Perry County CES

Title:

Agricultural Marketing

MAP:

Promoting Commodities

Agents Involved:

May, Gibson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Commercial Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

4-H Volunteer Programming

Situation:

Agricultural Leaders in Perry County have always been concerned that in order for Perry County’s Agricultural Industry to have any significant economic impact in the County, new and alternative markets would have to be established. This situation has never been of more importance now because of the down turn in the economy as a result of the loss of coal industry jobs, nearly 70%.This has led to an employment rate of 9.5% which places Perry County in the top 10 in the state for high unemployment. Loss of jobs has also led to residents leaving the County to find work. The County has seen a population decline of nearly 2% in the last 5 years. Many residents are looking for ways to support their families without having to move out of the area to find work. 
This situation has stimulated a renewed interest in Agriculture in the County. Agricultural receipts are up nearly 300%. There is a push under way to produce and buy local. Only 21% of the zip codes in Perry County have access to healthy food outlets or Farmer's Markets. Perry County is considered one of the unhealthiest Counties in the State. It's been deemed a "Rural Food Desert". The Perry County Cooperative Extension Service will play a major role in this effort by serving as a catalyst working with clientele and other organizations to deliver programming on alternative markets, local food production, farmer’s market support, beekeeping and agritourism. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers will take advantage of alternative markets, become more profitable and will diversify and expand their operations. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers realize the potential of working together to market their products and see a increase in farm profits. New alternative markets will be discovered. Producers will become more diverse. 

Initial Outcomes:

Agricultural groups will work cooperatively to develop strategies and goals that will forge a path to new marketing opportunities. New partnerships and coalitions will be formed. The Extension Service and Extension leadership will acquire property to construct an Extension Annex Complex.

Youth will make connections in food production and commodities. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:Outcome: Number of new marketing opportunities. Increase in farm profits. More diverse farming operations to become more competitive in a global economy. 
Indicator: number of participants taking advantage of new marketing opportunities and increase profits and sales. Number of participants attending workshops. Number of people who report change in knowledge. 
Method: Evaluations of programs, clientele surveys. 
Timeline: All year 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Cattle Producers 
Project or Activity: East Kentucky Heifer Development Program 
Content or Curriculum: Regional Heifer Development and marketing project 
Inputs : Agents, Specialist, Producers, Veterinarians 
Date: October through September 

Audience: Mountain Cattlemen Association Members 
Project or Activity: Mountain Cattlemen Association Educational Meetings 
Content or Curriculum: Educational Programs to teach management, health and marketing skills 
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Veterinarians, On Farm Demonstrations 
Date: Quarterly 

Audience: Fruit and Vegetable Growers 
Project or Activity: Fruit and Vegetable Growers training meetings 
Content or Curriculum: Training will be provided on Best Management Practices, Marketing, Pest and Disease control, Processing and Cover Crops
Inputs: Agent, Specialist, UK Publications and Resources 
Date: Spring and Summer months 

Audience: Farmer Market Vendors 
Project or Activity: Perry County Farmer’s Market Support 
Content or Curriculum: Work with the Perry County Farmer’s Market Board to promote, support and provide training to the Farmer’s Market Vendors 
Inputs: KDA, Agent, Specialist, UK Publications and Resources 
Date: All year 

Audience: Beekeepers, Perry county Beekeepers Association, and General Public
Project or Activity: Beekeeping Program 
Content or Curriculum: Conduct workshops, work with the Perry County Beekeepers Association and coordinate the annual Beekeeping School to increase interest in Beekeeping and explore potential markets for bee products. 
Inputs: State Apiarist, Agent, Local Beekeepers, UK Publications and Resources 
Date: January and Summer Months 

Audience: Forage Producers and Livestock Owners 
Project or Activity: Hay Testing, Hay, and Pasture Management 
Content or Curriculum: Provide education on the importance of Forage Testing and how to establish and manage forage crops 
Inputs: Agent, Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Date: Summer Months 

Audience: youth

Project or Activity: class and workshop activities 

Content or Curriculum: ag commodity education including beekeeping, gardening, science; support for competitive programs that challenge youth such as livestock, avian, beekeeping, Envirothon, forestry, camps

Inputs: Agent, Trained Volunteers, state 4-H programs, school districts, curricula

Date: year round 

Audience: Homemakers, General Public, Youth 
Project or Activity: Gardening Options for Everyone 
Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum 
Inputs: Agents, specialists 
Date: March 2019 

Success Stories