Extension
It Starts With Us
Producing & Marketing Agricultural Products
Sustaining the Profitability of Agriculture
Jason Vaughn, Kendyl Redding
Beef
Small Farm Management
Forages
Agriculture
The agricultural landscape of the county has dramatically changed in the past ten years and continues to do so. Tobacco was once the largest cash crop for farmers but now has transitioned to livestock (beef cattle), grains and garden produce. Livestock revenues continue to increase as many beef cattle producers increase herd size and rely on the expansion of their beef cattle enterprise to replace tobacco income. There continues to be a demand from consumers for local produce. Sales from Kentucky food products are expected to increase from $14 million (2014) to $24 million in 2020. Extension has resources to educate producers in production, value added opportunities, business planning and marketing strategies to expand the local food system.
Farmers and youth will continue to learn about new crop and livestock production and marketing opportunities which will enable them to sustain and manage their rural farms.
Farmers will benefit economically by applying best practices in livestock, diversification, crop production and/or marketing recommended by extension.
Powell County farms will sustain economic and environmental challenges
Farmers Market vendors increase with amore diverse selection and quantity of produce.
Farmers and youth apply recommendations to market crops and livestock, including special sales and market opportunities.
Beef cattle producers will utilize new and improved production methods such as rotational grazing, improved forage varieties and higher quality feed for their animals.
Farmers discover production practices to improve forage (i.e. cover crops, soil testing, forage testing, pasture management)
Farmers discuss livestock health, genetics, and reproduction.
Farmers discover new produce and/or crop varieties to diversify farm operation.
Farmers identify farm management practices that can benefit their operation.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Are farmers utilizing new crops, methods and markets? Has income increased?
Method: Surveys, questionnaires, general observation
Timeline: Year long
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Has Farmer's Market and beef producer members increased usage and sales of products.
Method: Data to be collected by surveys.
Timeline: Surveys at the end of growing season and year long.
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: The new knowledge that is being obtained to produce and market new crops and livestock.
Method: Surveys used at Farmer's Market, Livestock Association and 4-H livestock club meetings regarding new or improved crop and livestock production.
Timeline: Year long
Audience: Farmers, Farm Families, General Public
Project or Activity: Farmer's Market Association Customer Appreciation Days and Product Demonstration Days
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Proud, GAP, HB391, WIC, Senior Coupons
Inputs: Extension Staff, KDA Representatives, Local Businesses
Date: Year long
Audience: County/Area Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Livestock Producers Association Meetings and Activities
Content or Curriculum: UK Specialists, Local Ag Leaders, Master Cattlemen, KCA, Master Grazer Program, KDA, Advanced Master Cattlemen
Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Local Ag Leaders
Date: Year long
Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Beekeepers Educational Meetings
Content or Curriculum: KDA, Kentucky Beekeepers Association
Inputs: KSU and UK Specialists, KDA Beekeepers, Local Beekeepers
Date: Year long
Audience: Farmers, Farm Owners, Youth, Farm Families, General Public
Project or Activity: Farmer-Banker Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Forages, Grain Production, Beef Production, Phase I announcements
Inputs: Whitaker Bank, UK Specialists, Extension Agents, Soil Conservation, Volunteers
Date: Fall Annually
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Down on the Farm Day, Farm Safety Day
Content or Curriculum: KDA, Farm Statistics, SNAP-ED, Progressive Ag Foundation, 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Powell County FFA, School District, Lions Club, Extension Agents, Volunteers
Date: Spring and Fall Annually
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Environmental Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum, Project Wet, Project Wild, Project Learning Tree
Inputs: Extension Agent, School District, Science & Ecology Club Volunteers, East KY Power, and Clark Energy
Date: Fall Annually
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports Club Program & Activities
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Natural Resources Curriculum, 4-H Shooting Sports Resources
Inputs: Extension Agent, Volunteers
Date: Year Long
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Club & showing
Content or Curriculum: KDA show rules/regulations, 4-H Ag Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, KDA
Date: Year Round
Author: Jason Vaughn
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Powell County Farmer’s market is beloved in the community for the direct access to fresh locally grown produce. The market is also a vital revenue stream for farmers in the community. The Covid-19 pandemic and uncertainty surrounding the safety of the market threatened to cancel the 2020 market season. Extension identified the need to educate market vendors, consumers and help guide the implementation of practices to ensure the safety of the community by proper logist
Author: Jason Vaughn
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund provide monies to implement the County Ag Investments Program. The program runs through county councils and provides money directly to farmers allowing for investments in key farming operations. In Powell County, farmers must complete a qualified educational component to receive the cost shared funds. Traditionally, applicants would attend one of a couple educational classes offered at the extension office. Covid 19 prevented the
Author: Jason Vaughn
Major Program: Beekeeping
The Covid 19 pandemic caused many losses. Many of our social and educational club routines were disrupted. Prior to the pandemic, the Powell and Clark County Beekeepers association was a group that embodies the ideas of the Cooperative Extension service. The group is educational and service oriented in its mission. Knowledge, resources and experience is shared freely among club members.The groups monthly zoom meetings to comply with restrictions were poorly attended. &nb
