Agricultural Production 1Plan of Work

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Shelby County CES

Title:
Agricultural Production 1
MAP:
Production & Profitability
Agents Involved:
Corinne Belton, Regina Browning
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Home & Consumer Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Commercial Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Grain Crops
Situation:

While Kentucky's population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth. Shelby Countians are faced with maintaining a balance between industrial development, community growth and preserving the rural landscape. In order to increase sustainability and profitability, producers must take advantage of local markets as well as our close proximity to the large population centers of Lexington and Louisville. Diversification of agriculture operations is key to long-term viability. Producers must engage in practices that ensure the preservation and availability of natural resources for future generations.


Although Kentucky livestock producers have enjoyed relatively high prices for their stock over the past few years, it is important to continue to educate producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. Extension educational programs are targeted to provide Kentucky livestock producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.


Grain crop production is facing downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for the foreseeable future. Extension educational programs are targeted to provide Kentucky crop producers with the tools necessary to remain sustainable through this bearish market.

Long-Term Outcomes:

*Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.

*Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life-skill development through 4-H.

*Youth will be advocates for agriculture and health and sustainable food systems.

*Long term viability

*Producers save money by making informed selection decisions

*Improve herd/flock quality

*Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

*Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

*Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems

*Increase positive opinion of GMO/Conventional production of non-farm individuals

Intermediate Outcomes:

*Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.

*Youth will adopt and practice skills that apply to employability

*Youth can explain the role of agriculture to others in their daily lives.

*Youth will set a goal and accomplish it

*Youth can practice entrepreneurial skills related to agriculture and food systems.

*Test forage for nutritional quality

*Provide a complete mineral supplement program

*Implement cross breeding program

*Make EPD and targeted selection decisions to capitalize on a value-added product

*Implement a managed grazing system

*Utilize alternative forages

*Properly use medicated feed

*Create improved livestock handling equipment/facilities

*Slowly and quietly handle cattle

*Discuss animal welfare issues less defensively with others

*Adopt usage of new technology for crop production

*Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production

*Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds

*Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations


Initial Outcomes:

*Youth will gain knowledge and skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.

*Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.

*Youth will develop valuable life skills including decision making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service.

*Gain knowledge of the livestock industry and information and tools to succeed in livestock production

*Interpret forage analyses, feed and mineral bag tabs and to balance rations.

*Increase awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general herd management, economics and marketing.

*Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being.

*Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.

*Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal.

*Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production

*Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production

*Increase understanding of production regulations

*Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production

*Increase non-farm public understanding of BioTechnology/Organic/ Conventional grains crop production

*Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth and adults increase KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices

Indicator: Increased KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices

Method: Post-training evaluations, observation

Timeline: Annually


Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults implement production management practices such as: evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition.

Indicator: Improved management practices in evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition

Method: Self-reporting, observation

Timeline: Yearly


Long-term Outcome: Increased agriculture production and profitability

Indicator: Higher production and increased profits

Method: Self-reporting, observation

Timeline: Year-to-year over the next decade

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers Transitioning from Tobacco

Project or Activity: CAIP Grant Program

Content or Curriculum: Cost-share program/project publications, educational sessions for producers

Inputs: GOAP publications, UK publications, agents, CAIP administrator

Date: Year-round


Audience: Home Gardeners

Project or Activity: Basics of fruit and vegetable production

Content or Curriculum: Classes on basic production

Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents, horticulture technician

Date:


Audience: Home Gardeners

Project or Activity: Produce Best Practices Training (PBPT)

Content or Curriculum: PBPT Guidelines

Inputs: PBPT Powerpoint, KDA information

Date: Year Round


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Master Gardener Classes

Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications

Inputs: MG curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists, horticulture technician

Date:


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Garden Tours

Content or Curriculum: MG Curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications

Inputs: MG Curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists, horticulture technician

Date: 


Audience: Grain Producers

Project or Activity: Grain Production and Marketing Update

Content or Curriculum: UK specialists and publications

Inputs: UK specialists and publications

Date: February 2020


Audience: Fruit Tree Owners

Project or Activity: Fruit Tree Pruning Demonstration

Content or Curriculum: MG curriculum, UK publications

Inputs: UK publications, horticulture technician

Date: February 2020


Audience: 4-H School Clubs

Project or Activity: Windowsill Gardens

Content or Curriculum: Windowsill Garden curriculum

Inputs: Agents, staff, windowsill garden materials

Date: April 2020


Audience: Potential Hemp Producers

Project or Activity: Hemp Production Seminar

Content or Curriculum: Specialists, KDA

Inputs: Specialists, KDA Staff

Date: September/October 2019


Audience: Forage Producers

Project or Activity: Hay Production Seminar

Content or Curriculum: UK/KDA Publications

Inputs: UK Specialists, Agents and KDA

Date: Spring 2020


Audience: Farmers Market Vendors

Project or Activity: Farmers Market Regulations KCARD Seminar 

Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Regulations

Inputs: Farmers Market and KCARD

Date: February 2020

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