Extension
It Starts With Us
Commercial Horticulture
Diversification of Agriculture
Stumbo, Workman, Froman, Porter
Horticulture, Commercial
Pike County is not known for its traditional agriculture due to its mountainous terrain. Agriculture in Pike County is mostly part-time and small farmers. Pike County has a high volume of diverse small farms producing bees, cattle, goats, horses, vegetables, and forestry products. The major livestock of the area is horses, goats, beef cattle, bees (for honey production) & poultry. The major crops consist of hay, corn, fruits & vegetables. Many of the residents raise small garden and fruit trees for home use. Home and locally produced food products can improve nutrition, reduce stress, and be used as a therapeutic treatment in a variety of individuals. The leadership has directed us to address the above with emphasis on diversification and small farm production, plus marketing. Emphasis will be on learning experiences that will benefit both youth and adults and mainly directed at those individuals involved and/or with an interest in crops, fruit & vegetable production, and diversified livestock.
Environmentally, gardening & the Farmers Market can contribute to a community by providing a sociable environment, improve water quality, reduce community waste through composting of organic materials, and the improvement of the individual gardener through expansion to create a living from produce. Landscaping is an important factor of residential and commercial property as well as increasing attractiveness of the community. A successful Master Gardener Program can expand the efforts of gardeners to teach others about the benefits of gardening and demonstrate the benefits of gardening through projects such as community gardens, community beautification projects, heritage or heir loom gardening and youth gardening, which will increase individual knowledge and open up a new career in farming. Only 3% of the nations’ farmland is used for fruit and vegetable production. At present the US has to import fruit and vegetables to meet the American demand for fresh and processed fruits and vegetables
Goal 1: The increase in amount and diversity of Agricultural Production in Pike County.
Goal 2: The increase in the amount and diversity of fruits & vegetables grown in Pike County
Goal 1: The increase production of marketable products to be sold at farmers’ markets.
Goal 2: Honeybee populations will increase.
Goal 3: The development and expansion of alternative agriculture markets and farmers’ markets.
Goal 4: The development and expansion of home fruit & vegetable gardening.
Goal 5: County farmers will demonstrate changes in diversification and efficiency of their operations through Extension offered workshops, classes, and tours
Goal 6:An increase in the diversity of agricultural operations
Goal 7:Producers will show an increase in use of BMP's
Goal 8:Producers will increase utilization of forested lands
Goal 9:Producers will utilize BMP's to produce a quality marketable product
*They will develop and expand diversification by wise use of the land and resources at their disposal. Individuals will become more proficient at making informed decisions in the areas of horticulture production, processing, and preservation.
Goal 1:Knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability
Goal 2:Knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises
Goal 3:Understanding the importance of diversity in small operations
Goal 4:Knowledge that management & use of forest and forest products can be a viable enterprise
Goal 5:Knowledge of home food production and adopted practices.
Goal 6:Youth will gain consumer knowledge of fruits, vegetables as well as animal science through participation in "hands-on" programs
Long-term Outcome
Indicator: Increase in Farmers participating in Farmers Market and diversity of farming operations.
Method: Follow-up survey and observations of FM participants
Timeline: Yearly
Indicator: Increase in Farmers/Home Gardeners
Method: Follow-up survey and observations
Timeline: Year round
Intermediate Outcomes:
Indicator: Positive changes in numbers and participants in programs
Method: Yearly
Initial Outcomes:
Indicator: Changes in participation at Farmers Market
Method: Agent observations, follow-up survey’s, informal question/response
Timeline: Yearly
Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes in understanding and implementation of BMP’s
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline; After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round
Indicator: Number of individuals that show changes in necessary agricultural management skills that prepare them to operate an agricultural enterprise
Method: Observations and Surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round.
Indicator: Number of participants that utilize proper and safe management dealing with horticulture crops and home food supply
Method On Site/Phone consultations, observations, and surveys
Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round
Audience: Forest owners and community
Project or Activity: Shiitake Mushrooms & Gingeng
Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, specialists, volunteers
Date: Spring / Fall
Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Monthly educational meetings
Content or Curriculum: As needed
Inputs: Agents, specialists, volunteers
Date: Monthly
Audience: Farmers, gardeners, interested community members
Project or Activity: Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: Vegetable Gardening
Inputs: Agents, Master Gardeners, farmers, community members, local chefs
Date: Year round
Audience: Community
Project or Activity: Micro-processing and low risk value added
Content or Curriculum: Micro-processing curriculum, GAP, All Samples
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Frankfort staff,
Date: Yearly
Audience: Organic growers
Project or Activity: Organic Production Workshop
Content or Curriculum: UK materials
Inputs: Agents, specialists, Master Gardeners, County Conservation District
Date: Year round
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: SR Vouchers, WIC, SNAP
Content or Curriculum: KDA and Federal Requirements
Inputs: KDA, Agent, Farmers Market
Date: Spring
Author: Deborah Stumbo
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Pikeville Farmers Market has been a great success. 2020 has been a struggle to keep up with and accommodate all the changes to the Farmers Market as asked for by health departments, city, county, University, State and local people. The main success of the market has been keeping everyone compliant, while providing services to the local buyers. Due to Covid our numbers have been down in 2020, but our clientele have presented many ideas to help deal with the restrictions and have
Author: Deborah Stumbo
Major Program: Small Farm Diversification
The first every Wine Cap Mushroom Workshop was held at the Pike County Extension Office. It was developed in response to requests from our new farmers to add another produce to their sales. For years the Extension Office has been sponsoring a "Shiitake" mushroom workshop every spring and fall. The advisory group recommended to add other varieties of mushrooms to our trainings. Wine Caps were chosen because it is almost impossible to mistake the Wine Cap for a po
