Ag Stewardship, Small FarmsPlan of Work

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Russell County CES

Title:
Ag Stewardship, Small Farms
MAP:
Improving Farm Management
Agents Involved:
ANR, KSU Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Small Farm Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Small Farm Diversification
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Soil testing
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Forages
Situation:

Land-use decisions are driving more acres from forage production into row crops as grain crops have become the most profitable alternative to landowners. Environmental issues and limited feed production for livestock are concerns for all Russell County residents. Fragile soils are now exposed to soil erosion and degradation of physical properties that lead to low productivity.  

 

Livestock producers are reliant upon abundant hay and pasture bases to feed large herds of animals. Without increased forage yields on fewer acres, livestock numbers will plummet as feed costs escalate.  

 

Fruit and vegetable production is becoming more and more popular in the county. With NRCS offering grants for high tunnels, the number of those structures is increasing year to year.  

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

-Marginal farmland returns to semi-permanent grassland and forage legumes are a part of every paddock.  

-Adequate feed production allows livestock producers to maintain or expand numbers.  

-Grain farmers obtain economical yields by seeding cover crops and releasing control of marginal land. 

-Increase sales of fruit and vegetables at local markets (direct sales to chains – Kroger).  

-Producers follow recommendations on soil samples to reduce excess fertilizer application and reduce amount of runoff. 

-Minimize environmental impact by following recommended use of pesticides, herbicides, and/or fertilizers 

- Increase or maintain access of locally produced foods based on sales and/or % or redemption of alternate payment programs  

-Increased sales or profits and/or reduced risk of selling food  

-Increased the amount and/or variety of locally grown or processed foods 

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production Implementation of on-farm demonstrations 

-Be active in gardening 

-Sell locally grown and/or processed foods 

INITIAL OUTCOMES 

Initial Outcomes:

-Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses 

-Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices.  

-Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species 

-Increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in soil health, water conservation, and chemical use 

-Recognize required food safety practices 

Evaluation:

Outcome: Better management practices adopted in grain, high tunnel, & fruit & vegetable production systems. 

Indicator: Compare changes in production prior to and after meetings.  

Method: Farm Visits  

Timeline: Yearly 

 

Outcome: Evaluate the changes in management practices from forage related class participants.  

Indicator: Note changes in participants adopted from attendance in class.  

Method: Farm visits to see changes in practices 

Timeline: 2x year 

 

Outcome: Smooth transition of farming operations from generation to generation, etc.  

Indicator: Changes in recording keeping, budgeting, etc.  

Method: Follow-up visits and evaluations.  

Timeline: Yearly 

 

Outcome: Recognizes the importance of all steps in producing your own food.  

Indicator: Demonstrates the importance during the growing season.  

Method: Visual evaluation.  

Timeline: Growing Season 

Learning Opportunities:

Main Audience: Grain Producers (soybean, corn, & wheat)  

Activity: Farm Tour/Safety Training  

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics   

Date: Early Spring  

 

Main Audience: Farmers  

Activity: Transitioning a Farm  

Content or Curriculum: Budgeting, Loans, Records, etc.   

Date: Fall of 2017 (every other year) 

 

Main Audience: Horticulture Producers  

Activity: Production Systems 

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics  

Date: Late Winter & Early Fall  

 

 

 

 

Main Audience: Fruit Tree Producers  

Activity: Pruning & Grafting Workshop  

Content or Curriculum: How To’s & Hands-On  

Date: Early Spring odd years 

 

Main Audience: Fruit & Vegetable Producers  

Activity: Farmers’ Market Meetings  

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics 

Date: Spring, Fall, & Winter 

 

Main Audience: Farmers & Gardeners  

Activity: Soil Testing 

Content or Curriculum: UK Soil Lab  

Date: Mainly Spring, but throughout the year 

 

Main Audience: Community Members  

Activity: Community Garden  

Content or Curriculum: Seeding, Planting, Harvesting, & Preparing  

Date: Spring – Fall  

 

Main Audience: Producers  

Activity: CAIP Trainings  

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics  

Date: As Needed 

 

Main Audience: Bee Keepers 

Activity: Educational Meetings 

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics 

Date: Spring, Fall, and Winter 



Success Stories

Chemical Take Back

Author: Jonathan Oakes

Major Program: Chemical Management

Chemicals are one of the many tools used in agricultural production, for most farmers in Russell County; from crops, to pastures and livestock.  Homeowners and businesses also sometimes use chemicals in gardens, landscapes, and other areas.  After receiving many questions about what to do with excess/unneeded chemicals, Russell County Extension, along with Russell County Fiscal Court and Kentucky Department of Agriculture held the first Chemical Take Back Day.This past February, Russel

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