Supporting Local Agriculture
Agriculture
McCarty, Walton
Beef
Forages
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Agriculture
The majority of Menifee County agriculture is produced on small farms. Over the last few years, the Menifee County Extension Office has contributed to improving access to local, healthy food by training and certification of farmers, gardeners, beef producers 4-Her, Homemakers, and food entrepreneurs. Food production can begin with washing produce, home baking, home canning, vaccinating livestock, and producing quality forages. Consumers are at least 2 -3 generations removed from the farm. Educating consumer and todays youth on were the food comes from is very important.
Attendees will increase the availability of fresh fruits vegetables, and meat to the community.
Use Extension resources to make decisions related to food production and food safety as well as obtaining certifications to sell direct to consumer and value-added products.
Attendees will increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in beef production, forage practices, chemical usage, and marketing.
Outcome: Increased items at the farmers market.
Method: Visual.
Timeline: Summer 2021.
Outcome: Increased Ag Sales.
Indicator: USDA Statistics.
Method: Research.
Timeline: Fall 2021.
Outcome: Increased Ag knowledge.
Indicator: Survey Questions.
Method: Survey.
Timeline: Fall 2021.
Outcome: Increase Youth Knowledge in Agriculture.
Indicator: Survey Questions.
Method: Formal and Informal Survey.
Timeline: Spring 2022.
Audience: YAK Farmer, Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Hay Research, Semen Extender Research
Content or Curriculum: Weight Gain on different hays
Inputs: Agent, Farmer, and UK Specialist
Date :Fall Winter 2020-2021
Project or Activity: Beef Producer Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Hay Quality, Marketing
Inputs: UK Specialist
Date: Quarterly Meetings
Audience: Farmers Market/Horticulture
Project or Activity: Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: SRFMNP, WIC/Marketing
Inputs: UK Crop Diversification, CFA
Date: Spring & Summer 2021-2022
Project or Activity: Youth Garden
Content or Curriculum: Youth Master Gardner Manual
Inputs: Agents Teacher
Date: Fall 2022 spring
Audience: 4-H
Project or Activity: Country Hams
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Kit
Inputs: Agents
Date: Winter 2022
Project or Activity: Ag Awarness Day
Content or Curriculum: Progressive AG
Inputs: Teachers and Volunteers
Date: Spring 2022
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Forages
On November 13, 2021 Morehead State University, University of Kentucky, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, and Shi-bah Zing-ga Yak farm co-hosted the first Kentucky Yak Husbandry Research Conference. A total of 33 participants and presenters were in attendance for the entirety of the conference. Another 19 participants were present for portions of the event. Attendees traveled from Colorado, Wyoming, Illinois, New York, Tennessee, Indiana, Iowa and Kentucky.Presenters shared inf