Extension
It Starts With Us
Supporting Local Agriculture
Agriculture and Natural Resources
ANR agent
Local Food Systems
Sustainable Agriculture
Farmer's Markets
Forages
Results of a needs assessment survey prioritize Commercial Horticulture, New Crops Opportunities, Community and Economic Development, Hay and Pasture Management, and Beef Cattle Production for extension program efforts. Members of both the ANR program council and Ag Development Council have also stated that promoting agriculture and increasing awareness of ag projects is a long term goal.
Practices adopted by producers will lead to more sustainable (and profitable) farm operations and increased public awareness of agriculture and natural resources impacts in the county.
These changes will result in one or more of the following:
Increases in the number of producers adopting recommended practices.
Increases in public awareness of local agriculture and farmers.
Program participants will adopt recommended practices related to their enterprise such as soil testing, integrated pest management, forage production, hay testing, and animal health care. Producers adopt researched based production and marketing practices known to increase profitability. Public awareness, impact and opportunities associated with agriculture and natural resources will be enhanced.
Participants gain knowledge about current and emerging crop production practices, livestock and woodland management practices. Council members will practice leadership skills promoting agriculture awareness.
Initial Outcome: Participants increase knowledge about aspects of agriculture and recommended practices.
Indicator: # of people adopting one or more recommended practices
Method: formal and informal surveys
Timeline: on going
Intermediate Outcome: Increased customer base supporting local food enterprises.
Indicator: # of people with increased awareness of agriculture and natural resources
Method: direct observation
Timeline: on going
Long-term Outcome: Program participants reduce costs and/or increase profitability. Participants increase awareness of the impacts of agriculture in the community.
Indicator: positive economic impact of extension programs and enhanced understanding of agriculture in the community
Method: formal and informal survey
Timeline: on going
Audience: Farmers Market customers, general public, WIC participants
Project or Activity: WIC redemption promotion day, Youth/Ag Days
Content or Curriculum: Demonstrations, exhibits, healthy eating, health screening, ag exhibits
Inputs: Health Dept, Farmers Market leaders, KSU snap ed person, extension information
Date: Summer 2019
Audience: Turf professionals, people in the county
Project or Activity: bermudagrass demonstration for athletic turf
Content or Curriculum: demonstration on growing bermudagrass
Inputs: county program support funds, UK specialists, city employees, volunteers
Date: summer 2019
Audience: WIC/Senior FMNP participants
Project or Activity: Double Dollars program
Content or Curriculum: Leverage WIC/Senior vouchers with Double Dollars script
Inputs: Community Farm Alliance/Farmers Market volunteers
Date: Summer 2019
Audience: Beef producers/CAIP recipients
Project or Activity: Required Educational Videos
Content or Curriculum: Beef Quality Assurance and Care, Farm Infrastructure, Farm Fencing and Water, Forage and Grain
Inputs: Videos and agent developed programming
Date: Summer/Fall 2019
