Commercial Horticulture/Farmers MarketPlan of Work

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Monroe County CES

Title:
Commercial Horticulture/Farmers Market
MAP:
Promoting Agricultural Sustainability
Agents Involved:
Kevin Lyons
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Commercial Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Farmer's Markets
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Commercial Horticulture - Crop Marketing
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation:

Situation: Activity at the Monroe County Farmers Market continues to increase at a slow rate. Many producers are producing less and re-selling more. Many of these same producers are frustrated with production problems and other issues. The Goal is to educate these producers on proper planting locations and times, available pesticides, new varieties, and labor saving methods.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Long-term Outcomes:

An increase in the number of producers growing horticulture crops with produce for sale.

Increase the number of producers selling at the farmers market by five-ten.

Reduce the amount of re-sale items.

Improve profitability of horticulture producers.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will have a better understanding of the newer varieties available and how to choose a variety that meets their needs.

Improved long term pesticide programs

Improved marketing skills of produces and alternative markets


Initial Outcomes:

Initial Outcome:

Help producers determine prices in line with other farmers markets and recognize the value of their products beyond grocery store prices.

Start educating produces on better pesticide programs.

Start using better varieties for late summer crops

Begin using soil test to determine fertility needs

Understanding how planting succession planting will improve production



Evaluation:

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased sustainability of horticulture producers

Indicator: Increase in the number of producers at the farmers market and amount of produce

Method: Actual count of producers and producer reports on amounts

Timeline: 2017-2020


Evaluation:

Outcome: Better understanding of new varieties

Indicator: Increased number of producers using newer varieties

Method: Producer reports

Timeline: 2018-2019


Evaluation:

Outcome: Proper use of pesticides

Indicator: Increase number of producers attending pesticide trainings and proper use of the right pesticide

Method: Actual count of producers at trainings and producer reports

Timeline: 2017-2020


Evaluation:

Outcome: Producers using new marketing skills

Indicator: Increase in the appearance of produce, increase quality, and more accurate pricing

Method: Visual reporting

Timeline:2017-2020





Learning Opportunities:


Audience: Horticulture crop producers

Project or Activity: Pesticide Certification and pesticide use training

Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Certification program

Inputs: Kevin Lyons

Date: Winter 2017-2020


Audience: Horticulture crop producers

Project or Activity: Attend KY Vegetable Conference

Content or Curriculum: Various topics

Inputs: Agent and Presenters

Date: Winter 2017-2020


Audience: Horticulture crop producers

Project or Activity: Tri-County High Tunnel Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Various horticulture topics

Inputs: Kevin Lyons; Andrea Stith, Brandon Bell

Date: Spring 2018 and 2019



Audience: Horticulture crop producers

Project or Activity: Horticultural production meetings in Monroe County

Content or Curriculum: UK vegetable information

Inputs: Agents

Date: Winters of 2018 and 2019



Audience: Horticulture crop producers

Project or Activity: Produce Best Practices Trainings

Content or Curriculum: PBPT curriculum

Inputs: Kevin Lyons

Date: Winter of 2018 - 2020




Success Stories

High Tunnel Educational Series

Author: Kevin Lyons

Major Program: Commercial Horticulture

A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  Since the establishment of this program, many high tunnels have been built throughout the state. As these high tunnels are being constructed many producers have questions. It is a new growing system for them

Full Story
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