Extension
It Starts With Us
Introduction & expansion of specialty markets and new opportunities for agriculture in Knox County
Furthering Agriculture Diversification
Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer
Beef
Forages
Farm Management
4-H Volunteer Programming
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.
Increased agricultural profitability for Knox County Farmers
Farmers will utilize new technology and recommended production techniques to increase productivity and profitability. Youths will participate in 4-H Country Ham Project
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.
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
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
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
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
