Increase in microprocessing certificates and farmers market producers

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increase in microprocessor certificates

Indicator: Rise in number of microprocessors 

Method: Number of participants and graduates

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Increased acreage in nontraditional crops

Indicator: Growth in new/nontraditional crops in the county

Method: Census data/farm visits

Timeline: Ongoing

Long-term Outcome: Niche Market Producers

Indicator: Presence of KY Proud Producers in the county

Method: Marketing and presence on KDA website

Timeline: Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Nicholas County Residents 

Project or Activity: Agriculture Diversification Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Specific diverse crop information 

Inputs: UK specialists, collaboration of agents and local organizations (Cattlemen's Association, Chamber of Commerce, Community Economic Development)

Date: 2021-2024

Audience: Nicholas County Producers

Project or Activity: Farm Visits

Content or Curriculum: Publications

Inputs: Publications, specialists, diagnostic testing

Date: 2021-2024

Audience: Nicholas County Producers

Project or Activity: Soil samples

Content or Curriculum: Publications

Inputs: Publications, specialists, diagnostic testing

Date: 2021-2024

Audience: Nicholas County Residents 

Project or Activity: Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud 

Content or Curriculum: Plate It Up! Recipes 

Inputs: Newsletters, recipe cards 

Date: 2021 - 2024 

Success Stories

2024 Central KY Hay Contest

Author: Shelby Cleaver

Major Program: Forages

The second annual Central Kentucky Hay Contest was a resounding success, showcasing the dedication and collaboration of agricultural agents, specialists, and producers across 14 counties (Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell and Scott County). A total of 236 hay samples were collected, representing the diverse efforts of local farmers to produce high-quality hay. Nicholas county producers had 9 samples submitted for t

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