Supporting Local AgriculturePlan of Work
Menifee County CES
Title:
Supporting Local Agriculture
MAP:
Agriculture
Agents Involved:
McCarty
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture
Situation:
The majority of Menifee County agriculture is produced on small farms. Over the last few years, the Menifee County Extension Office has improved access to local, healthy food by training and certification of farmers, gardeners, beef producers 4-Her, Homemakers, and food entrepreneurs. Food production can begin with washing produce, home baking, home canning, vaccinating livestock, and producing quality forages. Consumers are at least 2 -3 generations removed from the farm. Educating consumers and today's youth on where the food comes from is very important.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Attendees will increase the availability of fresh fruits vegetables, and meat to the community.
Intermediate Outcomes:
Use Extension resources to make decisions related to food production and food safety as well as obtaining certifications to sell direct to consumer and value-added products.
Initial Outcomes:
Attendees will increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in beef production, forage practices, chemical usage, and marketing.
Evaluation:
Outcome: Increased items at the farmers market.
Method: Visual.
Timeline: Summer 2024.
Outcome: Increased Ag Sales.
Indicator: USDA Statistics.
Method: Research.
Timeline: Spring 2025.
Outcome: Increased knowledge through the Small Farm Sustainability Project.
Indicator: Increase in applications and questions.
Method: Phone calls and projects.
Timeline: Spring 2025.
Outcome: Increase Youth Knowledge in Agriculture.
Indicator: Survey Questions.
Method: Formal and Informal Survey.
Timeline: Spring 2025.
Learning Opportunities:
Audience: YAK Farmer, Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Hay Research, Semen Extender Research
Content or Curriculum: Weight Gain on different hays
Inputs: Agent, Farmer, and UK Specialist
Date :Fall Winter 2024-2025
Project or Activity: Beef Producer Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Hay Quality, Marketing
Inputs: UK Specialist
Date: Quarterly Meetings
Audience: Farmers Market/Horticulture
Project or Activity: Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: SRFMNP, WIC/Marketing
Inputs: UK Crop Diversification, CFA
Date: Spring & Summer 2024-2025
Project or Activity: Youth Garden
Content or Curriculum: Youth Master Gardner Manual
Inputs: Agents Teacher
Date: Fall 2024 spring
Audience: 4-H
Project or Activity: Country Hams and 4-H Livestock Club, 4-H Horse
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Kit
Inputs: Agents
Date: Summer 2024 - Spring 2025
Project or Activity: Small Farm Sustainability Project
Content or Curriculum: Chosen Projects on application
Inputs: Farmers and Grant Funds
Date: Summer 2024-Spring 2025
Success Stories
Hands On Is The Best for Ag Ed
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Agriculture
Menifee County, with its rural charm and population of 6200, might seem like a place where everyone knows where their food comes from. However, the reality is different. In 2011, according to the Ag Daily, 72% of the United States of America's population knew nothing or a little bit about farming and ranching. These statistics underscore the urgent need for Ag education, even in rural counties like ours. The importance of Ag education cannot be overstated, but it is a vital part of our
Full Story
ANR Project Grants helped Menifee Producers
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Forages
Small farms and limited-acre farms bring different challenges to new residents. Knowing where to begin and how to make all needed purchases puts these farmers in a better starting position. The Menifee ANR Council and ANR/4-H Agent applied and received a small grant through the University of Kentucky ANR Office that will work with new residents and small farmers willing to work with the project. Beef producers, Equine Producers, and small ruminant farmers will be eligible. &nbs
Full Story
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