Introduction & expansion of specialty markets and new opportunities for agriculture in Knox CountyPlan of Work

Back to the Program

Knox County CES

Title:
Introduction & expansion of specialty markets and new opportunities for agriculture in Knox County
MAP:
Furthering Agriculture Diversification
Agents Involved:
Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
4-H Volunteer Programming
Situation:

With an uncertain economy promising a bleak future for Knox County's farm families, the need for agriculture diversification and niche production is at an all time high. Through educational workshops and hands-on farm visits, Knox County Extension will be able to help local farm families determine the best commodities to be successful. The ANR program council identified the need for educational programs that educate them on new markets, production techniques and ways to increase farm revenue.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increased agricultural profitability for Knox County Farmers

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers will utilize new technology and recommended production techniques to increase productivity and profitability. Youths will participate in 4-H Country Ham Project

Initial Outcomes:

Farmers will gain knowledge of new technology and practices as related to livestock, forages, tobacco, and horses. They will also gain skills in farm management. Farm families, youth and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Farmers will increase AG profitability

Indicator: Farmers will expand from traditional methods/crops to diversifying crops/methods to increase profit

Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.

Timeline: Throughout year  2019-2020


Intermediate Outcome: Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.

Indicator: Individuals will successfully raise and/or show animals as part of 4-H and/or Ag Extension Programs.

Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.

Timeline: 2019-2020


Initial Outcome: Farmers will gain and utilize new knowledge and skills that will help them increase agricultural profitability.

Indicator:Farmers will attend local workshops and will put new information, methods and techniques into practice.

Method: Testimonials; observation.

Timeline: Throughout year 2019-2019

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers/ Producers

Activity: Farm Visits

Content/Curriculum: Research based information tailored to needs of the producer

Date: Throughout year


Activity: Ag Producer Meetings

Content/Curriculum: Information on production and management of livestock, forages and commercial crops. Information on promotion and advancement of agri-tourism opportunities.

Date: Throughout year


Activity: Test Plots

Content/Curriculum: Commercial crops and grazing

Date: Summer/Fall 2019


Activity: Knox County Saddle Club

Content/Curriculum: ANR and 4-H publications on equine care and safety

Date: Throughout year


Audience: Youths

Activity:Animal Sciences

Content/Curriculum: 4-H publications on chick incubation/country ham

Date: Throughout year









Success Stories

Dealing with Mud

Author: Robert Kirby

Major Program: Beef

With the winter and spring of 2018 and 2019 being one of the wettest in history, cattle farmers in Knox County experienced overwhelming damage to high traffic areas and pastures because of the wet conditions and mud. Because of the issues, Dr. Ray Smith was invited to the Knox County Cattlemen's Association monthly meeting in March to present an educational program on recommendations concerning renovation of damaged areas, resewing areas and educating producers of pros and cons of different

Full Story

Cumberland Gap Beef Cattle Conference

Author: Robert Kirby

Major Program: Beef

Seeing a need for more education for cattle farmers in the tri-state region agents from Harlan, Bell and Knox Counties Kentucky Lee, Wise and Scott Counties Virginia and Claiborne and Hancock Counties Tennessee on February 1,2020 held the fifth annual Cumberland Gap Beed Cattle Conference.The goal was to address the needs and to update cattle farmers on new federal regulation changes as well as topics of body conditioning and scoring, minerals, disease prevention and management. Of those in

Full Story
Back to the Program