Edmonson County CES

Title:

Horticulture

MAP:

Agriculture Sustainability

Agents Involved:

David Embrey

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Small Farm Diversification

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Soil testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Local Food Systems

Situation:

Now that many producers have been away from raising tobacco for several years, a variety of other enterprises have been tried or considered to replace the tobacco income. Also, many new producers continue entering into the field of agriculture mainly through what are considered mostly non-traditional enterprises.

Input provided by new producers, County Ag Development Board, County Extension Council, and evaluation results from programs offered.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers will become, improve, and maintain profitability and sustain the environment on their individual operations.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will add to and maintain new, non-traditional agricultural practices to their operations and/or expand and improve traditional enterprises.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will increase their knowledge of both traditional and non-traditional agriculture enterprises and obtain and/or improve the skill sets required to successfully implement new and improved practices.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Number of producers who have increased knowledge and intend to use it.

Indicator: Conversations with program participants and evaluation results.

Method: Written and verbal follow-up evaluations.

Timeline: Immediately following programs presented and within 2-3 months after programs

Intermediate Outcome: Number of new and expanded agriculture enterprises.

Indicator: How many producers actually add/expand and continue with an enterprise.

Method: Written and verbal follow-up evaluations and farm visits.

Timeline: 2-3 years

Long-term Outcome: Maintained profitability from agriculture endeavors.

Indicator: How many producers can show and maintain overall operational profitability.

Method: Written and verbal follow-up evaluations and farm visits.

Timeline: Depending upon a particular enterprise, anywhere from 3 -8 years.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Individuals interested in expanding into new areas of agricultural production and those interested in increasing traditional production areas.

Project or Activity: Basic Gardening skills

Content or Curriculum: Planning your Garden: Layout, fertility, maintenance

Inputs: County Ag Agent, County office meeting room, power point presentations, County Mini-Garden Expo with Community Action, community center, specialists if needed.

Date: December - February

Audience: Individuals interested in expanding into new areas of agricultural production and those interested in increasing traditional production areas.

Project or Activity: Farmer’s Market training meetings

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Program training and improved gardening practices

Inputs: County Ag Agent, County office meeting room, power point presentations, experienced gardeners, and specialists.

Date: October/November and April

Audience: Individuals interested in expanding into new areas of agricultural production and those interested in increasing traditional production areas.

Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Applicator training

Content or Curriculum: Pest Identification, proper handling, use, and storage of pesticides

Inputs: County Ag Agent, County office meeting room, power point presentations, and pesticide cards

Date: November - March

Audience: Individuals interested in expanding into new areas of agricultural production and those interested in increasing traditional production areas.

Project or Activity: Expanding marketing opportunities

Content or Curriculum: Department of Agriculture Economics and Center for Crop Diversification marketing resources

Inputs: County Ag Agent, County office meeting room, specialists, Vegetable Conference, etc.

Date: January and various times throughout the year

Success Stories