Harrison County CES

Title:

Marketing & Profitability

MAP:

Sustainable Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Mike Meyer, Benita Peoples, Jessica Barnes, Jessica Sayre

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Grain Crops

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Commercial Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Situation:

Agriculture is in a transitional phase and tobacco production has continued to diminish in Harrison County. However, agriculture production and agri-business remain to be a viable economic opportunity for those who choose to be involved. Therefore, new options and opportunities need to be developed. Proper production practices are important. The need to adopt new and improved methods becomes essential.

Ag Development funds have provided more marketing opportunities in the county. Agri-business opportunities are being developed such as vegetables, new technology, and proper production practices. The farms in Harrison County are small with limited income. Farmers and spouses are now working in off-farm jobs for family income and benefits. Farmers are aging so the need for additional labor is essential.

Long-Term Outcomes:

- Much of the good production land will be converted to corn, soybeans, hay production and horticulture crops.
- A renewed interest in beef cattle has been created by the high demand for production of our cow/calf herds.

Intermediate Outcomes:

- Producers and families will find ways to develop new and better products.
- Ideas will be stimulated on ways to market products more efficiently and utilize new technology.
- Apply for and use Ag Development funds.

Initial Outcomes:

- Individuals will attend demonstrations and meetings.
- Individuals will begin implementing new technology practices.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Number of people adopting new and improved techniques.
Indicator: Returning and new participants, new endeavors started
Method: Observation, personal visits, income increased, verbal comments, increased participation
Timeline: All year

Intermediate Outcome: Number of people selling new products and number adapting to change
Indicator: Returning new participants, new endeavors started. Growth in CPH sales and Farmer's Market participation. Increase of youth livestock participants
Method: Income realized, verbal comments, observation, personal visits, and increased participation.
Timeline: All year

Long-term Outcome: Number of participants in production agriculture has stayed the same or increased, with a greater diversity of production types.
Indicator: Returning and new participants, new endeavors started
Method: Observation, personal visits, increased participation in educational opportunities available
Timeline: All year

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: CPH Sales
Content or Curriculum: Marketing livestock cooperatively. Income increased
Inputs: volunteers, stockyards
Date: July - June

Audience: Local Farmers
Project or Activity: Phase I
Content or Curriculum: Replication of programs for all producers
Inputs: Ag Development Fund
Date: All Year

Audience: Community members, producers
Project or Activity: Farmer's Market
Content or Curriculum: Merchandising Skills Development, New Sales Facility Improved, Recruiting New Members.
Inputs: Farmer's Market Members
Date: July - June

Audience: Local farmers, community members
Project or Activity: Transitioning crops to grain program
Content or Curriculum: Developing new crops, marketing and added income
Inputs: Local Farmers
Date: All Year

Audience: Local farmers and producers
Project or Activity: Economic Update
Content or Curriculum: Develop marketing strategies
Inputs: University of Kentucky Ag Econ staff
Date: Fall

Audience: Local farmers and producers
Project or Activity: Equipment Rental
Content or Curriculum: Use of improved equipment: 2 livestock headgates, chute and electronic scales, 2 Great Plains and 4 Haybuster No-Til seeders, 2 Vegetable Bed Shapers, Water Wheel Setter and Plastic Lifter, Tree Planter, 4 sets of Livestock Panels, and 2 pull type boomless sprayers.
Inputs: Harrison County Beef Cattle Association
Date: All Year

Audience: Local farmers and producers
Project or Activity: Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Demonstrations and training to help farmers gain knowledge.
Inputs: University of Kentucky Extension Specialist
Date: Fall

Audience: Community, producers
Project or Activity: Transition crops (vegetable, flowers, horticulture crops)
Content or Curriculum: Demonstration for adoption of new crops
Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Farmer's Market Members
Date: All Year

Audience: Local farmers, producers, contractors, and homeowners
Project or Activity: Soil Tests
Content or Curriculum: Prepare testing, proper nutrient needs and saving money by proper application.
Inputs: paid staff, UK regulatory services
Date: All Year

Audience: Tobacco Farmers
Project or Activity: Tobacco Meeting
Content or Curriculum: Update new techniques and chemicals
Inputs: Extension Specialists and Agents
Date: Jan to March

Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Projects, Equine Education projects and job opportunities in agriculture. Quality assurance through meats judging through Kentucky 4-H Volunteer leaders certification
Content or Curriculum:KLVCR Certification, Kentucky 4-H Equine Volunteer Certification, Ky 4-H Equine Curriculum, Kentucky 4-H Crop Projects Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H volunteers, specialists, agents
Date: All Year

Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: 4-H Judging Groups; Livestock, Dairy, Land, Meats, Horse and Skillathon Teams
Content or Curriculum: Marketing, production, public speaking and communications, selection and decision making, livestock certification kit, local producers and services, 4-H animal science curriculum.
Inputs: 4-H volunteers, agents
Date: All Year

Audience: 4-H members, community members
Project or Activity: Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: Production, food preservation, marketing, communication, livestock certification kit, UK Extension Specialists
Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, volunteers, paid staff
Date: January to August

Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: Education, promotion, marketing, production, economics, Livestock certification kit, local businesses / producers, UK Specialist resources
Inputs: UK Specialists, volunteers
Date: All Year

Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Horse Club
Content or Curriculum: Education, promotion, marketing, production, economics, Livestock certification kit, local businesses / producers, UK Specialist resources
Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, volunteers
Date: All Year

Audience: 4-H members
Project or Activity: Livestock Shows
Content or Curriculum: Selection, ethics, production, marketing, livestock certification kit, competitions, judging/selection, showing professionals
Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, volunteers, KDA
Date: All Year

Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Ag Reality
Content or Curriculum: Youth participate in a multi-county, hands-on reality simulation where they learn about financial planning, income, expenses, and budgets.
Inputs: Agents and members from ag industry from Harrison and neighboring counties
Date: Spring

Success Stories