Extension
It Starts With Us
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Amanda Sears, Brandon Sears
Commercial Horticulture
Beef
Forages
Sustainable Agriculture
The Madison County Agriculture Economy has undergone significant changes in recent years. As a result farmers are seeking new opportunities to generate on farm income.
Local leadership including Madison County agriculture and horticulture councils as well as local agricultural organizations have identified a need to improve agriculture productivity and assist beginning farmers. Producers need to implement best management practices that will promote profitable operations while responsibly utilizing natural resources. (Madison County Agricultural Development Council Comprehensive Plan, 2015)
Madison County producers increase net farm income while promoting production efficiency, natural resource conservation and stewardship.
Producers will report reduced expenses and/or increased profits.
Madison County farmers will improve profitability by more efficiently and economically marketing their crops and livestock.
Growers will diversify types of crops produced and improve yield and quality of crops.
Livestock producers will increase efficiency through utilization of extended grazing, reduced purchased feed costs, and better reproductive management.
Farmers will increase grazing opportunities, using various forages and production methods thus reducing stored feed.
Producers will utilize the Madison County Cooperative Extension
Service to make research based decisions.
Farmers will utilize Best Management Practices and Integrated Pest Management in their production systems.
Outcome: Livestock producers will increase efficiency through utilization of extended grazing, reduced feed costs, better reproductive management.
Indicator:Percentage increase in value added sales such as CPH-45 and Bred Heifer Sales. Increased utilization of estrus synchronization products. Adoption of alternative forage systems such as summer annual forages and extended grazing.
Method: Surveys and evaluations of workshops, sales and programs
Timeline:After conclusion of event
Outcome: Producers will utilize the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service to make research based decisions.
Indicator: Increased number of farmers and producers use the diagnostic services of the extension office.
Method: Keep records of the number of producers who use the diagnostic services at the extension service
Timeline: year round
Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Activity: Beef Cattle Production Tour
Content or Curriculum: Local planning committee and Ag. Agent
Inputs: ANR agent and UK beef cattle specialists
Date: As needed
Audience: Agriculture Producers
Activity: Agricultural Winter Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Regulations and programs, UK specialist updates about production practices and local demonstrations
Inputs: ANR agent and UK Extension Specialists. Other speakers as required.
Date: Annually, Winter months
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Extension Farm Field Day
Content or Curriculum: As determined by Ag. Council and Ag. Businesses/ commodity groups
Inputs: ANR agent, UK Extension Specialists, various experts in their respective areas
Date: Annually
Audience: Agriculture Producers
Activity: ANR Program Workshops
Content: Varies depending on topic (forages, beef, soil fertility, etc) More in depth subject matter than farm field day.
Input: ANR agent
Date: As needed
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Vegetable Production Meeting
Content: UK Curriculum
Input: UK specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Horticulture Agent
Date: Annually
Audience: Madison County Forage Producers
Activity: Forage Management and Education
Content: County demo plots/local producer cooperation
Input: ANR agent, UK Specialists, and local farmers
Date: As needed and as opportunities arise
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Diagnostic Services and Recommendations
Content: UK Extension Resources
Inputs: ANR and HORT agents, UK Extension Specialists and Resources
Date: On-going Year round
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Ag Marketing
Madison County currently has an agriculture economy that is based on beef cattle production. Approximately 86% of farm gate receipts are from livestock sales. This is a drastic change from twenty years ago when Madison County ranked third in the state for burley tobacco production and the agriculture economy was based on tobacco.Madison County Extension has provided research based information to agriculture producers as they transitioned from tobacco farming to livestock operations. The Ag
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Bees/Beekeeping
Beekeeping is a way to potentially increase income sources on the farm, or homestead. A variety of products including honey, wax, and many value added products such as soaps, lotions, and others can be sold. Bees are also very important for their role in pollinating various crops such as vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees. Several research studies have also indicated that pollinator insects, including honey bees, have been on the decline. With associated opportunities and renewed eff
