Extension
It Starts With Us
Horticulture
Agriculture and Environment
Macy Fawns, Mary Jane Little
Local Food Systems
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Master Gardener
Horticulture, Commercial
The 2018 National Gardening Survey found that 77% of American households garden in some way. Other estimates reveal that consumer horticulture and supporting industries contribute nearly $200 billion to the US economy each year and support over 2 million jobs. Recent trends indicate that more and more Americans are growing their own food (35% of households) while interests in ornamental plants remains high, particularly in the area of gardening to support pollinators and other ecological uses of plants. American gardeners will continue to look to Cooperative Extension for specific answers to their gardening questions. The Extension Master Gardener Program equips trained and certified volunteers to assist Extension staff in delivering research-based gardening information to the public. According to the 2017 USDA Agriculture Census, the number of farms and acres for commercial horticulture continues to grow. Consumer preference for affordable, local fresh food can be measured by the 160 farmers markets in 110 counties with over 2,700 vendors. In addition, growers are marketing through community supported agriculture, produce auctions, and direct marketing to restaurants, schools, and institutions.
- Increase in number of Master Gardener volunteers.
- Increase in income for commercial farmers.
- Increase in accessing of fresh food.
- Reduction of plant loss in landscaping.
- Increase in number of diverse plant varieties.
- Youth will be agriculturally literate.
- Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
- Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production.
- Participants will change their practices to improve sustainability.
- Participants will change their practices to improve disease control.
- Participants will use Extension diagnostic services.
- Participants will be active in gardening.
- Participants will add native plants to landscaping.
- Participants will earn certifications to distribute or sell raw foods
- Participants will provide classes for farmers market
- Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life.
- Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.
- Participants will learn how to make wreaths or centerpieces
- Participants will increase knowledge about gardening and commercial horticulture
- Participants will increase their number of soil tests
- Participants will be able to discuss pollinator protection
- Participants will be able to locate Extension horticulture resources
- Participants will observe horticulture and food preparation demonstrations
- Participants will be able to recognize required food safety practices
- Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.
- Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.
- Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.
Initial Outcome: Participants will be able to recognize required food safety practices
Indicator(s): Number of producers who were successfully trained by Extension on food safety (GAP or FSMA)
Method: Observation & Surveys
Timeline: Spring 2020
Intermediate Outcome: Participants will change their practices to improve sustainability.
Indicator(s): Number of those indicating an increased awareness of sustainable agriculture practices
Method: Observation and Interviews
Timeline: Spring & Fall
Long-term Outcome: Increase in number of Master Gardener volunteers.
Indicator(s): Number of master gardeners that have completed certification and were active volunteers in the county during the past year
Method: Observation & surveys
Timeline: 2021
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.
Indicator(s): Number of youth who indicated they are interested in learning more about plant science (Common Measures – SC 2)
Method: Pre & Post Evaluation
Timeline: 2021
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.
Indicator(s): Number of youth who demonstrated a skill that was learned or improved by participating in 4-H natural resource programming
Method: Pre & Post Evaluation
Timeline: 2021
Long-Term Outcome: Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
Indicator(s): Number of youth who have gained an understanding of ecosystems in Kentucky
Method: Pre & Post Evaluation
Timeline: 2021
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Junior Master Gardener Program
Content or Curriculum: Junior Master Gardener curriculum, 4-H Gardening Levels A, B, C, D, and Helper’s Guide
Inputs: 4-H Agent, Horticulture Agent, Cummins Nature Preserve, Master Gardeners
Date: Late spring
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Master Gardener program
Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener curriculum
Inputs: Horticulture Agent, UK specialists, field trips
Date: 2020
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Mum production
Content or Curriculum: Field day
Inputs: Horticulture Agent and UK specialists
Date: 2021
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Wreath and Centerpiece Classes
Content or Curriculum: Workshop
Inputs: Horticulture Agent, supplies, volunteers
Date: December
Author: Lorin Fawns
Major Program: Small Farm Management
In fall 2020, COVID-19 still had many restrictions, but this did not stop the Buffalo Trace agents from hosting the Farm School for Women program. We offered the program virtually through Zoom for four sessions and had 28 women signed up and participated. We wanted to provide an exciting program, but this is not an easy task as many programs are offered virtually. We based the sessions on 2019's survey that asked what type of workshops participants would like to see for 2020.The first sessio
Author: Lorin Fawns
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Mason, Meade, and Fayette Counties collaborated on a virtual Learn Grow Eat Go program. 4-H agents and Horticulture agents were involved in the planning and teaching of the program. This was a 10-week program that met via ZOOM each Thursday and had supplemental items to go along with the virtual lesson. Youth learned about gardening and got a vast variety of seeds, containers to plant in, craft supplies, and publications/recipes to go with each lesson. The lessons were interactive and we made po
Author: Lorin Fawns
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The horticulture agent and nutrition education program/EFNEP assistant partnered to offer gardening items and recipes to participants who use assistance through local food banks. Master Gardeners put together 900 bags that were given out while families pick up items from the food bank. Each family received a bag with numerous gardening publications, seeds, and recipes along with a survey that asked numerous questions to ensure items were used. Many
