Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Michelle Simon
Equine
Forages
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Grains
Boone County has experienced exponential growth of industry and population over the last ten years which significantly increased the value of land. This increase has made it difficult for young or beginner farmers to purchase property and equipment because of the increased difficulty in obtaining operating loans due to the volatility of the markets with agricultural commodities. Input and normal operating expenses have increased but profits have not which makes farming a high risk venture.
Provide educational, research based information by field days, programs, and research demonstrations to help farmers in Boone County to thrive and be a viable part of the economic community and be able to continue careers in the agriculture industry.
- Farmers utilize soil testing to make wise financial decisions when applying fertilizer and lime.
- Farmers utilizing economic budgets when making farm management decisions to prevent over-spending.
- Horse owners learn pasture management techniques to reduce hay needs.
Describe the best management practices for raising livestock and horses and providing for their well-being.
Gain knowledge on genetic, nutrition, and reproductive factors associated with animal welfare.
Initial Outcome: improved management decisions on farms
Indicator: increased knowledge of livestock and horse management techniques to improve profitability
Method: Master Horseman Series
Timeline: November 2021
Intermediate Outcome: improved profitability in relation to farm income and business
Indicator: utilization of farm budgets, farm tax preparation, insurance, ag law and utilization of extension programs
Method: Farm Start Series, Ag Economics Classes
Timeline: December 2021
Long-term Outcome: Utilizing soil testing and fertilizer recommendations, following recommended crop guidelines and recommendations
Indicator: Improved farm profitability and sustainability
Method: Commodity Updates and Soil testing program
Timeline: February 2021
Audience: Horse Owners
Project or Activity: Equine Conference, Pastures Please, Master Horseman
Content or Curriculum: Nutrition, Management, Health, Reproduction, Safety
Inputs: UK Equine Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: November 2021
Audience: Young and Beginner Farmers
Project or Activity: Farm Start, Ag Economics Classes
Content or Curriculum: Economics, Enterprise selection, Farm management
Inputs: UK Ag Economic Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: December 2021
Audience: Small and/or hobby farmers and enthusiasts
Project or Activity: Small Farms Series
Content or Curriculum: Poultry, Rabbits, Small Ruminants, Beekeeping Management and Information
Inputs: UK Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: May 2021
Audience: All ages of farmers and producers
Project or Activity: Farm Dinner Theater
Content or Curriculum: Farm Safety
Inputs: UK specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: February 2021
Audience: Elementary School students (second grade)
Project or Activity: Farm Frenzy
Content or Curriculum: Ag education and awareness for consumers
Inputs: UK specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: September 2022
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Equine
Saddle fitting sessions and measurement gauges are a costly part to owning a horse but properly fitting tack is extremely important for horse health and rider safety. Improper fitting saddles and tack can cause severe pain and discomfort to horses and result in accidents and injuries to riders. Most riders and horse owners do not have their horses or tack measured due to the high cost and inconvenience since tack stores do not have “fitting rooms” for horses. In response to thi
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Boone County, Kentucky has a population of 133,581; 9.9% of which is considered food insecure and 7.11% considered at or below the poverty level for the state of Kentucky. Couple this with the Northern Kentucky Tribune statistic of being ranked the top third county in Kentucky for the likelihood of being in a motor vehicle accident caused by deer, ignited the idea for a deer donation program in the county. Boone County Agriculture Agent and Environmental Agent partnered with the Kentucky D
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Beef
In March of 2020 the covid 19 pandemic caused major market disruptions halting production in the meat packing plants which led to food shortages and empty grocery store shelves. This drove consumers to purchase meats and produce locally and even purchase freezers to store food. This increase in demand for local meats provided a window of opportunity for beef producers to capture a higher profit by finishing beef and selling it as a locally grown product. Due to the numerous challenges facing pro
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Forages
Forage production is a key component to every livestock and horse farm whether it be in the form of pasture or hay and whether it’s purchased or grown. The forage quality is the determining factor in many different aspects dictating growth rate, operating expenses and ultimately profit or loss. Boone County ANR Agent collaborated with other northern Kentucky agents and provided programs including Spring Renovations of Pastures and Hayfields, Forages 101, Building a Year Round Grazing Syste
Author: David Koester
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The Boone County Horticulture Demonstration Plot is in its fifth year of production. For growing season 2021 the plot was divided into plasticulture tomatoes, beans, cut flowers, squash and peppers. Varieties are evaluated on each of these commodities and the plot is open to commercial as well as the public. All are welcome to view the plot and make their own evaluations. 6 commercial farm market vendors have adopted and are growing one or more of the varieties highlighted at the demonstration p
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The corona virus pandemic forced many families into disarray when the food supply chain was disrupted and many grocery stores had empty shelves. This situation drove these families to Boone County Extension seeking knowledge in raising their own food and living more sustainably without relying on big box stores. In response to this situation, Boone County ANR Agent partnered with the other northern Kentucky agriculture agents to offer the Modern Homesteading Series. This five session virtual ser
