Boyd County CES

Title:

Small Lot Farming/Food Production

MAP:

Environmental Awareness

Agents Involved:

Harned, Bowling

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Sustainable Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Situation:

More and more we are being asked about materials and information on growing small plot crops and small numbers of animals for home consumption. This is especially true in our local urban environment. Many times those requesting the information have never grown much if anything in the past but are concerned about food safety and being more self reliant going forward. Many of these people are also concerned about reducing or eliminating pesticide usage on their food and more natural and organic food production. And working to make some of these practices legal within the city limits.

Long-Term Outcomes:

More people will be producing at least some of their own food at home, whether in the city or on small plots located otherwise.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Those who gained the initial knowledge below will begin to produce the type of food that they are interested in for themselves and their families.

Initial Outcomes:

Those who participate will gain the knowledge and skills required to produce food as they are wanting to in the urban area or on small lots in more rural settings.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: More people will be producing some of their food at home

Indicator: More food being produced at home

Method: Surveys, follow-up with program participants, word of mouth

Timeline: 2017-2018

Intermediate Outcome: Additional people will begin to produce some of their food at home

Indicator: Increased number of people raising food at home

Method: Personal contacts, word of mouth, observation

Timeline: 2017-2020

Long-term Outcome: More people and those in the next generation will be home producing at least some of their food

Indicator: Still increasing number producing food at home

Method: Personal contacts, word of mouth, observation

Timeline: 2020 and beyond

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Urban/small lot owners

Project or Activity: Backyard poultry production

Content or Curriculum: How to produce eggs and meat from small backyard/urban flocks

Inputs: Extension agents and specialists, facilities, demonstration materials and equipment

Date: 2017-18 and possibly every 2-3 years beyond that

Audience:

Project or Activity: Goat and sheep production on a small scale

Content or Curriculum: Adapt available material to apply to small scale production

Inputs: Extension personnel, KY State specialists, local producers, facilities, demonstrations

Date: 2017 and every few years afterwards

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Success Stories