Pike County CES

Title:

Agri-tourism and Promoting Commodities

MAP:

Tourism & Economic Development and Agriculture Diversification

Agents Involved:

Froman, Porter, Stumbo, Workman

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Agritourism Planning

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Poultry/Small Flocks

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beekeeping

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

Situation:

Pike County is in the process of developing and has developed multiple—Multi-use trails, for hiking, horseback riding, and 4 wheeling.  Pike County is uniquely located for access to multiple strip-mined areas which are ideal for developing outdoor tourism.  Located within Pike County are multiple trails including the Appalachian Trail, the Hatfield McCoy Hiking Trail and in process of building the Hatfield McCoy trail for 4-wheeling.  Pike County is developing multiple camping areas with good access to the trails.  Expansion of all aspects is critical to their future success as a tourism go to location.  These trails not only encourage tourism, but also help residents do physical activity to improve health and obesity.

The locally sponsored Appalachian Heritage Annual Seed Swap historically brings in tourists & seed aficionados from 10-12 states.  It is recognized as one of the largest Heirloom Seed Swaps in the nation and provides training in saving heirlooms seed and multiple nationally known guest speakers in heirloom and related topics.

Pikeville Farmers Market regularly brings in tourists for fresh local vegetables and the craft section allows for the sale of many locally produced crafts.

The Pike County advisory council has identified diversification in Agriculture as the goal to be working towards. Small farms produce bees, cattle, goats, horses, and poultry. Many farmers have the potential and interest in expanding their operations into a commercially viable one.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Goal 1:  Increased participation of out-of-state tourists and business people.

Goal 2:  Increased health & lowered obesity in residents.

Goal 3:  Increased sale of heirloom seed.

Goal 4: The increase in amount and diversity of Agricultural Production in Pike County

Intermediate Outcomes:

Goal 1: Gain membership in the Farmers Market.

Goal 2: Gain volunteers to do training for expansion of the Appalachian Heirloom Seed Swap.

Goal 3: The increased production of marketable products to be sold at farmers’ markets.

Goal 4: Honeybee populations will increase.

Goal 5: Horse owners will improve management skills.

Goal 6: Youth will become actively involved in livestock, animal science, horticulture, and beekeeping.

Goal 7: The development and expansion of alternative agriculture markets and farmers’ markets.

Goal 8: Producers will show an increase in use of BMPs

Goal 9: Producers will increase utilization of forested lands

Initial Outcomes:

Goal 1:  Expand knowledge of the abilities and unique characteristics of Heirloom Seed.

Goal 2:  Expand understanding of the benefits both fiscally and financially of trail systems within the county.

Goal 3: County farmers will demonstrate changes in knowledge of diversification and efficiency of their operations through Extension offered workshops, classes, and tours

Goal 4: Local Farmers will demonstrate knowledge of new and improved management skills for improved profitability

Goal 5: County Farmers will demonstrate knowledge of better management practices and conservation related to their enterprises

Goal 6: County Farmers will demonstrate understanding the importance of diversity in small operations

Goal 7: County farmers will demonstrate that management & use of forest and forest products can be a viable enterprise

Goal 8: Local people will demonstrate knowledge of home food production and adopted practices.

Goal 9: Youth will gain consumer knowledge of fruits, vegetables as well as animal science through participation in "hands-on" programs

Evaluation:

Initial Outcomes

Indicator: Changes in participation at livestock activities

Method: Agent observations, follow-up surveys, informal question/response

Timeline: Primarily May-Sept.

 

Indicator: Percentage of program participants that show changes in understanding and implementation of BMPs

Method: Observations and Surveys

Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation--year round

 

Indicator: Number of individuals that show changes in necessary agricultural management skills that prepare them to operate an agricultural enterprise

Method: Observations and Surveys

Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation

 

Indicator: Number of participants that utilize proper and safe management dealing with livestock

Method On-Site/Phone consultations, observations, and surveys

Timeline: After program conclusion and sufficient time for implementation

 

Intermediate Outcomes

Indicator: An increased number of participants will report a change in practices or behaviors related to an educational program.

Method: Various eucational programs offered year-round.

 

Long-term Outcome

Indicator: Increase in diversity the of farming operations.

Method: Follow-up survey and observations of FM participants

Timeline: Primarily May to Sept each year

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Local people & Farmers, & Tourists 

    Project or Activity:  Pikeville Farmers Market

    Content or Curriculum:  As needed and as required

    Inputs:  Agents, Specialists, Volunteers, CFA, USDA, KDA

    Date:  Sales May - Nov., information gathering Dec., training Jan-April, each year

 

Audience:  Heirloom Seed Enthusiasts

    Project or Activity:  Annual Appalachian Heritage Seed Swap

    Content or Curriculum: Extension Materials

    Inputs:  Agent, Specialists, volunteers

    Date:  Spring

 

Audience:  Trail Enthusiasts - 4 Wheelers

    Project or Activity:  County Rides

    Content or Curriculum:  As needed

    Inputs:  Agents, County, volunteers as needed

    Date:  Year-round, especially during warmer months

  

Audience:  Trail Enthusiasts –Horseback riders

    Project or Activity:  Broken Trail Rides

    Content or Curriculum:  Support and Safety Info as needed

    Inputs:  Agents, County, Volunteers as needed

    Date:  Year-round, especially during warmer months

Audience: Adults

    Project or Activity:  pasture improvement

    Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum

    Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Soil Conservation Service

    Date: Trainings/soil samples offered as needed

 

Audience: Beekeepers

    Project or Activity: Monthly educational meetings

    Content or Curriculum: as needed

    Inputs: Agents, specialists, volunteers

    Date: monthly

 

Audience: Horse Owners

    Project or Activity: Trail Rides & workshops

    Content or Curriculum: UK materials

    Inputs: Agents, UK Specialists & volunteers

    Date: Spring 2021-2024

 

Audience: Misc. livestock producers

    Project or Activity: Poultry, swine, aquaculture, etc. production, training, and workshops.

    Content or Curriculum:  UK, KSU, SARE, other

    Inputs:  Agents, Specialists, SARE trainers, KSU personnel, volunteers

    Date: Trainings offered as needed, concentrated Jan and February

 

Audience: Vegetable Consumers

    Project or Activity: Heirloom Tomato Project Grant

    Content or Curriculum Developing a new curriculum and materials for UK and Plate It Up featuring Kentucky Heirloom Tomatoes from a consumer’s point of view – purchasing guide, recipes, a guide to common types & evaluation.

    Inputs:  Grant from KEAFCS, agents, Farmer’s Market participants, Farmer’s Market vendors, Pikeville High Junior Chef Competition team & others

    Date: October 2021, April 2022

Success Stories