Jessamine County CES

Title:

Agriculture Economic Enhancement

MAP:

Agriculture Sustainabiltiy

Agents Involved:

Steve Musen, Karli Jessie, Cathy Weaver

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

4-H Volunteer Programming

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Commercial Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Sustainable Agriculture

Situation:

Jessamine County agriculture has traditionally been based on tobacco and beef cattle. Tobacco, because of the buyout has dropped from over 2600 acres to less than 400 and currently there are only 10 active tobacco farmers. Beef cattle still plays a major role, generating the majority of farm income in the county. Farmers here are also looking at alternative enterprises to generate income. Hemp has generated a tremendous amount of interest along with goats, sheep and flower production. There are also a number of small vegetable producers and several organizations working with community based gardens. Land prices still remain one of the most limiting factors for individuals wanting to get in to production agriculture. Farm land in this community goes from a low of around $4000/acre to well over $8000/acre. If there is a high level of development potential, land prices are near $30,000/acre. Producers here are learning new ways to market products. Social media, direct sales and ebay have provided our producers with non-traditional marketing opportunities. Our close proximity to the Lexington market also offers some opportunities to some producers to do direct sales. There will soon be an indoor market, privately held, that may offer some benefits to local producers as well. Equine is still a major income generator, but the majority of this income is centered around a few farms. We have a tremendous number of pleasure horses in the county and because of this, a major focus of extension in this area centers around pastures and facilities. The ag development program has provided local producers incentives to try new things, fix and replace old things and develop the facilities and management to improve their operations.

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 that it makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the commonwealth. The top agricultural products produced on Kentucky farms are changing. In 2012, the Top 10 agriculture products in Kentucky were: Broilers, Corn, Horses & Mules, Soybeans, Cattle & Calves, Tobacco, Dairy Products & Milk, Wheat, Hay and Chicken Eggs (United States Department of Agriculture – Kentucky, 2012).

Long-Term Outcomes:

The goal of the cooperative extension service is to provide the technical expertise and training to allow our farmers to meet their full potential. By working directly with producers we can assist them in improving their management and increase their profitability and sustainability. Extension is able to assists individuals and groups in their quest to develop markets for new or existing enterprises so that farmers will be better able to diversify their operations.

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 healthy and sustainable food systems.

Intermediate Outcomes:

The use of new technologies and creative marketing techniques will be vital to local farmers as they continue to transition from traditional farming enterprises and traditional established markets. Vegetables, fruits, meat animal production and agri-tourism all have a strong potential in this community. In order to be efficient and profitable, practices such as drip irrigation, greenhouse crop production, specialty crops, small animal production, value added production are all vital components. Producers will need to look past previous marketing venues and focus, in some cases on direct sales, tourism, and again, value added products. The diversification or expansion of existing operations could be beneficial in maintaining profitability of Jessamine County farms.

• Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas
of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
• Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability.
• Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
• Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.
• Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.
• Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.

Initial Outcomes:

The post tobacco buyout era has forced many Jessamine County producers to look at new and innovative products, production techniques and marketing strategies. Local farmers have traditionally relied on tobacco, beef cattle and hay to provide income, but the buyout, along with development pressure on land has forced many producers from farming the way they have become accustomed. The rising cost of fertilizer and fuel are making it more important than ever for producers to use soil testing recommendations, variety recommendations and proper planting procedures to maximize yields and minimize production costs. The overall population continues to scrutinize farming and the food supply. Beef Quality assurance, Best Management Practices and good land management are vital parts of maintaining consumer acceptance and support of agriculture, particularly in areas such as Jessamine County where farming and houses are in such close proximity to one another. Livestock producers need to look at their overall management program including feed rations, vaccination programs, timed breeding and marketing. Farmers will continue to rely on tobacco, meat animals, hay, vegetable, fruits, and agri-tourism to provide the bulk of farm income. It is vital that these producers gain the knowledge and skills that will make them competitive, profitable and sustainable in the coming years. The threat of Bio-terrorism brings with it source identification and traceability at the farm level – producers will need to be able to meet these new demands. Water quality and agricultures perceived or real impact on this vital natural resource is becoming a major issue. The nature of all people is to resist change – the nature of extension is to provide people with the knowledge and skills to help them to be more comfortable as they deal with these changes.

Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant
sciences, horticulture and animal 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.

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome:
More diversification of farming enterprises, Adoption of new marketing techniques and improved production practices and continued use of these new practices.
These changes are expected to occur over time as more producers become familiar with these opportunities.
Success may be determined through increase agriculture revenue at the farm level and through personal observations.

Intermediate Outcome:
The adoption of new technologies and practices that have been presented to them through extension programming.
The adoption of techniques and technologies within a few months after being exposed to these improved management techniques in an indication of acceptance by participants.
Evaluation may be done through followup visits or surveys to participants of educational programs

Initial Outcome:
Attendance at various educational programs, questions and participation in the program and followup questions from participants in the office are good indicators of the need for the program and the initial impact of the program
The impact of a program may be know immediately or within a few days of the completion of the program. Surveys and evaluations may also be used to gauge the success of a program.

• The number of youth who demonstrate a skill that was learned and improved by participating in a 4-H ANR project, program, event or activity.
• The number of youth that keep production, performance or financial records on their 4-H agriculture projects.
• Number of youth who set a goal and accomplish it.
• Number of youth who understands the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.

Learning Opportunities:

Ag Financial Planning – Using available resources – during the year
Value added marketing – Adding value to what you produce – Summer
Farmers markets – marketing opportunities – summer
Beef Quality Assurance – Beef Cattle management – summer
Goat producer workshops – producer education – during the year
Beef Cattle Association – producer education, product promotion – during the year
Forage programs – hay production and grazing programs – during the year
Vegetable programs – trickle irrigation, small fruits, vegetables – summer
Work with community gardening programs - summer, winter programs
Beef Cattle producer tour – beef production, other ag enterprises – fall
Beef cattle health issues - fall
Understanding the veterinary feed directive on the farm – summer, fall
Hunting leases on the farm
Private Pesticide Applicator Trainings – proper use of chemicals – spring
Certified Kitchen/Value added programming - year round
Master Stocker Program - fall
Ky Stocker Conference - Fall
Ky Beef Conference - Fall
County fair livestock shows
4H Livestock Club – winter/spring
4H Country Ham project – Winter-Summer
4H Horse Club – year round
Ag Development Board
Horse College
Technology in Agriculture
Water quality issues – fall
Educating the community about agriculture – year round
Farm tour/field days
Water quality issues and programming – year round
4-H/FFA Investment in Youth Livestock Sale
Environmental Education Camp for Elementary students
Ag Adventures Day field trip at the fair grounds

Success Stories