New opportunities for agriculture in Knox CountyPlan of Work

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Knox County CES

Title:
New opportunities for agriculture in Knox County
MAP:
Furthering Agriculture Diversification
Agents Involved:
Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture
Situation:

Kentucky has much to offer in the way of agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), over 50% (12.9 million acres) is farmland (NASS, 2019). Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top five agricultural commodities (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include broilers, all other animals and products, soybeans, corn, and cattle and calves. 

With an uncertain economy, the need for agriculture diversification and niche production is at an all time high. Through educational workshops and hands-on farm visits, Knox County Extension will be able to help local farm families determine the best commodities to be successful. The ANR program council identified the need for educational programs that educate them on new markets, production techniques and ways to increase farm revenue but also the need for youth to be educated on agriculture. As a result, the ANR & 4-H programs will team to strive to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Knox County through positive youth development programs on agriculture & natural resources.

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Farmers will increase AG profitability

Indicator: Farmers will expand from traditional methods/crops to diversifying crops/methods to increase profit

Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.

Timeline: Throughout year  


Intermediate Outcome: Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.

Indicator: Individuals will successfully raise and/or show animals as part of 4-H and/or Ag Extension Programs.

Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.

Timeline: Throughout program plan year


Initial Outcome: Farmers will gain and utilize new knowledge and skills that will help them increase agricultural profitability.

Indicator:Farmers will attend local workshops and will put new information, methods and techniques into practice.

Method: Testimonials; observation.

Timeline: Throughout program plan


Outcome: Youth will plan & implement an agricultural project

Indicator: Youth will participate in an agricultural project (e.g, rabbit club, country ham project, gardening)

Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey Tool

Timeline: Fall 2020/Spring 2021

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers/ Producers

Activity: Farm Visits

Content/Curriculum: Research based information tailored to needs of the producer

Date: Throughout year


Activity: Ag Producer Meetings

Content/Curriculum: Information on production and management of livestock, forages and commercial crops. Information on promotion and advancement of agri-tourism opportunities.

Date: Throughout year


Activity: Test Plots

Content/Curriculum: Commercial crops and grazing

Date: Summer/Fall 2020


Activity: Knox County Saddle Club

Content/Curriculum: ANR and 4-H publications on equine care and safety

Date: Throughout year


Audience: Youths

Activity Agircultural based lessons/club lessons/special projects

Content/Curriculum: 4-H publications on chick incubation / country ham / Rabbit curricula / gardening

Date: Throughout year


Audience: Youth

Activity: Gardening kits

Content / Curriculum: 4-H curriculum and NEP curriculum


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: News and Views

Content or Curriculum: ANR curriculum on area needed (horticulture, spraying, feeding)

Inputs: agent, assistant

Date: monthly




**Actitvies may be completed in an online/virtual experience (if needed) or in the tradition in-person setting.





Success Stories

Farmer's Market

Author: Robert Kirby

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

By following the CDC, KDA and local health department guidelines, the Knox County Farmer's Market had another successful year. The Knox County Farmer's Market outdoor season began Thursday, May 28 through November 29, 2020. On average during peak season we had roughly 300 customers per week. During the beginning and end of the season, Knox Farmer's Market averaged 75-100 customers a week. Individual vendor revenues ranged from $100 to $1,500 per week. Estimated market revenue for the

Full Story

Kentucky Master Logger Program Training

Author: Robert Kirby

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

On February 23, 2021, by following CDC requirements, a Kentucky Master Logger Program was conducted for loggers to receive their required 6 hours of continued education. 16 loggers from Knox and surrounding counties came to the Knox County Extension Office to participate, get their required hours and update their Master Logger cards.Segments of the training included market updates, new industry market locations, Kentucky forest industry economic  update, ash loss, ambrosia beetle devaluatio

Full Story

Tomato Grafting Research

Author: Robert Kirby

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

With most of the high tunnels in Knox County being NRCS grant funded, certain stipulations are agreed upon by producers when receiving the grant. One of the stipulations is that producers will agree to grow produce in the ground of the high tunnel for a minimum of four years.  Almost all producers in the county have selected tomatoes as their primary crop because of the profit potential but have struggled growing in the ground the second and third years because of nematodes. To address the

Full Story

Covid19

Author: Robert Kirby

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Since Covid19 restrictions were in place for most of the 2020-21 year, meeting the needs for the county was difficult and challenging to say the least. Soil samples and office visits were received and conducted in the parking lot while following the ever changing CDC guide lines.  Farm visits were crucial during these times for educational opportunities and production demonstrations. Because of the efforts of the Knox County Extension Service, High Tunnels were set up and began production,

Full Story
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