Extension
It Starts With Us
Expanding Opportunities for Technology, Sustainability, and Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Quality, Education, and Innovation
Connor Cooper, Erika Wood, and Katie Jury, FCS and ANR Agent
Chemical Management
Natural Resources
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Producers, Youth, and Citizens will learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, environmental and technology issues in Kentucky. In addition to technology and its incorporation, other issues that clients in Hopkins County have expressed interest in include water quality, pesticide safety, and sustainable practices. Developing and implementing Agriculture Water Quality Plans and Nutrient Management Plans can help farmers stay compliant with state laws, protect water quality, improve farm operations, and maximize profits. Educational programs for agricultural producers include county producer meetings, Master Gardener classes, and community coalitions. Collaborations with conservation districts and USDA service centers will strengthen county programs and maximize opportunities for farmers. Hopkins County Youth can learn about agriculture practices and how farmers continue to be successful in today's society. They are also able to learn more about water quality and how agriculture ties into this.
Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air
Protect and improve water quality
Maximize profits for Agriculture producers
Educate Youth on efficient production methods
Increase understanding of various production methods
Provide localized research-based production information to aid producers in production decisions.
Volunteers extend the educational outreach of the Cooperative Extension Service in areas such as community gardens, youth gardening, environmentally sustaining lawn and garden practices, and other topics.
Develop or update plans
•Urban Environments (water issues)
•Nutrient Management
•Implement Ag Water Quality Plans
Evaluate weather and physical conditions when making decisions
•Evaluate problem areas during seasons of challenging weather (excess rainfall, drought, etc.)
•Evaluate chemical storage, handling, and disposal
Participants (certified EMG volunteers) put into practice the skills learned when completing volunteer hours and working with clientele.
Youth put into practice knowledge and skills necessary regarding sounds environmental practices.
Understand importance of clean water
Increase knowledge of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality
Demonstrate proper use of
sprayers and equipment related to application (calibration, nozzle selection, boom height, etc.)
Identify active ingredients in chemical products and relate to modes of action
Read and comprehend directions for applying chemicals (timing, application conditions)
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of Environmental laws, regulations and proper practices
Indicator: Surveys and certification completion
Method: Private applicator trainings and clinics
Intermediate Outcome: Increased knowledge of local production practices and roles
Indicator: Master Gardener certification and participation; BQA Certification and Master Grazer programming
Method: EMG Curriculum, Meetings and Field Days
Long-term Outcome: Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air. Increase profits for agriculture enterprises
Indicator: CEDIK Survey Data, Ag Census Data, Hay Testing Program, Farmer's Market Productivity, and Producer profitability
Method: Surveys, ON-site visits, Client adoption of practices and shared-use equipment usage rates.
Audience: Grain Crop Producers, Home Owners, and Commercial Vegetable Producers
Project or Activity: Private Applicator Trainings
Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Training Modules
Inputs: Extension Agents, County Extension Office, Shared-use demonstrations and supplies
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: Master Gardeners
Project or Activity: Spring Lawn and Garden Fair/ Community Gardens/Plant Swaps
Content or Curriculum: Efficient and Sustainable Produce Production Methods
Inputs: Hands-on Activities, Field Days, Trainings, and Certifications
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: Hopkins County Youth and 4-H Members
Project or Activity: SET and Natural Resources programming, 4-H Farm Day, 4-H Water Quality Day
Content or Curriculum: Environment and SET Core curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Field Days, Community Partnership and Trips
Time Frame: Fall
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Gardening 101 videos have been created and posted on online social media sites such as Facebook as a way to expand horticulture education beyond traditional in-person classes. Forty-five gardening videos have been created to date and include topics such as houseplant identification and care, growing and caring for herbs, tree and shrub identification and maintenance, and annual and perennial flowers. With the switch to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, these videos have
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Customer service is a major component to being a county agent. In Hopkins County, clientele will call, walk-in, or email questions relating to different gardening subjects. One of the most common gardening topics mentioned is soil testing and fertility. On average, the Hopkins County Extension Office receives 200 to 400 soil samples in a year. In 2021, 111 soil samples have been tested and analyzed as of May 2021. The soil samples are sent to the soil lab at
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
In the past several years, the Pennyroyal Master Gardener Association has held a spring and fall plant swap at the Hopkins County Farmers Market. The purpose of the spring plant swap was to give the community an opportunity to come swap plants with one another. Participants brought plants they were willing to give away and then could pick from plants donated by other participants to take home. A wide range of plants were brought to the swap and included the following: herbaceo
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Natural Resources
On June 16 2021, Hopkins County 4-H hosted a natural resource day camp at Mahr Park Arboretum. The goal of the camp was to offer a fun and exciting way for youth to understand the impacts they have on the environment and how they can help improve it. Through the help of different community resources, we were able to have the day camp successfully.As mentioned previously the camp was held at Mahr Park Arboretum. Mahr Park is a 265-acre park, featuring a natural environment looming with wildl
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Economic Development
The Covid 19 pandemic brought to light the fragile nature of the United States food supply. The meat processing and packing industry was one area that was specifically affected due to reduced processing capacity that resulted in limited meat supplies on the supermarket shelves. A local client contacted this agent in the summer of 2020 regarding assistance in starting a meat processing plant. This agent worked with the client on all aspects of this venture. A tour of the UK meats lab and a meetin
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Natural Resources
Hopkins County 4-H was able to host a successful Natural Resource Day Camp on June 16, 2021 at Mahr Park Arboretum. The goal for this program day was for youth to better understand how they impact their environment and how they can be the change to improve it. Through the help of multiple community resources, the youth was able to gain valuable knowledge.The event was held at Mahr Park Arboretum that contains a 265 acre park housing wildlife, native trees, plants, walking trails, and
