Powell County CES

Title:

Producing & Marketing Agricultural Products

MAP:

Sustaining the Profitability of Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Lawrence Caudle, Valerie Stewart

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Farmer's Markets

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum

Situation:

The agricultural landscape of the county has dramatically changed in the past ten years and continues to do so. Tobacco was once the largest cash crop for farmers but now has transitioned to livestock (beef cattle), grains and garden produce. Livestock revenues continue to increase as many beef cattle producers increase herd size and rely on the expansion of their beef cattle enterprise to replace tobacco income. There continues to be a demand from consumers for local produce. Sales from Kentucky food products are expected to increase from $14 million (2014) to $24 million in 2020. Extension has resources to educate producers in production, value added opportunities, business planning and marketing strategies to expand the local food system.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Farmers and youth will continue to learn about new crop and livestock production and marketing opportunities which will enable them to sustain and manage their rural farms.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmer's Market membership will grow and farmers will grow more vegetables for local customers.

Farmers and youth will utilize special sales and markets for their farm raised crops and livestock.

Beef cattle producers will utilize new and improved production methods such as rotational grazing, improved forage varieties and higher quality feed for their animals.

Initial Outcomes:

Farmers and youth will learn new production practices required for the production and marketing of new crops and livestock.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Are farmers utilizing new crops, methods and markets? Has income increased?
Method: Surveys, questionnaires, general observation
Timeline: Year long

Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Has Farmer's Market and beef producer members increased usage and sales of products.
Method: Data to be collected by surveys.
Timeline: Surveys at the end of growing season and year long.

Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: The new knowledge that is being obtained to produce and market new crops and livestock.
Method: Surveys used at Farmer's Market, Livestock Association and 4-H livestock club meetings regarding new or improved crop and livestock production.
Timeline: Year long

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers, Farm Families, General Public
Project or Activity: Farmer's Market Association Customer Appreciation Days and Product Demonstration Days
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Proud, GAP, HB391, WIC, Senior Coupons
Inputs: Extension Staff, KDA Representatives, Local Businesses
Date: Year long

Audience: County/Area Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Livestock Producers Association Meetings and Activities
Content or Curriculum: UK Specialists, Local Ag Leaders, Master Cattlemen, KCA, Master Grazer Program, KDA, Advanced Master Cattlemen
Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Local Ag Leaders
Date: Year long

Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Beekeepers Educational Meetings
Content or Curriculum: KDA, Kentucky Beekeepers Association
Inputs: KSU and UK Specialists, KDA Beekeepers, Local Beekeepers
Date: Year long

Audience: Farmers, Farm Owners, Youth, Farm Families, General Public
Project or Activity: Farmer-Banker Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Forages, Grain Production, Beef Production, Phase I announcements
Inputs: Whitaker Bank, UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Soil Conservation, Volunteers
Date: August 2016

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Down on the Farm Day, Farm Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: KDA, Farm Statistics, SNAP-ED, Progressive Ag Foundation, 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Powell County FFA, School District, Knox-Ware Farm, Extension Agents, Volunteers
Date: October 2016, May 2017

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Environmental Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum, Project Wet, Project Wild, Project Learning Tree
Inputs: Extension Agent, School District, Science & Ecology Club Volunteers
Date: Fall 2016

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports Club Program & Activities
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum, 4-H Shooting Sports Resources
Inputs: Extension Agent, Volunteers
Date: Year Long