Extension
It Starts With Us
Commercial Horticulture/Farmers Market
Promoting Agricultural Sustainability
Kevin Lyons
Commercial Horticulture
Farmer's Markets
Commercial Horticulture - Crop Marketing
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation: Activity at the Monroe County Farmers Market continues to increase at a slow rate. Many producers are producing less and re-selling more. Many of these same producers are frustrated with production problems and other issues. The Goal is to educate these producers on proper planting locations and times, available pesticides, new varieties, and labor saving methods.
Long-term Outcomes:
An increase in the number of producers growing horticulture crops with produce for sale.
Increase the number of producers selling at the farmers market by five-ten.
Reduce the amount of re-sale items.
Improve profitability of horticulture producers.
Intermediate Outcomes:
Producers will have a better understanding of the newer varieties available and how to choose a variety that meets their needs.
Improved long term pesticide programs
Improved marketing skills of produces and alternative markets
Initial Outcome:
Help producers determine prices in line with other farmers markets and recognize the value of their products beyond grocery store prices.
Start educating produces on better pesticide programs.
Start using better varieties for late summer crops
Begin using soil test to determine fertility needs
Understanding how planting succession planting will improve production
Evaluation:
Outcome: Increased sustainability of horticulture producers
Indicator: Increase in the number of producers at the farmers market and amount of produce
Method: Actual count of producers and producer reports on amounts
Timeline: 2017-2020
Evaluation:
Outcome: Better understanding of new varieties
Indicator: Increased number of producers using newer varieties
Method: Producer reports
Timeline: 2018-2019
Evaluation:
Outcome: Proper use of pesticides
Indicator: Increase number of producers attending pesticide trainings and proper use of the right pesticide
Method: Actual count of producers at trainings and producer reports
Timeline: 2017-2020
Evaluation:
Outcome: Producers using new marketing skills
Indicator: Increase in the appearance of produce, increase quality, and more accurate pricing
Method: Visual reporting
Timeline:2017-2020
Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Pesticide Certification and pesticide use training
Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Certification program
Inputs: Kevin Lyons
Date: Winter 2017-2020
Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Attend KY Vegetable Conference
Content or Curriculum: Various topics
Inputs: Agent and Presenters
Date: Winter 2017-2020
Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Tri-County High Tunnel Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Various horticulture topics
Inputs: Kevin Lyons; Andrea Stith, Brandon Bell
Date: Spring 2018 and 2019
Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Horticultural production meetings in Monroe County
Content or Curriculum: UK vegetable information
Inputs: Agents
Date: Winters of 2018 and 2019
Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Produce Best Practices Trainings
Content or Curriculum: PBPT curriculum
Inputs: Kevin Lyons
Date: Winter of 2018 - 2020
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Since the establishment of this program, many high tunnels have been built throughout the state. It is a new growing system for them and therefore it is imperative to offer educational training to help them s
