Extension
It Starts With Us
Introduction & expansion of specialty markets and new opportunities for agriculture in Knox County
Furthering Agriculture Diversification
Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer
Beef
Forages
Farm Management
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
With an uncertain economy promising a bleak future for Knox County's farm families, the need for agriculture diversification and niche production is at an all time high. Through educational workshops and hands-on farm visits, Knox County Extension will be able to help local farm families determine the best commodities to be successful. The ANR program council identified the need for educational programs that educate them on new markets, production techniques and ways to increase farm revenue.
Increased agricultural profitability for Knox County Farmers
Farmers will utilize new technology and recommended production techniques to increase productivity and profitability. Youths will participate in 4-H Country Ham Project
Farmers will gain knowledge of new technology and practices as related to livestock, forages, tobacco, and horses. They will also gain skills in farm management. Farm families, youth and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.
Long-Term Outcome: Farmers will increase AG profitability
Indicator: Farmers will expand from traditional methods/crops to diversifying crops/methods to increase profit
Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.
Timeline: Throughout year 2019-2020
Intermediate Outcome: Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.
Indicator: Individuals will successfully raise and/or show animals as part of 4-H and/or Ag Extension Programs.
Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.
Timeline: 2019-2020
Initial Outcome: Farmers will gain and utilize new knowledge and skills that will help them increase agricultural profitability.
Indicator:Farmers will attend local workshops and will put new information, methods and techniques into practice.
Method: Testimonials; observation.
Timeline: Throughout year 2018
Audience: Farmers/ Producers
Activity: Farm Visits
Content/Curriculum: Research based information tailored to needs of the producer
Date: Throughout year
Activity: Ag Producer Meetings
Content/Curriculum: Information on production and management of livestock, forages and commercial crops. Information on promotion and advancement of agri-tourism opportunities.
Date: Throughout year
Activity: Test Plots
Content/Curriculum: Commercial crops and grazing
Date: Summer/Fall 2018
Activity: Knox County Saddle Club
Content/Curriculum: ANR and 4-H publications on equine care and safety
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Youths
Activity:Animal Sciences
Content/Curriculum: 4-H publications on chick incubation/country ham
Date: Throughout year
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Farm Management
In Knox County an effort was made to increase Ag Council participation, develop new ideas for programs and accommodate producers and clientele who can't participate at evening meetings. The first Monday of each month has been set aside for a morning meeting called News and Views. Producers are invited to come to the office for coffee, juice and refreshments and have a impromptu discussion pertaining to the topic of interest to them and allows for the agent to remind them of the s
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Beef
On October 19, 2018 a meeting was scheduled for the cattleman in Knox County to reactivate the Knox County Cattleman's Association. Since that time six monthly meetings have taken place with an average attendance of 35 and an educational program has been provided at each meeting. Since the first meeting, through a verbal evaluation 95% of the members have stated they have used information to make them more successful and profitable. As of this April meeting 50 members have paid membership to
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Logging Training and Professional Education
On April 9th a Kentucky Master Logger Program was conducted for loggers to receive their required 6 hours of continued education. 40 Loggers from Knox and surrounding counties came to the Knox County Extension Office to participate, get their required hours and update their Master Logger cards.Segments of the training included market updates, new industry market locations, Kentucky forest industry economic update, ash loss, ambrosia beetle devaluation of ash, hardwood log export update, be
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Beef
Seeing a need for more education for cattle farmers in the tri-state region agents from Harlan, Bell and Knox Counties, Kentucky; Lee, Wise, and Scott Counties, VA; and Claiborne and Hancock Counties, TN held the fourth annual Cumberland Gap Cattle Conference.The goal was to address the needs and to update cattle farmers on new federal regulation changes as well as topics of body conditioning and scoring, minerals, disease prevention and management. Of those in attendance, 40 evaluations we
