Monroe County CES

Title:

Commercial Horticulture/Farmers Market

MAP:

Promoting Agricultural Sustainability

Agents Involved:

Kevin Lyons

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Commercial Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Farmer's Markets

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Commercial Horticulture - Crop Marketing

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Sustainable Agriculture

Situation:

Situation: Activity at the Monroe County Farmers Market continues to increase at a slow rate. Many producers are producing less and re-selling more. Many of these same producers are frustrated with production problems and other issues. The Goal is to educate these producers on proper planting locations and times, available pesticides, new varieties, and labor saving methods.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Long-term Outcomes:
? An increase in the number of producers growing horticulture crops with produce for sale.
? Increase the number of producers selling at the farmers market by five-ten.
? Reduce the amount of re-sale items.
? Improve profitability of horticulture producers.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Intermediate Outcomes:
? Producers will have a better understanding of the newer varieties available and how to choose a variety that meets their needs.
Improved long term pesticide programs
? Improved marketing skills of produces and alternative markets

Initial Outcomes:

Initial Outcome:
? Help producers determine prices in line with other farmers markets and recognize the value of their products beyond grocery store prices.
? Start educating produces on better pesticide programs.
? Start using better varieties for late summer crops
? Begin using soil test to determine fertility needs
? Understanding how planting succession planting will improve production

Evaluation:

Evaluation:
Outcome: Increased sustainability of horticulture producers
Indicator: Increase in the number of producers at the farmers market and amount of produce
Method: Actual count of producers and producer reports on amounts
Timeline: 2017-2020

Evaluation:
Outcome: Better understanding of new varieties
Indicator: Increased number of producers using newer varieties
Method: Producer reports
Timeline: 2017-2018

Evaluation:
Outcome: Proper use of pesticides
Indicator: Increase number of producers attending pesticide trainings and proper use of the right pesticide
Method: Actual count of producers at trainings and producer reports
Timeline: 2017-2018

Evaluation:
Outcome: Producers using new marketing skills
Indicator: Increase in the appearance of produce, increase quality, and more accurate pricing
Method: Visual reporting
Timeline:2017-2018

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Pesticide Certification and pesticide use training
Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Certification program
Inputs: Ken Johnson
Date: Winter 2017-2018

Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Attend KY Vegetable Conference
Content or Curriculum: Various topics
Inputs: Agent and Presenters
Date: Winter 2017-2020

Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Southern KY Vegetable Production Workshop Series
Content or Curriculum: Various horticulture topics
Inputs: Agents and Specialists
Date: Spring 2017


Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Horticultural production meetings in Monroe County
Content or Curriculum: UK vegetable information and Vegetable GAP as needed
Inputs: Agents
Date: Winters of 2017 and 2018


Audience: Horticulture crop producers
Project or Activity: Vegetable marketing
Content or Curriculum: General vegetable marketing information and Specialists presentation
Inputs: Agent, Specialist
Date: Winter of 2017 and 2018

Success Stories