McCreary County CES

Title:

Livestock/Forage Production

MAP:

Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Goodman

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Beekeeping

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

Situation:

According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, McCreary County ranks 101st in the state for total agriculture receipts, which were $2,550,000. Top crops reported (in acres) include 3,341 for forages, 14 for apples, and 21 for vegetables. The county agriculture profile is primarily beef and forage-based. We have 173 farms, totaling 18,321 acres with an average size of 106 acres per farm. Ninety five percent of our forest land is owned by the Federal Government either by the US Forest Service or National Park Service. The PVA's office recently reported that 79% of property is currently off the tax role. Local sawmills report that over 80% of their raw material are coming from outside the county. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Existing farm operations incorporate ag diversification and sustainable ag practices to increase quality of products and profits; young/beginning farmers establish agriculturally diverse and sustainable operations. Beekeepers expand hobby into a sustainable business. Youth expand knowledge of natural resource management and environmental stewardship as it relates to living in McCreary County.   

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers will become better stewards of their beef/forage enterprises thus increasing income or reducing expenses. Farmers will adopt proven methods of hay storage, forage management, and beef herd management. Qualified producers will improve/expand/establish their operations through County Agricultural Investment Program education and cost-share money; 39,000 currently available through 2020 Phase 1 Tobacco Settlement to divide amongst qualified applicants. Beekeepers will attend bee field days, bee school, and beekeepers' meetings to expand knowledge of current practices and share knowledge with each other to grow their hobby into a business. Youth will attend environmental day camp/workshops and apply that knowledge to community/school projects. 

Initial Outcomes:

Beef Producers will gain knowledge in the following areas: herd health, electronic record keeping, breeding, fertility management, forage management, hay storage management, agricultural diversification, sustainable ag practices, marketing, and safety. Young/beginning farmers will gain knowledge in agricultural diversification and sustainable agriculture practices through educational workshops and meetings. Existing & beginning beekeepers will continue to learn new practices through educational meetings, bee field days, and bee school. Youth will learn and understand their role natural resource management and environmental stewardship by attendance at environmental day camp and workshops. 

Evaluation:

McCreary Cattlemen’s Association & Extension has regular educational meetings  for beef producers in which UK Specialists or local agents discuss and demonstrate new production methods and outcomes 
Indicator: Programs conducted, number in attendance & evaluations 

Method: Surveys, farm visits, testing services (forage, soil, etc.), client contacts 
Timeline: September - May 
Initial Outcome:  Big South Fork Beekeepers club & Extension has regular monthly meetings in which UK Specialists and local apiarists discuss and demonstration new production methods and outcomes 
Indicator: Programs conducted, extractor rentals, attendance at bee field day, bee school, and meetings  
Method: surveys, observations, client contacts/visits 
Timeline: August –June 

Initial Outcome: Youth attend environmental day camp/workshop to learn the importance of natural resource management and environmental stewardship in McCreary County  

Indicator: Attendance, participation in group activities, application of knowledge/skills in school or community projects 
Method: Surveys, observations, discussions, school visits 
Timeline: March-September 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers  

Activity: Master Cattlemen's Program

Content or Curriculum:  10 classes covering management skills, forages, nutrition, facilities & animal behavior, environmental stewardship and industry issues, genetics, reproduction, herd health, end product, and marketability & profit  

Date: November-October  

Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers 

Activity: Beef Cattle related programs at McCreary Cattlemen’s monthly meetings 

Content or Curriculum: Beef and Forage related topics selected by beef cattle farmers 

Date: September - May 

 

Audience: Beekeepers 

Activity: Bee Field Day 

Content or Curriculum: Various topics selected by beekeepers 

Date: April 

 

Audience: Beekeepers 

Activity: Bee School 

Content or Curriculum: Various topics selected by beekeepers 

Date: February  

 Audience: Jr Beekeepers 

Activity : Beginning beekeeping for 4H youth 

Content or Curriculum: Topics related to Beginning Beekeeping

Date: March/April

Audience: Youth (4H Age Range)

Activity: Environmental Day Camp/Workshops 

Content or Curriculum:  

Natural resource management, environmental stewardship 

Date: March-September 

Success Stories