Pike County CES

Title:

Commercial Horticulture

MAP:

Diversification of Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Stumbo, Workman, Froman, Richards

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Commercial Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Farmer's Markets

Situation:

Pike County is not known for its traditional agriculture due to its mountainous terrain. Agriculture in Pike County is mostly part-time and small farmers. Pike County has a high volume of diverse small farms producing bees, cattle, goats, horses, vegetables, and forestry products. The major livestock of the area is horses, goats, beef cattle, bees (for honey production) & poultry. The major crops consist of hay, corn, fruits & vegetables. Many of the residents raise small garden and fruit trees for home use. Home and locally produced food products can improve nutrition, reduce stress, and be used as a therapeutic treatment in a variety of individuals. The leadership has directed us to address the above with emphasis on diversification and small farm production, plus marketing. Emphasis will be on learning experiences that will benefit both youth and adults and mainly directed at those individuals involved and/or with an interest in crops, fruit & vegetable production, and diversified livestock.
Environmentally, gardening & the Farmers Market can contribute to a community by providing a sociable environment, improve water quality, reduce community waste through composting of organic materials, and the improvement of the individual gardener through expansion to create a living from produce. Landscaping is an important factor of residential and commercial property as well as increasing attractiveness of the community. A successful Master Gardener Program can expand the efforts of gardeners to teach others about the benefits of gardening and demonstrate the benefits of gardening through projects such as community gardens, community beautification projects, heritage or heir loom gardening and youth gardening, which will increase individual knowledge and open up a new career in farming. Only 3% of the nations’ farmland is used for fruit and vegetable production. At present the US has to import fruit and vegetables to meet the American demand for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables

Long-Term Outcomes:

Goal 1: The increase in amount and diversity of Agricultural Production in Pike County.
Goal 2: The increase in the amount and diversity of fruits & vegetables grown in Pike County

Intermediate Outcomes:

Goal 1: The increase production of marketable products to be sold at farmers’ markets.
Goal 2: Honeybee populations will increase.
Goal 3: The development and expansion of alternative agriculture markets and farmers’ markets.
Goal 4: The development and expansion of home fruit & vegetable gardening.
Goal 5: County farmers will demonstrate changes in diversification and efficiency of their operations through Extension offered workshops, classes, and tours
Goal 6:An increase in the diversity of agricultural operations
Goal 7:Producers will show an increase in use of BMP's
Goal 8:Producers will increase utilization of forested lands
Goal 9:Producers will utilize BMP's to produce a quality marketable product
*They will develop and expand diversification by wise use of the land and resources at their disposal. Individuals will become more proficient at making informed decisions in the areas of horticulture production, processing, and preservation.

Initial Outcomes:

Goal 1:Knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability

Goal 2:Knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises

Goal 3:Understanding the importance of diversity in small operations

Goal 4:Knowledge that management & use of forest and forest products can be a viable enterprise

Goal 5:Knowledge of home food production and adopted practices.

Goal 6:Youth will gain consumer knowledge of fruits, vegetables as well as animal science through participation in "hands-on" programs

Evaluation:

Long-term Outcome
Indicator: Increase in Farmers participating in Farmers Market and diversity of farming operations.
Method: Follow-up survey and observations of FM participants
Timeline: Yearly

Indicator: Increase in Farmers/Home Gardeners
Method: Follow-up survey and observations
Timeline: Year round

Intermediate Outcomes:
Indicator: Positive changes in numbers and participants in programs
Method: Yearly

Initial Outcomes:
Indicator: Changes in participation at Farmers Market
Method: Agent observations, follow-up survey’s, informal question/response
Timeline: Yearly

Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes in understanding and implementation of BMP’s
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline; After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round

Indicator: Number of individuals that show changes in necessary agricultural management skills that prepare them to operate an agricultural enterprise
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round.

Indicator: Number of participants that utilize proper and safe management dealing with horticulture crops and home food supply
Method On Site/Phone consultations, observations, and surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Forest owners and community

Project or Activity: Shiitake Mushrooms & Gingeng

Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum

Inputs: Agents, specialists, volunteers

Date: Spring / Fall

Audience: Beekeepers

Project or Activity: Monthly educational meetings

Content or Curriculum: As needed

Inputs: Agents, specialists, volunteers

Date: Monthly

Audience: Farmers, gardeners, interested community members

Project or Activity: Farmers Market

Content or Curriculum: Vegetable Gardening

Inputs: Agents, Master Gardeners, farmers, community members, local chefs

Date: Year round

Audience: Community

Project or Activity: Micro-processing and low risk value added

Content or Curriculum: Micro-processing curriculum, GAP, All Samples

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Frankfort staff,

Date: Yearly

Audience: Organic growers

Project or Activity: Organic Production Workshop

Content or Curriculum: UK materials

Inputs: Agents, specialists, Master Gardeners, County Conservation District

Date: Year round

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: SR Vouchers, WIC, SNAP

Content or Curriculum: KDA and Federal Requirements

Inputs: KDA, Agent, Farmers Market

Date: Spring

Success Stories