Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture PracticesPlan of Work

Back to the Program

Madison County CES

Title:
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
MAP:
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Agents Involved:
Amanda Sears, Brandon Sears
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Commercial Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Sustainable Agriculture
Situation:
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)
Long-Term Outcomes:
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.
Intermediate Outcomes:
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.
Initial Outcomes:
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.
Evaluation:
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

Learning Opportunities:

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



Success Stories

Replacement Heifer Sale

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

Full Story

Madison County Beekeeper's Association and 2018 Eastern Bluegrass Bee School

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

Full Story
Back to the Program