Sustainable Agriculture, Non-Traditional Agriculture, and Natural ResourcesPlan of Work

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Spencer County CES

Title:
Sustainable Agriculture, Non-Traditional Agriculture, and Natural Resources
MAP:
Agriculture
Agents Involved:
Bryce Roberts, Allison Lewis, Mollie Tichenor
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Chemical Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture
Situation:

With the continued increase in population in Spencer County, we are seeing reduction of traditional farm land. We are noticing an increase in modern age agriculture, including sustainable and non-traditional. The Spencer County Extension Council and Agents realize that there is a definite need for programs and resources dealing with all types of agriculture.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers will increase their profits from their agricultural endeavors by incorporating new and improved production techniques. All residents of Spencer County will employ farm safety practices and procedures in their lives.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will begin using improved variety of fruits and vegetables, new watering techniques, and increase the use of new marketing outlets.  Families and youth begin to use safety practices.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will learn how to properly grow and select varieties of fruit and vegetables. Youth will be able to identify proper animal husbandry and animal well being.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Farmers market participants will increase their net income.

Indicator: Increase in sales at local farmer’s market.

Method: End of market survey.

Timeline: November – January.


Outcome: Youth will practice and recognize proper animal husbandry techniques.

Indicator: Increase number of youth participating in livestock, dairy, and animal science programs.

Method: Observation.

Timeline: July - June.


Outcome: Producers will gain knowledge and apply proper skills in pesticide application.

Indicator: Pre/Post Test.

Method: Observation.

Timeline: November – February.


Outcome: Youth and adults gain knowledge in areas of nutrition, gardening and youth development.

Indicator: Increase in participation and awareness of Farmers Market.

Method: Observation and number of volunteers, including 4-H Members, and Homemakers.  

Timeline: July-October, April-June.


Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Agriculture/Horticulture Producers, Families


Activity: Farmers Market (BR, AL, MT)

Content or Curriculum: Produce Best Practices Training, farmer’s market materials, food sampling.

Inputs: Farm Bureau, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farmer’s Market Committee, and Community Volunteers.

Date: July-June


Activity: Vegetable Gardening (BR, AL, MT)

Content or Curriculum: Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky, Container Gardening

Inputs: Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Volunteers, Multipurpose Community Action, Spencer County Library.

Date: March - June


Activity: Pesticide Application Training (BR)

Content or Curriculum: Private application training and commercial applicator training

Inputs: Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Volunteers.

Date: February


Activity: Agriculture Field Day (BR)

Content or Curriculum: Production Methods, Water Quality, UK publications.                                    

Inputs: Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Community Volunteers, University of Kentucky CES, Spencer Co. Soil Conservation.

Date: August – September 


Activity:  Raising the Steaks (BR)

Content or Curriculum:  Variety of Cattle and Meat Production Topics, including Health and Nutrition

Inputs:  UK Specialists

Date:  October - December


Project or Activity: Farmer’s Dinner Theatre (AL, BR, MT)

Content or Curriculum: Farmer’s Dinner Theatre Curriculum and Supporting Materials

Inputs:  County Extension Council, Local Producers, Louisville Area Cattleman’s, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Spencer County Schools.

Date: January - February


Audience: Youth


Activity: Livestock, Country Hams, Rabbits, Poultry, and Dairy (MT)

Content or Curriculum: Animal science materials and approved curriculum.

Inputs: Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farmer’s Market Committee, Spencer County FFA, Certified 4-H Livestock Club Leaders, Community Volunteers.

Date: July – June.


Activity: Farm Safety (AL, BR, MT)

Content or Curriculum: Small and large tractor safety materials and classes.

Inputs: Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Volunteers.

Date: July-June


Activity: School Aged Windowsill Gardens (AL, BR, MT)

Content or Curriculum: Windowsill Garden Curriculum.

Inputs: Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Local Producers, Farmer’s Market Committee, Community Volunteers.

Date: April - June


Activity: Elementary Ag Day (AL, BR, MT)

Content or Curriculum: Teaching youth about local agriculture.

Inputs: Spencer County School System, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, Farm Bureau, Local Producers, University of Kentucky Specialist, Kentucky State University Specialists, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farmer’s Market Committee, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Spencer County FFA, Certified 4-H Livestock Club Leaders, Community Volunteers.

Date: March - May 




Success Stories

Spencer County Fair

Author: Mollie Tichenor

Major Program: Agriculture

During normal times, there are certain activities that the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service helps out with, one of these being actively involved in our local county fairs.  But, during COVID-19, the roles we played with the 2020 Spencer County Fair, took on a different look.With guidance from various local and state agencies, the Spencer Co. Fair Board decided to hold certain events during our normal fair dates in July, 13 events were held in 2020 at the Spencer County Fair.   Ev

Full Story

Pesticide CEU Update

Author: Bryce Roberts

Major Program: Chemical Management

               Each fall, the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service hosts a meeting for commercial pesticide applicators to help them receive Continuing Education Units so that they can keep their licenses from year to year.  With COVID 19 disrupting in-person meetings, the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent started planning a ZOOM meeting for the applicators in July and the meeting was held in November.          &

Full Story

Private Pesticide Trainings

Author: Bryce Roberts

Major Program: Chemical Management

Many farmers participate in training at Spencer County Extension in order to obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator License.  This certification is good for three years and allows them to apply pesticides on their farm crops.  The training focuses on pesticide laws, understanding labels, understanding pest resistance,  and safe use of pesticides for farmers and for the environment.Training is normally held in person at Extension Offices during winter and early spring months as farm

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