Ag ProductionPlan of Work

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Knott County CES

Title:
Ag Production
MAP:
Ag Production and Sustainability
Agents Involved:
Chad Conway
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation:

According to the CEDIK report agriculture is one of the emerging Businesses for Knott County. Although, agriculture is not as prevalent in Knott County as in other parts of the state. The county has only 22 full-time farmers, but several part-time and small farmers. Most of these producers have very diversified operations with small numbers of livestock and/or acres of pasture and crops. Even though these are smaller operations, they still add financial support to their families and to the county. Farm acreage has increased steadily in the last fifteen years, mostly due to increased use of reclaimed strip mine lands. The major livestock in the county consists of beef cattle, goats and horses. The major crops consist of hay, corn, ornamentals, bedding plants, fruits and vegetables. Also, a large number of the people in the county raise a small garden or fruit trees for home use. Forage lands harvested has more than doubled during the last five years as well as a large increase in the number of cropland acres harvested due to the use of reclaimed mine land. The County Extension Council and Agriculture & Natural Resources Council have directed us to address the above areas with the necessary emphasis on diversification and small farm production. Emphasis will be on learning experiences that will benefit of both youth and adults. Mainly directed to those individuals involved or with an interest in livestock, crops, fruit, and vegetable production, both commercially and family based.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Agricultural producers will manage their farms and resources to receive the most profit or production from their operations. They will develop the knowledge necessary manage their agricultural operations to wisely use the land and resources for sustainability.

Intermediate Outcomes:

An increase in agriculture production with emphasis in livestock and horticulture.

*Best Management Practices will be used for their agricultural operations

*An increase in the diversity of agriculture operations will occur

*An increase in necessary management skills being used

*An increased utilization of reclaimed mine lands as part of agricultural operations in county

* Vegetable producers will utilize new innovative techniques to increase production and quality of vegetable

*Increase access to local fresh fruits and vegetables

Initial Outcomes:

Knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises.

*Knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability

*Knowledge of new methods to use reclaimed lands.

*Understanding the importance of diversity in small enterprises

* Knowledge of local markets to expand horticulture operations.

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that diversify their agricultural operations

Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes

Method: Observations and Evaluation

Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round


Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that utilize improving management practices and skills

Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes

Method: Observations and Evaluation

Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round


Intermediate Outcome: Number of participants that increases their farm profitability

Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes

Method: Observations and Evaluation

Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round


Intermediate Outcome: Number of youth that has learned necessary agricultural management skills that prepares them to operate an agricultural enterprise.

Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes

Method: Observations and Surveys

Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation – year round


Intermediate Outcome: Number of vendors at Farmers Market

Indicator: An increase in sales and quality of local produce

Method: Surveys and Observation


Timeline: July thru September at Farmers Market.

Learning Opportunities:


Audience: Horticulture Producers

Activity: Insect and disease control Workshop

Content or Curriculum: Research information and educational curriculum UK Horticulture

Inputs:

Date: Annually


Audience: Senior Citizens at Low Income Housing Complex

Activity:  Raised Bed Gardens

Content:  Raised Bed & UK Horticulture Curriculum

Date:  Annually



Activity: East Ky Beef IRM Program

Content or Curriculum: feeding, reproduction, forages, health, and general management

Inputs: Specialist

Date: Continuous


Audience: Cattle Producers


Activity: Production

Content or Curriculum: Disease and insect control, and small area production

Inputs:Reproduction Trend AF Equipment

Date: Spring and Fall



Activity: Conservation Sustainability

Content or Curriculum: Soil sampling, cost-share programs, and related issues

Inputs: Knott Co Conservation District

Date: Continual


Activity: Soil Conservation Cost Share Equipment Program

Content or Curriculum: Recommendations from UK Extension

Inputs: Equipment and Local Exports, NRCS to utilize recourses and innovation

Date: As needed


Activity: Knott County Agriculture & Natural Resources newsletter

Content or Curriculum: Addresses various issues at critical time, and announcement of upcoming AGNR programs

Inputs:

Date: Monthly


Activity: Beekeeping

Content or Curriculum: Beekeeping club, annual beekeeping school, KSU beekeeping programs

Inputs: KSU Bee Program, KDA Bee Program, and local producers knowledge

Date: Bi monthly






Success Stories

Improving Soil Health with Cover Crops

Author: Chadwick Conway

Major Program: Soils

Each year the Knott County Agriculture Agent teaches a fall class on Cold Crops and Cover Crops.  This class covers various topics, such as, what crops can be grown in the fall and how to extend fresh vegetables later into the season. This class is always an interest to many gardeners who are looking at ways to increase the availability of fresh local foods.  Although, this a great part of the class, it allows the agent to educate the participants on the importance of cover crops for t

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Knott County Extension helps meet the need for food security during COVID-19 Pandemic

Author: Chadwick Conway

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

In the efforts to help our community, the Knott County Extension Agricultural and Natural Resource (ANR) Agent provides an annual gardening programs in the spring. However, with this year's spring season, the COVID-19 Pandemic caused the traditional home gardening workshops to be canceled and then revised. As the pandemic has affected the food demand, and the rising cost of food, many folks in our area are making plans to begin gardening or to expand their existing gardens. As the agent saw

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New Adventures for horticulture diversity

Author: Chadwick Conway

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Mushrooms GaloreExtension has always been a place for new innovative techniques for agriculture.  Over the years, one of the most exciting and diverse crops that we have taught clients about is Shitake mushroom production.  The Knott County ANR Agent has expanded his mushroom class the last couple of years to include growing other types of mushrooms such as white button mushrooms.  The Mushrooms Galore Classes has been a huge success, with over 50 families attending the workshop h

Full Story
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