Sustainable AgriculturePlan of Work

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Woodford County CES

Title:
Sustainable Agriculture
MAP:
Sustainable Agriculture
Agents Involved:
Elizabeth Coots, Ryan Farley, Faye Kuosman, Adam Probst
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Sustainable Agriculture
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Integrated Plant Pest Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Home & Consumer Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Master Gardener
Situation:

With almost 97% of all Woodford County land involved in agricultural or residential uses, proper stewardship of natural and human resources is of vital importance. Enhancing soil quality and health, economic profitablity, and natural resource conservation are three key factors to ensuring longevity of farms and landscapes within the community.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Enhancement of economic and ecological sustainability for farmers and homeowners within the community.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.

Initial Outcomes:

Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve natural resources on their farms.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve natural resources on their farms.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Personal Interviews

Timeline: Yearly


Intermediate Outcome: Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.

Indicator: Observation

Method: Site visits, personal interviews

Timeline: Yearly


Long-Term Outcome: Enhancement of economic and ecological sustainability for farmers and homeowners within the community.

Indicator: Ag Census, Soil test reports

Method: National Ag Statistics Service, U.K. Regulatory Services

Timeline: Yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers/Landowners

Project or Activity: Educational Programs, Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Sustainable farm management and agricultural production.

Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford County Beef Cattle Association, Farmer Cooperators

Date: Yearly


Audience: Homeowners/Farmers/Landowners

Project or Activity: Soil Testing Service

Content or Curriculum: Soil testing for residents to promote sustainable management decisions

Inputs: Agent Time

Date: Yearly


Audience: Homeowners

Project or Activity: Spring and Fall Gardening Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Environmentally sound horticultural practices for home gardens and landscapes.

Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time

Date: March and October of every year


Audience: Homeowners/Farmers

Project or Activity: Horticulture Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Environmentally sound horticultural practices for home gardens and landscapes.

Inputs: Agent Time, Specialist Time, CES publications

Date: Yearly



Success Stories

Funding Resources for Farmers Workshop

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture

Funding resources for farmers are often crucial to starting a new farm business and even sustaining an existing one. The Woodford County Extension Office receives many inquiries from clientele asking about grants, loans, and cost share opportunities to help offset the costs of either starting their farm business or expanding, sustaining, and/or diversifying their current operation. In an effort to pull all of the funding resources together, the Woodford County Extension Service partnered with th

Full Story

4-H Youth Enhance Livestock Knowledge Through 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon

Author: Ryan Farley

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Training the next generation of agriculture leaders is an imperative step in continuing many strong traditions in Woodford County. As a community that prides itself on its agriculture heritage, making sure that future generations can carry on that legacy has been highlighted as an important role for 4-H to play. One way that Woodford County 4-H works to invest in these youth is the 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon program. Offering a chance for youth to learn about all aspects of the livestock industr

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Bringing Local Foods to the Table

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Bringing Local Foods to the Table

Farms are an essential and diverse part of Kentucky’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year across the State. In Woodford County alone, agriculture and the businesses that support it are responsible for one out of three jobs and $565 million in annual revenue.  The Extension Service continues to work toward a strong agricultural community and local food system.   In an effort to promote agriculture, local farms, and producers in the County, the Woodford County Coope

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Promoting Pollinator Habitats in Woodford County

Author: Faye Kuosman

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Promoting Pollinator Habitats in Woodford County

In the past five to 10 years, researchers estimate that pollinator populations have declined between 30 to 60%, depending on the pollinator. While much of the attention has focused on dwindling honeybee populations due to colony collapse disorder, native bee populations, butterflies including the monarch, and many other pollinator species, are also on the decline. Habitat loss due to urban and suburban sprawl is one of the main reasons.In an effort to help offset the loss of habitat for pollinat

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Beginner Poultry Workshop

Author: T. Adam Probst

Major Program: Poultry

With a large increase of interest in small poultry flocks, particularly with homeowners, the Woodford County Extension Service offered a new workshop targeting these individuals.  Taught by Dr. Jacquie Jacob with the University of Kentucky, the program was put together by the ANR and Horticulture programs.  Over 50 participants learned more about proper care and management of their poultry flocks.

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