New Agriculture Opportunities
Diversified Agriculture
ANR/FCS
Commercial Horticulture
Agritourism Planning
Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Nicholas County has traditionally been one of the most tobacco dependent counties in the state, both through history and total county revenue. It is a desperate need to find crops/resources to fill this growing void. The diversification of the agriculture community is the only viable way to combat this issue. Farmers must realize the need to add additional crops to diversify their operations and to keep a consistent flow of income to their operation and to the county.
Employ thriving niche market producers with multiple agritourism locations in the county
Increased acreage in nontraditional crops
Growth in local farmers market with increased customer base
Utilize nontraditional marketing options in the county
Producers investigate marketing options available to them
Increase in microprocessing certificates and farmers market producers
Initial Outcome: Increase in microprocessor certificates
Indicator: rise in number of microprocessors in the county
Method: number of participants and graduates
Timeline: ongoing
Intermediate Outcome: Increased acreage in nontraditional crops
Indicator: growth in new/nontraditional crops in the county
Method: census data/farm visits
Timeline: ongoing
Long-term Outcome: Niche Market Producers
Indicator: presence of KY Proud Producers in the county
Method: marketing and presence on KDA website
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: Traditional Tobacco Farmers
Project or Activity: crop diversification field days
Content or Curriculum: farmers market GAP training/microprocessing workshop
Inputs: UK specialists, collaboration of agents and local organizations (Cattlemen's Assc, Chamber of Commerce, Community Economic Dev)
Date: 2020-2021
Audience: NC Producers
Project or Activity: Farm Visits
Content or Curriculum: Publications
Inputs: publications, specialists, diagnostic testing
Date: 2021-2022
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Beef
The Beef Quality & Care Assurance (BQCA) Program’s mission is to maximize consumer confidence in and acceptance of beef by focusing the producer’s attention to daily production practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness and quality of beef and beef products through the use of science, research and education initiatives. BQCA is valuable because it:Shows commitment to food safety and qualitySafeguards public image of beef and dairy industryUpholds consumer confidence in va