Floyd County CES

Title:

Improving Small Farm Diversity and Management

MAP:

Small Farm Diversification and Management

Agents Involved:

Hackworth

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Home & Consumer Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farmer's Markets

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Sustainable Agriculture

Situation:

Agriculture is not as prevalent in Floyd County as in other parts of the state. The county has mostly part-time and small farmers. Most of these producers have 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 to the county. The major livestock in the county consists of beef cattle, goats and horses. The major crops consist of hay, corn, fruits and vegetables. Also, a large number of the people in the county raise a small garden or fruit for home use. The leadership has 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 individuals involved or with an interest in livestock, crops, fruit, and vegetable production, both commercially and family based.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Individuals will manage their farms and resources to receive the most profit or production from their operations. They will diversify and develop their agricultural operations to wisely use the land and resources at their disposal. Individuals will become more proficient and make informed decisions in the areas of horticultural production, processing, and preservation.

Intermediate Outcomes:

*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 *An increased utilization of forested lands as part of agricultural operations
*An increase in understanding of plant production and safe preservation of produced goods will occur
*Growth of a county Farmers Market will occur

Initial Outcomes:

*Knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises.
*Knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability *Understanding the importance of diversity in small enterprises
*Knowledge that managing the forest could be a viable enterprise.
*Knowledge of home food production and adopted practices.
*Skills will be obtained to aid in the marketing at local Farmer’s Market.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Number of participants that utilize proper and safe management dealing with horticulture crops and home food
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: on site/phone consultations, observations, and surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round

Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that utilize improving management practices and skills
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round

Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that increases their farm profitability
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round

Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that increases their participation in local farmer’s market or other marketing opportunity
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round

Long-term Outcome:Number of participants that diversify their agricultural operations
Indicator:Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round

Long-term Outcome: Number of youth that has learned necessary agricultural management skills that prepares them to operate an agricultural enterprise.
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Producers Program
Content or Curriculum: feeding, health, reproduction, marketing, forages and basic management
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists
Date: monthly

Audience: Horticultural Producers
Project or Activity: Fruit & Gardening Programs
Content or Curriculum: beginning gardening, variety selection, pest control, fruit pruning and grafting, small area production, processing and preservation, marketing
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists
Date: Year round

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4 H and Youth Ag Programs
Content or Curriculum: agriculture issues and production to introduce and educate youth about the importance of agriculture
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists
Date: Year round

Audience: Producers and Landowners
Project or Activity: Conservation Programs
Content or Curriculum: Soil sampling, cost-share programs, and related issues
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists and Collaborative Organizations
Date: Year round

Audience: Land Owners
Project or Activity: Landowners Programs
Content or Curriculum: Topics to benefit local landowners
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists and Collaborative Organizations
Date: As needed

Audience: General Clientele
Project or Activity: County ANR newsletter
Content or Curriculum: Addresses various issues at critical time
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists
Date: Monthly

Audience: General Clientele
Project or Activity: Other agricultural production programs
Content or Curriculum: Various agricultural related issues, special events
Inputs: Extension Resources, Agents, Specialists and Collaborative Organizations
Date: As needed

Success Stories