Extension
It Starts With Us
Expanding Opportunities for Technology, Sustainability, and Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Quality, Education, and Innovation
Jeremy Teal, Erika Wood, Curtis Dame, Katie Jury, and Katherine Jury
Chemical Crop Management Tools
Urban Environments (water issues)
Ag Water Quality Program
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
Producers, Youth, and Citizens will learn scientific research
techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, environmental and technology issues in Kentucky. In addition to technology and its incorporation other issues that clients in Hopkins County have expressed interest in include Water Quality, Pesticide Safety, and sustainable practices. Developing and implementing Agriculture Water Quality Plans and Nutrient Management Plans can help farmers stay compliant with state laws, protect water quality, improve farm operations, and maximize profits. Educational programs for agricultural producers include county producer meetings, Master Gardener classes, and community coalitions. Collaborations with conservation districts and USDA service centers will strengthen county programs and maximize opportunities for farmers.
Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air
Protect and improve water quality
Maximize profits for Agriculture producers
Educate Youth on efficient production methods
Increase understanding of various production methods
Provide localized research-based production information to aid producers in production decisions.
Volunteers extend the educational outreach of the Cooperative Extension Service in areas such as community gardens, youth gardening, environmentally sustaining lawn and garden practices, and other topics.
Develop or update plans
•Urban Environments (water issues)
•Nutrient Management
•Implement Ag Water Quality Plans
Evaluate weather and physical conditions when making decisions
•Evaluate problem areas during seasons of challenging weather (excess rainfall, drought, etc.)
•Evaluate chemical storage, handling, and disposal
Participants (certified EMG volunteers) put into practice the skills learned when completing volunteer hours and working with clientele.
Youth put into practice knowledge and skills necessary regarding sounds environmental practices.
Understand importance of clean water
Increase knowledge of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality
Demonstrate proper use of
sprayers and equipment related to application (calibration, nozzle selection, boom height, etc.)
Identify active ingredients in chemical products and relate to modes of action
Read and comprehend directions for applying chemicals (timing, application conditions)
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of Environmental laws, regulations and proper practices
Indicator: Surveys and certification completion
Method: Private applicator trainings and clinics
Timeline: 2018-2019
Intermediate Outcome: Increased knowledge of local production practices and roles
Indicator: Master Gardener certification and participation; BQA Certification and Master Grazer programming
Method: EMG Curriculum, Meetings and Field Days
Timeline: 2018-2019
Long-term Outcome: Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air. Increase profits for agriculture enterprises
Indicator: CEDIK Survey Data, Ag Census Data, Hay Testing Program, Farmer's Market Productivity, and Producer profitability
Method: Surveys, ON-site visits, Client adoption of practices and shared-use equipment usage rates.
Timeline: 2017-2020
Audience: Grain Crop Producers, Home Owners, and Commercial Vegetable Producers
Project or Activity: Private Applicator Trainings
Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Training Modules
Inputs: Extension Agents, County Extension Office, Shared-use demonstrations and supplies
Date: 2018-2019
Audience: Master Gardeners
Project or Activity: Spring Lawn and Garden Fair/ Community Gardens
Content or Curriculum: Efficient and Sustainable Produce Production Methods
Inputs: Hands-on Activities, Field Days, Trainings, and Certifications
Date: 2018-2019
Audience: Hopkins County Youth and 4-H Members
Project or Activity: SET and Natural Resources programming
Content or Curriculum: Environment and SET Core curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Field Days and Trips
Date: 2018-2019
Author: Curtis Dame
Major Program: Forages
Hay Equipment has and will continue to be a vital aspect of a profitable and efficient livestock operation. In Hopkins County producers have sought to increase hay production and, in doing so, evaluate various equipment options available. In recognizing this need, county extension agents from Muhlenberg, Webster, Caldwell, McLean and Hopkins worked together to the hold the first Hay Equipment Demonstration Day in Madisonville, Kentucky. The event, attended by 58 producers and dealers, included d
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
Each year, several counties across the state participate in the bedding plant trials. These trials consist of new varieties of flowering annuals that have just been released onto the horticulture market. The purpose of the trials is to see how well these new varieties of plants perform in a garden or landscape setting. For the trial garden, there are usually 20 different varieties of annual bedding plants with ten plants per variety for a total of 200 plants. The Hopkins County
Author: Curtis Dame
Major Program: Forages
Forage establishment and improvement are both key pillars to the enhancement of beef and livestock operations in Hopkins County. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, the Beef industry contributes well over 2 million dollars in gross production to the local agriculture economy with increases expected to continue. With that said, efforts have been made to provide local information to producers regarding pasture and hay acre management and weed control for both uses. Increase the quality an
Author: Katherine Jury
Major Program: Environmental Sustainability & Responsibility
There are many reasons that an individual may choose to feed birds. Feeding birds can be a fascinating educational activity for all ages. By changing feeder styles and food types individuals can learn more about the local avifauna and how birds change season by season. For many older adults, these “outdoor pets” can be very enjoyable, without the extra costs of extensive veterinary care, housing and training that more traditional pets will require. Also, while feedi
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Master Gardener
The Master Gardener program is a volunteer organization dedicated to teaching and training people about horticulture related topics. This program is a part of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and assists county extension agents in providing education and outreach in the community. Master Gardeners are required to undergo training and complete 40 hours of volunteer service in their first year before becoming certified. After the first year, Master Gardeners are requi
Author: Curtis Dame
Major Program: Beef
Feed is the number one cost associated with producing beef cattle. Therefore; forage management is a key component to reducing that cost. This agent and Darrell Simpson, Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Muhlenberg County hosted a farm tour in September 2018 on local producer's farm located in White Plains, Kentucky. Thirteen producers participated in the evening tour and gained information regarding the body condition scores of cows, brood cow management, utilizing ha
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Master Gardener
The Spring Lawn and Garden Fair is a program run by the Pennyroyal Master Gardener Association.The fair takes place at the Hopkins County Extension Service and offers a variety of activities including educational talks and demonstrations relating to horticulture, lawn and garden vendors, plant sales, and activities for children. The purpose of the fair is to educate local residents about different topics relating to horticulture, as well as raising awareness of the Master Gardener program
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Master Gardener
In the past three years, the Pennyroyal Master Gardener Association has held a spring and fall plant swap at the Hopkins County Farmers Market. The purpose of the plant swap was to give the community an opportunity to come swap plants with one another. Participants brought plants they were willing to give away and then could pick from plants donated by other participants to take home. A wide range of plants were brought to the swap and included the following: herbaceous perenni
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Master Gardener
The Master Gardener program is a CAFE featured program and a major initiative for participating counties. Many Master Gardener volunteers assist county agents by accepting samples, completing homeowner site visits, fielding phone calls from homeowners, and/or providing general diagnostic assistance. As diagnosis of plant problems is a challenging and often intimidating process, many volunteers are timid to participate in these programs. In order to provide Master Gardeners with additional educat
