Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Agricultural Systems In Washington County
Managing and Growing Environmental, Agriculture, and Horticulture Systems
Dennis Morgeson, Taylor Graves, and Melissa Richardson
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Soil testing
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Hay testing
The 2023 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment reported sustainability of family farms, preserving/managing agricultural land, strengthening/supporting local food and agriculture industry, providing increased market opportunities for farmers, promoting youth agriculture and natural resources literacy, and assisting farmers in agricultural production and profitability as top 15 priorities within the Washington County community. Our local advisory councils for Agriculture, Horticulture, and 4-H Youth Development contributed to this assessment and promoted it within their communities.
Maintain and increase family owned farms
Increased home horticulture participation
Youth and adult program participants will be educated advocates for sustainable agriculture and food systems
Producers utilize Extension resources to make fiscally sustainable decisions about farm management practices
Clientele will engage in horticultural programming and utilize research-based knowledge
4-H clientele will apply skills and knowledge in the production of agricultural commodities and environmental practices
Increased awareness and availability of research-based Extension resources, including cost share opportunities through the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy Funding
Learn the most successful varieties to plant in Washington County, including proper planning, planting dates, and management
Community members will receive trainings, certifications, and accreditations in agriculture and natural resources programming
Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and availability of research-based Extension resources, including cost share opportunities through the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy Funding
Indicator: Increased use of Extension resources and programming
Method: monitoring participation in CAIP, YAIP, and Next Generation Farmers educational opportunities
Timeline: annually
Intermediate Outcome: Producers utilize Extension resources to make fiscally sustainable decisions about farm management practices
Indicator: Increased soil testing in the community
Method: monitoring the numbers of soil tests
Timeline: bi-annually
Long-term Outcome: Increased home horticulture participation
Indicator: Increased participation in Wheelbarrow Series
Method: sign up sheets and registration
Timeline: bi-annually
Audience: Washington and Surrounding Counties
Project or Activity: Wheelbarrow Series
Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Publications and Research
Inputs: Extension Funding, Fees from participants, Extension Staff
Date: February through November 2024 (starting again in February 2025)
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Country Ham, Livestock Projects, Horse Projects, Horticulture, School Based Programming
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculums
Inputs: Extension resources, Fees, Volunteers, Extension Staff
Date: Country Ham- February - August 2024; Livestock Projects- continuous; Horse Projects- continuous; Horticulture- spring 2025; School Based Programming- August 2024-May 2025
Audience: Washington County Producers
Project or Activity: Meetings, Educational Activities, and Programs
Content or Curriculum: Extension resources
Inputs: Extension resources, staff, and specialists
Date: cost share opportunities - May 2025 (annual program); monthly educational programs
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Beef
According to the latest Agriculture Census (2017), Washington County has over 43,000 cows and calves. This makes hosting a yearly Beef Quality and Care Assurance training necessary for our area. Normally, ANR agents host trainings at the office, play the videos created by University of Kentucky beef specialists and then administer the required tests for each module. To offer a more interactive and new experience for producers the Marion, Nelson, and Washington County ANR agents teamed up to host
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that brings joy to many, but it comes with its challenges, particularly when it comes to managing weeds. Gardeners in Washington County asked the horticulture agent to help them identify and give weed control recommendations. Weeds compete for nutrients, water, and light and can also harbor pests and diseases that may harm desired plants. To maintain a healthy garden, gardeners must be able to identify different weed species and understand their growth habits, as s
