Extension
It Starts With Us
Agriculture Literacy and Social Sustainability
Sustainability
M. Chadwick, V. Harper
Agritourism Planning
Local Food System Development and Mapping
Rural Grocer Training
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Calloway County's population has dramatically increased in the last decade, the majority of that population lives within the city limits. Although traditionally viewed as a rural county, the ratio of urban to rural residence is shifting. Due to this shift we are seeing a larger disconnect with our traditionally agriculture community. Greater understanding and communication between rural and city dwellers is needed. A portion of the new rural population has moved to Calloway County to retire. In retirement they desire to have a small farm or agricultural enterprise. This population needs to have information and assistance as they make decisions about their small farm operations. Additionally, the scientific aspects of GE crops (=GMOs) are not widely understood. Furthermore, credible scientific information is sometimes misrepresented in the public domain. While value judgements rightfully drive public decision-making, the public has the right to credible scientific information as it deliberates controversial issues such as this.
Kentucky is home to 85,500 farms, tied with Oklahoma as the 4th
ranking state in the number of farms (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). The average farm size
in Kentucky is 164 acres, compared to the national average of 421 (National Agricultural Statistics Service,
2012). Between 2007 and 2012, the Bluegrass State had a 6.7% decrease in the number of acres of
farmland, which is the greatest percentage decrease any state in the country (Census of Agriculture,
2012). A farm is defined by the United States government as “any place that produced and sold, or
normally would produce and sell, $1,000 or more of agricultural products during the census year.” While
Kentucky’s population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore, the
need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact that it makes on their daily lives, as
well as the importance of agriculture to the commonwealth. The top agricultural products produced on
Kentucky farms are changing. In 2012, the Top 10 agriculture products in Kentucky were: Broilers, Corn,
Horses & Mules, Soybeans, Cattle & Calves, Tobacco, Dairy Products & Milk, Wheat, Hay and Chicken Eggs
(United States Department of Agriculture – Kentucky, 2012).
In order to provide agricultural education to youth, counties will either plan and conduct an Ag Day
Program, designed to educate participants on the value of agriculture to Kentucky’s economy and the
impact that agriculture has on their daily lives or teach Ag in the Classroom to elementary school
students.
-The general population of the county will develop a link to agriculture within the county. They will become more familiar, and acclimated with the process of production agriculture in the county.
-New small farms producer will be successful at producing their intended crop/livestock at a sustainable profit.
-Youth will consider the field of agriculture as a viable career path.
Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
• Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H.
• Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
-The general public become aware of where their food is produced and will desire to select more locally produced food.
-Producers will make efforts to market locally produced foods for local residents to purchase.
-Consumers will be understanding of crop seasons, and there for the seasonal availability of local products.
-Youth will value local producers.
Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas
of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
• Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employ ability.
• Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
• Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.
• Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.
• Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.
-The general population will feel comfortable and confident that local producers are using the best practices available to produce commodities.
-Producers understand the value in telling their story, and feel a greater comfort in doing so.
-Youth will have an understanding of the crops grown in the county.
Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant
sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
• Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
• Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record keeping,
leadership and service.
Initial Outcome: The general population will feel comfortable and confident that local producers are using the best practices available to produce commodities
Indicator: Interaction between producers and public
Method:One on one conversations
Timeline: 2017-2018
Intermediate Outcome: Producers will make efforts to market locally produced foods for local residents to purchase.
Indicator:More diversity in locally available products
Method:Survey of weekly farmers market vendors
Timeline:2018-2019
Long-term Outcome: The general population of the county will develop a link to agriculture within the county. They will become more familiar, and acclimated with the process of production agriculture in the county.
Indicator:Better Communication
Method: One on one conversations
Timeline: 2019-2020
The number of youth who demonstrate a skill that was learned and improved by participating in a
4-H ANR project, program, event or activity.
• The number of youth that keep production, performance or financial records on their 4-H
agriculture projects.
• Number of youth who set a goal and accomplish it.
• Number of youth who understands the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.
Audience: Farmers Market Consumers and Vendors
Project or Activity: Educational Booth
Content or Curriculum: Plate it up, Ag Literacy Information
Inputs: Volunteers, Agents, Publications
Date: Monthly during 2017 market season
Audience: General Public of Calloway County
Project or Activity: Agriculture based tour, and Farm to Table Dinner
Content or Curriculum: Visiting a diverse section of Agriculture Based businesses and farms within the county
Inputs: Volunteers, Agents, publications, local market administration
Date: To be determined
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Welcome to the county brocure
Content or Curriculum: County based stats and information
Inputs: Local Data, Agents.
Date: 2017
Audience: High School aged Youth
Project or Activity: Leadership Tomorrow Ag Day
Content or Curriculum: Tour of local Ag based buisnesses and farms
Inputs: Agents, teachers, bus, local producers and volenteers
Date: Annually 2016-2020
Audience: Local Youth
Project or Activity: Ag Day
Content or Curriculum: Various booths about agricultural practices
Inputs: Volunteers, agents, teachers
Date: Annually 2016-2020
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