Extension
It Starts With Us
Respect and Care for the Environment
Environmental Enhancements
ANR, 4-H, FCS
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Chemical Management
Pollinators
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Protection of our natural resources should be first and foremost in all our decision making. We know there are better ways to farm that are more environmentally friendly and still productive. We must follow recommended guidelines that reduce environmental impacts,
Productive farms that prevent erosion, maintain clean water with no runoff from fields or livestock, and have a health biodiversity of pollinators, wildlife, and natural beauty.
Plant pollinator plots in areas not needed for crops or pasture, add legumes to pastures that eliminate need for nitrogen fertilizers, Plant trees along creeks and in pasture areas that will provide shade so cattle can be rotated to prevent mud formation. Consider winter housing for cattle
Review soil health needs, improve field drainage areas with grass waterways, remove livestock from creeks, create buffers along waterways.
Initial Outcome: Ag Water Quality Plans
Indicator: Update Every 5 years or when there is a change on the farm
Method: Work with NRCS, to set up reviews and classes
Timeline: 2021
Intermediate Outcome: Reduction of Water Impact from Livestock and Fertilizer
Indicator: Unhealthy Waterways
Method: Fencing Schools, Pollinator Plot demonstrations
Timeline:2022
Long-term Outcome: Productive farms with environmental impacts greatly reduced
Indicator: Waterways with buffers, biodiversity, productive pastures with legumes, and no-till crops and cover crops
Method: Field Days to view practices
Timeline:2024
Audience: Participants wanting to improve farming methods and environmental impact
Project or Activity: Soil Testing and No-till planting
Content or Curriculum: Demonstration to show how erosion is controlled with No-till planting vs. conventional tillage. This would include the establishment of forages which are often planted on sloping ground. Recommendations will follow ID-136 and ID-177 for no-till use of small grains
Inputs: Host farm, testing equipment, and planter
Date: 2022
Audience: Farmers and Landowners
Project or Activity: Pollinator protection and management
Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Training, legumes that support pollinators,
Inputs: Seed and demonstration
Date: Spring of 2022 and annual pesticide training
Audience: Wildlife management
Project or Activity: Hunters harvest
Content or Curriculum: Doe harvest with volunteers to reduce the herd and improve herd health and quality.
Inputs: Volunteers, UK meat lab, trucks, local food banks.
Date: Annually during the second week of modern gun season (usually the 3rd week in Nov.)
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Following the devastating loss of our Ash trees from the Emerald Ash Borer, woodland owners are now interested in learning more about potential invasive insects. The Bracken County Extension Service hosted 2 informational meetings on the Spongy Moth and the Spotted Lantern Fly. The spongy moth (formerly the Gypsy Moth) can pose a serious threat to our woodlands and especially the valuable white oak trees. By stepping up our monitoring efforts, we can keep a close surveillance o
