Extension
It Starts With Us
A Well Farmed Countryside
Sustainable Agriculture
Levi Berg
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Grains
Tobacco
In brainstorming and futuring sessions groups and individuals both farm and non-farm, identified their desire to see Henry County identified their desire was to see Henry County remain a “well farmed” countryside. Over the past few years, we see a decrease in dependence on tobacco and more emphasis being placed on animal ag, forages, and alternative cropping systems, and farms are looking for more direct to consumer marketing, increased value added enterprises.Grain crop and tobacco production is facing a downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for the foreseeable future.
There is a diverse number of crops being used. Farm profitability increases due to increased farm production and management techniques. Animal production markets increase with value-added and diverse animal production. Farm numbers increase do to retention and growth.
Animal production increases due to feed efficiency. Producers use more record keeping materials to improve money flow and asses farm inefficiencies. Farmers' market increases vendors and amounts of produce being sold. Producers start implementing new technology, using diagnostic services to identify pest, adopt one or more fertility management recommendations, and implementation of on-farm trails
Individuals begin to understand different cropping systems, potential crops, management techniques to conserve farm land,Senior and WIC farmers' market nutrition program coupons are handed out and used, and Farm Service Agency and NRCS increased numbers of individuals looking to utilize their programs.Change is knowledge, opinions, skills, and attitudes towards new production methods, pest management, and financial stability
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Individuals understand alternative cropping systems, state and federal programs, and farmers' market vendors increase training to accept senior and WIC coupons
Method: surveys before and after programs. Number of attendees to WIC and Senior Trainings
Timeline: Feb and March 2021
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Increased number of vendors at the farmers' market, Number of farms being retained, increased animal efficiency, and increased record keeping software useage.
Method: surveys six months after programs and use reports from the Henry County Farmers' Market, NCRS and FSA
Timeline: Oct and Nov 2021
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: More diverse crops are being used, and farmers are increasing profit through more efficient practices.
Method: Reports for NRCS, FSA, KDA, and Census Data
Timeline: Dec 2021
Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative
Project or Activity: Farmers Market Nutrition program training
Content or Curriculum: KDA information about the programs
Inputs: KDA, Extension Agents, Farmers' Market vendors, and Heath department
Date: Feb 2021
Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative
Project or Activity: Diverse Crop Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Extension Specialist
Inputs: Extension specialist, local marketing experts, and KDA
Date: June 2021
Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative
Project or Activity: Government Funding Programs
Content or Curriculum: KDA, NRCS, and FSA information
Inputs: Local Government, local extension, KDA, NRCS, and FSA,
Date: Jan 2021
Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative
Project or Activity: Forestry Workshop
Content or Curriculum: KDA, UK Extension, and Kentucky Department of Forestry information
Inputs: KDA, Extension Agents, Kentucky Department of Forestry
Date: Feb 2021
Audience: Farmer, Students, Extension Specialist, State agency representatives, commercial representative
Project or Activity: Pond Nutrient Management Workshop
Content or Curriculum: KDA, UK Extension, and Kentucky Department of Forestry information
Inputs: KDA, Extension Agents, Kentucky Department of Forestry
Date: June 2021
