Bullitt County CES

Title:

Sustainable Agriculture, Livestock, Forage Systems

MAP:

Agriculture Sustainability

Agents Involved:

Darold Jay Akridge

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Sustainable Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Forages

Situation:

Bullitt County follows a worrying trend in that farms are decreasing in number (6 % since 2007) and size (4% since 2007) Total percent of land in farms is 24.3%. (Source: 2012 Census of Agriculture). Most farming operations are part-time operations with owners working a job off the farm. Full time operators tend to be retired from another profession. The Ag Council is concerned that the public is losing its connection with agriculture and that subdivisions will soon become the norm forcing today’s producers to relocate or give up farming entirely. Changes in Kentucky’s agricultural structure have made development and discovery of new enterprises and management strategies essential.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers sustain the economic viability of farm operations and enhance the quality of life of farmers.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers work to diversify their operations and increase income.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers become aware of various methods to improve their operations.
Programs are expanded to include new clientele with interests other than beef cattle.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increase in profits for producers.
Indicator: Number of producers self-reporting an increase in profits as a result of adopting new practices recommended.
Amount of GOAP funding utilized in diversification.
Method: Verbal reports from producers and agent’s observations.
GOAP funding report.
Timeline: July 1-June 30

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Public interested in Beefalo

Project or Activity: Beefalo

Content or Curriculum: Raising and marketing beefalo

Inputs: American Beefalo Association representative

Date: February 

Audience: Public and producers

Project or Activity: Forages

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: UK pub and Ag Agent, UK specialist

Date: March 

Audience: Public and producers

Project or Activity: Pastures

Content or Curriculum: Making sure pastures are ready for summer

Inputs: UK specialist, UK Pubs

Date: April

Audience:Producers

Project or Activity:  Forages-Pasture

Content or Curriculum:  Value of hay testing

Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Local producer
Date:  November

Audience: Public and producers

Project or Activity: GOAP Funding

Content or Curriculum: Qualifications

Inputs: Administrator of funding, GOAP requirements by state law

Date: July

Audience:Producers

Project or Activity:  Beef

Content or Curriculum:  Vaccinations for cattle

Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Local veterinarian
Date:  January

Audience:Producers

Project or Activity:  Beef

Content or Curriculum:  Importance of minerals

Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Local producer
Date:  February

Audience:Producers

Project or Activity:  Farm Management

Content or Curriculum:  Controlling and identifying invasive plants

Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Agent
Date:  April

Audience:Producers

Project or Activity:  Farm Management

Content or Curriculum:  Farm safety

Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Agent
Date: September

Audience:Producers

Project or Activity:  Farm Management

Content or Curriculum:  Maintaining your farming equipment

Inputs:UK specialist, UK Pubs, Local producer
Date:  October

Success Stories