Small Lot Farming/Food ProductionPlan of Work

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Boyd County CES

Title:
Small Lot Farming/Food Production
MAP:
Environmental Awareness
Agents Involved:
Harned, Bowling
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Sustainable Agriculture
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Situation:

More and more we are being asked about materials and information on growing small plot crops and small numbers of animals for home consumption. This is especially true in our local urban environment. Many times those requesting the information have never grown much if anything in the past but are concerned about food safety and being more self reliant going forward. Many of these people are also concerned about reducing or eliminating pesticide usage on their food and more natural and organic food production. And working to make some of these practices legal within the city limits.

Long-Term Outcomes:

More people will be producing at least some of their own food at home, whether in the city or on small plots located otherwise.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Those who gained the initial knowledge below will begin to produce the type of food that they are interested in for themselves and their families.

Initial Outcomes:

Those who participate will gain the knowledge and skills required to produce food as they are wanting to in the urban area or on small lots in more rural settings.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: More people will be producing some of their food at home

Indicator: More food being produced at home

Method: Surveys, follow-up with program participants, word of mouth

Timeline: 2017-2018


Intermediate Outcome: Additional people will begin to produce some of their food at home

Indicator: Increased number of people raising food at home

Method: Personal contacts, word of mouth, observation

Timeline: 2017-2020


Long-term Outcome: More people and those in the next generation will be home producing at least some of their food

Indicator: Still increasing number producing food at home

Method: Personal contacts, word of mouth, observation

Timeline: 2020 and beyond

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Urban/small lot owners

Project or Activity: Backyard and small level poultry production

Content or Curriculum: How to produce eggs and meat from small backyard/urban flocks

Inputs: Extension agents and specialists, facilities, demonstration materials and equipment

Date: 2019-20 and possibly every 2-3 years beyond that


Audience:

Project or Activity: Goat and sheep production on a small scale

Content or Curriculum: Adapt available material to apply to small scale production

Inputs: Extension personnel, KY State specialists, local producers, facilities, demonstrations

Date: 2020 and every few years afterwards




Success Stories

Farmers Market Sales Increase with Kentucky Double Dollars Program

Author: Lori Bowling

Major Program: Farmer's Markets

The farmers market in Boyd County has existed for 40 years offering fresh locally grown produce to the residents of Boyd County and surrounding counties.  In 2017 the market total sales $106,159, for cash and senior and wic farmers market nutrition program vouchers.  In 2018 there were 5 new farmers to join the market offering even more of a variety of products for consumers including locally raised beef, chicken, eggs, flowers and value added items such as jams, jellies, syrup and mor

Full Story
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