HorticulturePlan of Work

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Simpson County CES

Title:
Horticulture
MAP:
Horticulture
Agents Involved:
Jason Phillips, Christy Ramey
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Commercial Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Farmer's Markets
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Home & Consumer Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Master Gardener
Situation:

Situation: Consumers have grown increasingly cognoscente of food safety and improving overall health while demanding fresh, quality food products. These factors have fueled the local food movement across Kentucky and in Simpson County. Producers require more programming opportunities to continue to supply this need and improve upon their products and profitability. Additionally, home production has increased to meet food needs for local families.


Long-Term Outcomes:

Long-term Outcomes: Consumers will improve their health and add stability to the local economy by purchasing locally grown food products which will increase producer profits. Homeowners will save money and improve health by improving horticultural production practices.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Intermediate Outcomes: Producers will improve practices and adopt new technology to increase the overall efficiency of the production process for various local horticultural products. Commercial producers will put into practice strategic marketing plans to help promote local products which will continue to increase the demand among consumers for farm fresh foods.


Initial Outcomes:

Initial Outcome: Producers will increase their knowledge in vegetable, small and tree fruit, local meat production, and non-food horticultural products. They will be better prepared to take, follow, and implement UK soil test fertility management recommendations, understand integrated pest management techniques, select disease resistant and higher yielding varieties, make timely plantings and pesticide applications, utilize sustainable management practices, research new technologies and alternative production techniques, improve marketing strategies, and understand how to implement the best overall production system for their specific farming operation. Individuals will increase their knowledge and understanding of healthy eating, food safety and food resource management.


Evaluation:

Outcome: Commercial horticultural producers will increase knowledge and develop plans, execute plans, and increase profitability. Homeowners will improve practices, health and increase savings.

Indicator: The number of producers indicating knowledge, practice, and increased profitability.

Method: Post-meeting evaluations

Timeline: Evaluations will be given immediately following programs and one to twenty for months after programs.




Learning Opportunities:


Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):


Audience: Franklin-Simpson Farmers’ Market Vendors

Project or Activity: Franklin-Simpson Farmers’ Market

Content or Curriculum: production and marketing education, F-S Farmers’ Market promotional events, food safety education

Inputs: Agents’ time, paid staff, meeting facility, UK publications, KDA resources, newsletters, radio programs

Date: 2019-2020


Audience: Community Garden Participants and Coordinators

Project or Activity: Community Garden Projects and Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: food production education, nutrition, demonstrations

Inputs: Agent’s time, UK publications, Master Gardener Volunteers, SNAP-Ed Assistant

Date: July, August, September 2019; April, May June 2020


Audience: Small and Mid-sized fruit producers and homeowners

Project or Activity: Fruit tree workshop

Content or Curriculum: pruning and production

Inputs: Agent’s time, paid staff, UK specialists, UK publications, newsletters, radio programs

Date: March 2020


Audience: Commercial Food Producers

Project or Activity: Commercial Food Production Educational Programs

Content or Curriculum: fertility, marketing, high tunnels, production methods, integrated pest management

Inputs: Agent’s time, paid staff, meeting facilities, UK specialists, newsletters, radio programs

Date: July 2019-June 2020



Success Stories

Drive Thru Container Garden Kits

Author: Jason Phillips

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

The Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development work jointly to provide new programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.  One such programming opportunity has been the “Drive Thru Container Garden Kits”.  This year, many people have been interested in growing their own produce to provide for their families, enjoy a fun and educational family activity and make the most of additional time they may have on their hands.  This prov

Full Story

Community Container Garden Kits

Author: Catherine Webster

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Community Container Garden KitsThe Simpson Co. Extension Office saw an increase in requests for information from families wanting to grow their on vegetable garden during the pandemic.  Some families feared a food shortage while others wanted the assurance of a safe food supply.  As a result the Extension Agents for 4-HYD and ANR worked together to create a new program to meet this need, Community Container Garden Kits.  Agents recorded a video demonstrating how to grow a tomato c

Full Story
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