Extension
It Starts With Us
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Amanda Sears, Brandon Sears
Horticulture, Commercial
Beef
Forages
The Madison County Agriculture Economy has undergone significant changes in recent years. As a result farmers are seeking new opportunities to generate on farm income.
Local leadership including Madison County agriculture and horticulture councils as well as local agricultural organizations have identified a need to improve agriculture productivity and assist beginning farmers. Producers need to implement best management practices that will promote profitable operations while responsibly utilizing natural resources. (Madison County Agricultural Development Council Comprehensive Plan, 2020)
Vegetable and Fruit producers will decrease the amount of chemicals used on farm.
Less chemical use on lawns.
Residents will not have to replace trees and shrubs as often.
Vegetable and Fruit producers will apply IPM principles to their farming practice.
Lawns will be healthier and less problematic.
Trees and shrubs will show less problems related to environmental stresses.
Vegetable and Fruit producers will learn IMP (integrated pest management).
Residents will learn how to manage their lawns.
Residents will learn how to care for trees and shrubs.
Outcome: Livestock producers will increase efficiency through utilization of extended grazing, reduced feed costs, better reproductive management.
Indicator: Percentage increase in value added sales such as CPH-45 and Bred Heifer Sales. Increased utilization of estrus synchronization products. Adoption of alternative forage systems such as summer annual forages, extended grazing and native warm season grasses.
Method: Surveys and evaluations of workshops, sales and programs
Timeline: After conclusion of event
Outcome: Producers will utilize the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service to make research based decisions.
Indicator: Increased number of farmers and producers use the diagnostic services of the extension office.
Method: Keep records of the number of producers who use the diagnostic services at the extension service
Timeline: year round
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Classes about gardening (vegetable and fruit)
Content: UK, other land grant institutions
Input: UK, other land grant institutions
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Articles, classes about tree and shrub care
Content: UK, other land grant institutions
Input: UK, other land grant institutions
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Articles, classes about lawn care
Content: UK, other land grant institutions
Input: UK, other land grant institutions
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Diagnostic Services included but limited to soil samples, plant diseases and identification, insect identification, manure and water samples, livestock feed testing, hay testing
Content: UK Extension Resources
Input: ANR and Hort agent, UK Extension Specialists, Diagnostic Labs and Resources
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: PATIM training and certification
Content: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent
Input: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent
Date: February, March or April
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Extension Forestry Webinars, social media education, articles
Content: Managing woodlands, invasive plants and insect control, income and recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat improvement
Inputs: UK Extension Forestry, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Association of Consulting Foresters and Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Forages
Weeds continue to spread in pastures and hayfields across Madison County. Weather events, overstocking and invasive plants have caused an increase in weeds resulting in lower forage productivity for livestock. Madison County Extension ANR agent and Dr. J.D. Green, UK Extension Weed Control Specialist, worked to provide a weed control workshop for local producers. Five different herbicides were sprayed on the pasture in demonstration plots in late June and included one new product on the market w
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
In 2013 a local cattle farmer contacted the Madison County Horticulture Agent and told her he would like to start an apple orchard. The Agent invited the University of Kentucky Fruit Specialist, Dr. John Strang, to make a site visit and discuss the project with the client.Tree fruit are difficult to grow here in Kentucky due to our climate which increases the likelihood of diseases and insects which attack the trees. These issues can drastically reduce fruit yield by effecting the health of the
Author: Julia Reid
Major Program: 21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
Eleven students enrolled in the veterinary science class at Madison Central Highs School recently had two visitors from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. As a new 4-H Youth Development Agent, I made contact with the two county high schools' Agriculture Educators and let them know we would be happy to work with them if they had a need. Not long after, one of the educators from Madison Central asked if I would be willing to come deliver a lab experience for her Veterina
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Madison County consistently ranks in the top 5 for acres of grass produced, tons of hay produced and number of cows and feeder calves. Various types of farm equipment are required to produce these commodities. Unfortunately, many of these machines cost tens of thousands of dollars and many farmers are not able to justify ownership for small operations. Additionally, about fifteen years ago our local Conservation District discontinued their No-Till drill shared use program for local farmers.Seein
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
When there is a vacancy in a county, the district director/area extension director asks agents in the surrounding counties to fill any gaps until the position can be filled. Selected agents work with the staff in that county to see what needs need to be met. Phone calls and emails are forwarded to the agent. They are also asked to review soil test results and make recommendations to share with clients.The Horticulture Agent in Madison County has covered, at different times over the last few year
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Beef
The agricultural industry is ever evolving and changing. Landowners face production challenges and regulatory requirements in a fast-paced environment. With post-COVID restrictions largely lifted, the Madison County Ag Council identified areas of education for Madison County producers. In consultation with the Ag Council, the Madison County ANR agent provided four educational meetings held from February to May. On February 21st a regional grain production meeting was held in Fayette County and c
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The Madison County Horticulture Agent supported commercial horticulture producers this past year in several ways. Specific focus areas were increasing farm revenue and food safety. In the fall and spring, the Agent worked with Kentucky Horticulture Council and visited with farmers who were participating in the Kentucky Small Fruits Initiative, a program designed to provide technical and financial support to small fruit crop growers expanding and establishing small fruit crop enterprises&nbs
