A Well Farmed CountrysidePlan of Work

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Henry County CES

Title:
A Well Farmed Countryside
MAP:
Sustainable Agriculture
Agents Involved:
Levi Berg
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Farmer's Markets
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Sustainable Agriculture
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Forestry Industry Education
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Ag Marketing
Situation:

In brainstorming and futuring sessions groups and individuals both farm and non-farm, identified their desire to see Henry County identified their desire was to see Henry County remain a “well farmed” countryside. Over the past few years, we see a decrease in dependence on tobacco and more emphasis being placed on animal ag, forages, and alternative cropping systems, and farms are looking for more direct to consumer marketing, increased value added enterprises.

Long-Term Outcomes:

There is a diverse number of crops being used. Farm profitability increases due to increased farm production and management techniques. Animal production markets increase with value-added and diverse animal production. Farm numbers increase do to retention and growth.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Animal production increases due to feed efficiency. Producers use more record keeping materials to improve money flow and asses farm inefficiencies. Farmers' market increases vendors and amounts of produce being sold.

Initial Outcomes:

Individuals begin to understand different cropping systems, potential crops, management techniques to conserve farm land,Senior and WIC farmers' market nutrition program coupons are handed out and used, and Farm Service Agency and NRCS increased numbers of individuals looking to utilize their programs.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Individuals understand alternative cropping systems, state and federal programs, and farmers' market vendors increase training to accept senior and WIC coupons

Method: surveys before and after programs. Number of attendees to WIC and Senior Trainings

Timeline: Feb and March 2020


Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Increased number of vendors at the farmers' market, Number of farms being retained, increased animal efficiency, and increased record keeping software useage.

Method: surveys six months after programs and use reports from the Henry County Farmers' Market, NCRS and FSA

Timeline: Oct and Nov 2020


Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: More diverse crops are being used, and farmers are increasing profit through more efficient practices.

Method: Reports for NRCS, FSA, KDA, and Census Data

Timeline: Dec 2020

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative

Project or Activity: Farmers Market Nutrition program training

Content or Curriculum: KDA information about the programs

Inputs: KDA, Extension Agents, Farmers' Market vendors, and Heath department

Date: Feb 2020


Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative

Project or Activity: Diverse Crop Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Extension Specialist

Inputs: Extension specialist, local marketing experts, and KDA

Date: June 2020


Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative

Project or Activity: Government Funding Programs

Content or Curriculum: KDA, NRCS, and FSA information

Inputs: Local Government, local extension, KDA, NRCS, and FSA,

Date: Jan 2020


Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative

Project or Activity: Forestry Workshop

Content or Curriculum: KDA, UK Extension, and Kentucky Department of Forestry information

Inputs: KDA, Extension Agents, Kentucky Department of Forestry

Date: Feb 2020


Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative

Project or Activity: Pond Nutrient Management Workshop

Content or Curriculum: KDA, UK Extension, and Kentucky Department of Forestry information

Inputs: KDA, Extension Agents, Kentucky Department of Forestry

Date: June 2020



Success Stories

Youth Ag Day

Author: Cathy Toole

Major Program: 4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources

Henry County has a rich agriculture history; it is the largest single source of income and provides the greatest number of employees in the county.  Currently our county receives over $30,000,000.00 a year in agriculture revenues.  The average size of a Henry County farm is 160 acres.  The average age of our farmers is currently at 59 years.  The county produces approximately 2,000 to 2,500 acres of tobacco and approximately 14,500 cows alone that populate the county.  

Full Story

2019 Henry County Harvest Showcase

Author: Levi Berg

Major Program: Local Food Systems

2019 Henry County Harvest ShowcaseFor years, volunteers and agricultural leaders have hosted the Henry County Harvest Showcase, and the 201 Henry County Harvest Showcase was held for the 20th year. The Henry County Harvest Showcase is a festival which only features crafts, produce, and meat produced in Henry County by Henry County agricultural producers. For the 2020 Harvest Showcase, an estimated 3,200 individuals attended, and were able to purchase local produce from over 12 vendors, local cra

Full Story

Gardening During COVID-19

Author: Levi Berg

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

In the spring on 2020, COVID-19 was found in KY, and extension agents had to find new ways of reaching clientele. Due to safety reasons, in person classes were postponed, and this brought up how the Henry County Extension Office could assist clientele remotely. After numerous discussions with volunteers and receiving numerous gardening questions from clients, the Henry County Extension Office focused on gardening as a way to help the residents of Henry County. This focus took a two way path; the

Full Story
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