Extension
It Starts With Us
Agriculture Production, Diversification, & Sustainability
Agriculture Profitability & Marketing
Heather Graham
Beef
Small Farm Diversification
Forages
Small Farm Management
According to US Census of Agriculture data, since 2007 the number of farms in Wolfe County has decreased by 48 with 23,993 fewer reported acres of land in farms. The number of cattle has dropped to almost half the 2007 numbers. Net farm income has also drastically decreased in that time frame. Beef cattle and forages are the largest sectors of agriculture in Wolfe County. A large number of farmers in Wolfe County are part-time, most splitting their acreage between livestock and hay/pasture land. There is an interest in diversifying farming operations, especially as the local food movement is growing.
In order for producers to not only maintain their operations, but also to improve them, there is a need for: improving cattle and forage production, education in water quality as it relates to livestock production and general farming practices (e.g. pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use), overall environmental stewardship, education on how to maintain forested land and utilize it through conservation practices. There is also a need to focus on agriculture diversification for niche markets (fruit/veggie production, honey and honeybees, local soaps/lotions/etc., as well as other products).
Producers will manage their farming operations and natural resources to receive maximum production profit. They will increase knowledge and develop skills necessary to manage their operations while also practicing sustainability.
Producers will implement changes to improve their livestock, forage, or other farming operations (eg- soil testing, hay testing, improving handling facilities, rotational grazing, rotational cropping, etc.)
Producers will gain a better understanding of what practices can be improved to benefit their herd, forages, income, and the environment.
Audience: Agriculture Producers
Date: Ongoing
Project or Activity:
- Hay testing
- Soil testing
- Rotational grazing programs
- Agriculture chemical collections program and rinse & return recycling program
- BQCA training
- Mountain Cattlemen meetings
- Stream restoration
- Ag Water Quality plan
- Farmers Market trainings/meetings
- Marketing classes
- Niche programs (honeybees, wine/grape, sheep/goat, etc.)
Author: Heather Graham
Major Program: Small Farm Diversification
In response to COVID and the desire to continue programming, the Quicksand Area Agriculture Agents decided to offer a weekly virtual program for our clients. The series has been titled, "Mountain Monday Zoom Series" and it offers participants to "explore various topics impacting farming, natural resources, gardening, agriculture, and more in the mountains." The series began on February 1 and is continuing through the end of April. Past topics were: Small Ruminant Managem
Author: Heather Graham
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
The Extension Service is a place for all people to receive information- whether it’s about the insect they find in their garden; how to improve their soil, can their garden veggies, prepare for retirement; or ways to improve their leadership skills. The Wolfe County ANR Agent receives a variety of client questions throughout the year, but several of those questions revolve around timber and forested lands. According to the 2017 Census for Agriculture, 45% of the fa
