New Agriculture OpportunitiesPlan of Work

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Nicholas County CES

Title:
New Agriculture Opportunities
MAP:
Diversified Agriculture Opportunities
Agents Involved:
Lindsay Haynes & Madison McAlmond
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Nutrition and Food Systems General
Situation:
Nicholas County has traditionally been one of the most tobacco dependent counties in the state, both through history and total county revenue. It is a desperate need to find crops/resources to fill this growing void. The diversification of the agriculture community is the only viable way to combat this issue. Farmers must realize the need to add additional crops to diversify their operations and to keep a consistent flow of income to their operation and to the county.
Long-Term Outcomes:

Create diversified commodities that are sustainable in Nicholas County with markets for them. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased acreage of nontraditional crops

Growth in local farmers market with increased customer base

Utilize nontraditional marketing options in the county

Initial Outcomes:
Producers investigate marketing options available to them
Increase in microprocessing certificates and farmers market producers
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increase in microprocessor certificates

Indicator: Rise in number of microprocessors 

Method: Number of participants and graduates

Timeline: Ongoing


Intermediate Outcome: Increased acreage in nontraditional crops

Indicator: Growth in new/nontraditional crops in the county

Method: Census data/farm visits

Timeline: Ongoing


Long-term Outcome: Niche Market Producers

Indicator: Presence of KY Proud Producers in the county

Method: Marketing and presence on KDA website

Timeline: Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Nicholas County Residents 

Project or Activity: Agriculture Diversification Field Days

Content or Curriculum: Specific diverse crop information 

Inputs: UK specialists, collaboration of agents and local organizations (Cattlemen's Asscication, Chamber of Commerce, Community Economic Development)

Date: 2021-2024


Audience: Nicholas County Producers

Project or Activity: Farm Visits

Content or Curriculum: Publications

Inputs: Publications, specialists, diagnostic testing

Date: 2021-2024


Audience: Nicholas County Residents 

Project or Activity: Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud 

Content or Curriculum: Plate It Up! Recipes 

Inputs: Newsletters, recipe cards 

Date: 2021 - 2024 



Success Stories

Nicholas County Mesonet Station

Author: Lindsay Arthur

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Mesonet stations are automated stations that monitor near-surface environmental conditions in the domain from 10 meters above the surface to one meter below the surface. Data from the stations are easily accessible and can be used to improve local forecasts and severe weather warnings, aid emergency response efforts, enhance agricultural productivity, assist local utility providers, and support business and industry. The Nicholas County Cooperative Extension office worked with the Nicholas Count

Full Story

2020 Elite Heifer Sale

Author: Lindsay Arthur

Major Program: Beef

The Bourbon County Livestock Improvement Association Elite Heifer Sale was started in 1991 to help smaller producers come together to market their cattle. These cattle would be bred heifers that are due to calve in the spring. They set standards for all cattle to meet to qualify for the sale and ensure the cattle are pregnant up to 60 days following the sale. The recent vacancy of the Bourbon County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent called for a team of surrounding county agents to jump in

Full Story
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