Agriculture Production and Environmental LiteracyPlan of Work

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Allen County CES

Title:
Agriculture Production and Environmental Literacy
MAP:
Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment
Agents Involved:
Adam Huber, Anna Meador, Kelly Burgess
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Horticulture, Commercial
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Integrated Pest Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Beef
Situation:

Allen County is located in south central Kentucky where there is an abundant amount of agriculture and wildlife present. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Allen County is the #1 producer of vegetables and #1 producer of cattle and calve sales in the state. With 21% of the land in Allen County being woodlands and Barren River Lake flowing into the county, there are numerous outdoor activities and accommodations that Allen County has to offer outdoor enthusiasts. 

As you can see, Allen County is very diverse and with the help of County Extension Council, we identified the needs in our community, as well as programs that will help community members be more comfortable growing and safely handling their own food, exercising and staying healthy, along with learning the importance of keeping our environment clean and pollution free.     

Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:Learn 3 or more best practices in livestock, health, nutrition, & production

Indicator: Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farming operation

Method: verbal, paper and electronic surveys

Timeline:Annually after completion of programs 


Intermediate Outcome: Increase participation of outdoor activities

Indicator: individuals state that they increased physical outdoor activities and exercise 

Method:verbal, paper and electronic surveys

Timeline:Annually after completion of programs 


Intermediate Outcome:Use habitat improvement methods to increase wildlife populations

Indicator:Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farming operation. 

Method:verbal, paper and electronic surveys

Timeline: Annually after completion of programs 


Long-term Outcome:Maximize best management practices in farming operations 

Indicator:Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farm to improve yield, profit and BMP

Method:verbal, paper and electronic surveys

Timeline:Annually after completion of programs 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Agriculture producers, elected officials, educators and all stakeholders

Project or Activity: Farm to Table Event

Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Toolkit, Farm to Table

Inputs: ANR, FCS & 4-H agents, Chamber of Commerce members, donated items 

Date: Annually, Fall 

Project or Activity:  Agriculture Field Day 

Content or Curriculum: General Ag content from UK specialist 

Inputs: ANR, FCS & 4-H agents, Ag Advisory Committee    members, UK specialist, Vendors, donated items

Date: Annually Spring or Fall


Audience:Youth, Families, Stakeholders 

Project or Activity:  Environmental Camp

Content or Curriculum: Forestry, wildlife & fish, environmental sustainability 

Inputs: ANR, FCS, 4-H agents, 

Date: Annually, Summer

Project or Activity: 4-H livestock and horse projects

Content or Curriculum: 4-H agriculture core

Inputs: Club leaders, community partners

Date: Annually


Audience:Agriculture producers, business owners, families, youth   and stakeholders

Project or Activity:  Farmers Market Education 

Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Toolkit training, Plate It up KY proud

Inputs: ANR, FCS, NEP assistant, Health Dept., Ag Advisory committee

Date: Annually, Spring, Summer

Project or Activity:  Wildlife and commercial vegetable meetings

Content or Curriculum: Research from UK specialist, UK publications

Inputs: UK Specialist, ANR Agent, KY Fish and Wildlife, KY Division of Forestry 

Date: Annually, Spring, Fall, Winter



Success Stories

Wild Game Cooking Workshop brings Program Areas Together

Author: Kelly Burgess

Major Program: Cook Wild Kentucky

Wild Game Cooking Workshop brings Program Areas Together

In Kentucky, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the beauty of nature are favorite past times for adults and children alike. About 350,000 Kentuckians go hunting each year in hopes of harvesting wild game meats for economical and nutritious food options for their families. Game meat (venison in particular) is a tasty and easy substitute in recipes, and offers a unique flavor profile. Proper harvesting, preparation, and storage of game meat is essential for keeping meat safe for co

Full Story

Wildgame Cooking Workshop brings program areas together

Author: Adam Huber

Major Program: Cook Wild Kentucky

Wildgame Cooking Workshop brings program areas together

Wild Game Cooking Workshop brings Program Areas Together In Kentucky, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the beauty of nature are favorite past times for adults and children alike. About 350,000 Kentuckians go hunting each year in hopes of harvesting wild game meats for economical and nutritious food options for their families. Game meat (venison in particular) is a tasty and easy substitute in recipes, and offers a unique flavor profile. Proper harvesting, preparation, and storage of game meat

Full Story

Mammoth Cave Area Virtual Field Day

Author: Adam Huber

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

Mammoth Cave Area Virtual Field Day The Covid-19 pandemic has presented challenges to many people. It has changed the way we live and work. One of the challenges that has developed for Extension Agents is how do we continue to deliver quality educational programs to our clientele during this health crisis? Most traditional face-to-face program delivery methods are not currently an option.An alternate method is electronic delivery of programs. Because most of our traditional field days were

Full Story

Allen County Tree Giveaway

Author: Adam Huber

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Allen County Extension Tree Giveaway Allen County has a vast landscape from flat crop fields, rolling hay and pasture fields to dense hardwood forest. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, 21% of Allen County’s landscape is considered to be woodlands. Providing more trees in our woodlands and home landscapes beautifies the scenery and allows wildlife to thrive. 2020 has not been a normal year for anyone. COVID19 struck the country in March and people have not been able to

Full Story

Wildlife Wednesdays Video Series

Author: Adam Huber

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

Wildlife Wednesday Video Series Allen County is very diverse in terrain, from flat bottoms to rolling pastures and woodlands there is an abundant amount of wildlife living throughout the landscape. According to the 2017 agriculture census, 21% of Allen County’s 168,697 farm acres is considered to be woodlands. With this large amount of woodlands, wildlife habitat and the banks of the 10,100 acre Barren River Lake present in the county, it’s a no brainer to have wildlife programm

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SOKY Pesticide Training

Author: Adam Huber

Major Program: Grains

2020 SOKY Commercial Pesticide Training  Applying pesticides to lawns/landscapes and crops is a great method to keeping those plants safe and healthy throughout the growing season. The Most important thing is knowing how to apply those pesticides safely and being up to date with laws and regulations concerning pesticide use.   The Covid-19 pandemic has changed how Extension Agents are able to deliver quality educational programs to our clientele durin

Full Story
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