A Well Farmed CountrysidePlan of Work
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
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