Washington County CES

Title:

Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington County

MAP:

Managing and Growing Sustainable Agriculture Systems

Agents Involved:

Dennis Morgeson and Melissa Schenck

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Master Gardener

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

4-H Volunteer Programming

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Sustainable Agriculture

Situation:

Kentucky is home to 85,500 farms, tied as the 4th ranking state in the number of farms (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). There are over 40,000 beef cattle producers and 1,000,000 head of beef cows. Beef production along with local food continues to be in demand across the United States and Kentucky. There continues to be a focus on where food comes from, how it's produced, and how individuals can produce their own food as well as an outlet for excess produce. Along with increased food awareness comes increased interest in gardening, beekeeping, sustainability, and a general desire to learn more about Agricultural Systems. In 2014 Kentucky produced $14 million in sales of local food products and it is expected to increase to $24 million by 2020. The Cooperative Extension Service has the resources to educate clients on sustainability, production, value added opportunities, business planning, and marketing strategies to expand local agricultural systems.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increase number of local food producers and vendors as well as increased sales.

Increased access to local foods

Increased participation in Extension Master Gardeners volunteers

Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers save money by making better selection decisions and diversification.

Apply food safety practices and procedures

Home Based Microprocessing

Market agricultural products locally

Master Gardener Volunteers engage the public as facilitators and presenters at classes, workshops, and lectures

Youth will apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant science, horticulture, and animal science.

Initial Outcomes:

Review types and varieties of produce

Locate crop profiles, decision tools resources

Interpret food safety handling procedures

Identify production methods and food products that extend the season

Participants gain knowledge in many aspects of horticulture and agriculture

Youth will gain knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant science, horticulture, and animal science.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers and gardeners of all ages will learn about new varieties, food safety, and season extension as well as increased awareness about Extension Programs.

Indicator: Increased interest in new varieties and Agricultural Systems

Method: Surveys, Group Discussion, and face to face interaction

Timeline: Following educational events, and seasonally at harvest

Intermediate Outcome: Farmers and Gardeners expand production of types and varieties of products.

Indicator: Types of products for sell locally will increase

Method: Surveys and Site Visits

Timeline: Seasonally Depending On Product Type

Long-term Outcome: Increased sales of locally produced product and increased profits

Indicator: Farm profits will increase

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Seasonally Depending On Product Type

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Washington County farmers, gardeners, and volunteers

Project or Activity: Master Gardener

Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardener Program

Inputs: Extension Staff, Specialists, Fees, Extension Service Funding, Social Media

Date: Fall of Each Year

Audience: Washington and Surrounding Counties

Project or Activity: Wheelbarrow Series

Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Publications and Research

Inputs: Extension Funding, Fees from participants, Extension Staff

Date: Winter and Spring Each year

Audience: 4-H Youth

Project or Activity: Country Ham, Livestock Projects, Horse Projects, Horticulture

Content or Curriculum: Animal Science Curriculum

Inputs: Extension resources

Date: Yearly

Audience: Washington County Cattlemen's Association

Project or Activity: Meetings, Educational Activities, and Programs

Content or Curriculum: Extension resources

Inputs: Extension resources and specialists

Date: Bimonthly

Success Stories