Extension
It Starts With Us
Horticulture, Livestock, Forages, Agriculture
Agriculture Advancement
Madalyn Wells, Levi Berg, Shonda Johnston, Carrie Spry, Aubrey Lawson
Beef
Horticulture, Commercial
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Volunteer Development
Agriculture is Kentucky’s largest employer and accounts for largest amount of revenue in Kentucky’s economy. Every person is impacted by Agriculture every day in the foods that they eat and the fibers that are used in clothes, homes, workplaces and vehicles. Sales of agriculture crops and livestock in Clark County exceed $34 million. There are 871 farms in Clark County with farm size averaging 164 acres. Horticulture crops, Agri-tourism, beekeeping, and custom hay production are growing farming industries in the county. With recent legislative developments industrial hemp production is emerging as a crop of importance. In addition to the educational needs related to the production, support, and marketing of traditional Clark County agricultural production (corn, soybeans, livestock, and forages), leaders in the agricultural community have identified educational needs related to the production, support, and marketing of industrial hemp and other new opportunistic crops.
Establishment of new markets for agricultural crops
Increase in revenues for farm families
Increase number of new younger farmers into the agriculture industry.
Greater diversification of farming operations..
Individuals will engage in entreprenuerial enterprises.
Individuals will gain and maintain employment thru lifeskill development.
Individuals will be advecates for agriculture, healthy and sustainable food systems.
Investment in the production of non-traditional crops or production techniques
Adoption of best mangement production practices
Individuals will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant science, horticulture and animal science.
Individuals can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
Individuals can practice entrepreneurial skills related to agriculture and food systems.
Learn about new and emerging crop production opportunities.
Gained knowlege of agricultural production
Gained knowlege of the most up to date production practices
Individuals will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the aras of plant science, horticulture and animal science.
Individuals will develop valuable life-skills including decision making, communications, record-keeping, leadership and service.
Initial Outcome: Individuals will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the aras of plant science, horticulture and animal science.
Indicator: Increased knowledge and continued practice of agriculture production.
Method: Post Survey of Program/Project
Timeline: Completion of project/program
Initial Outcome: Youth will use and apply the skills gained from Livestock programs, demonstrate and share new abilities related to livestock with others, and practice the principals of livestock production
Indicator: Continued involvement in the livestock program
Method: Post Survey of Program
Timeline: Annually
Initial Outcome: Produers will learn about new and emerging crop production opportunities
Indicator: Program Particpation/Supporting Survey Response
Method: Post Survey
Timeline: Each event
Initial Outcome: Producers will gain knowlege of up to date production practices
Indicator: Program Participation/Supporting Survey Response
Method: Post Survey
Timeline: Each Event
Intermediate Outcome: Producer Investment into the the production of non-traditional crops or production techniques
Indicator: Dollars Invested
Method: NASS, CAIP Producer Reports, Agricultural Statistics
Timeline: Annually, Biannually, 10 yrs
Intermediate Outcome: Adoption of best management production practices
Indicator: Changed Production Practices
Method: Survey
Timeline: Annually
Long-term Outcome: Establishment of new markets for agricultural crops
Indicator: Agricultural Business creation/expansion, Increased farm income
Method: Census of Agriculture, Kentucky Agricultural Statistics Survey
Timeline: Once every 10 years, Annually
Audience: 5-18 yr old youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Youth Livestock Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content, local tours
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff, 4-H Volunteers, Industry Leaders
Date: Monthly
Audience: 4-H Age Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Horse Club
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff, 4-H Volunteers, Industry Leaders
Date: Monthly
Audience: 3rd Grade
Project or Activity: 4-H Chick Incubation
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff, School Staff, UK poultry unit
Date: Spring
Audience: 4-H Age Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Content
Inputs: 4-H Extension Staff, 4-H Volunteers, Extension Facilities
Date: January - August
Audience: 3rd Grade Students
Project or Activity: 4-H Agriculture Day
Content or Curriculum: Industry Speakers, Ag Literacy Education Materials, 4-H Core Content
Inputs: Extension Staff, Industry Speakers, Gilkison Farm
Date: Spring
Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen/Master Marketer/Cattleman's Quarterly meetings
Content or Curriculum: Master Cattlemen Curriculum, Extension Publications
Inputs: UK Specialists, Extension staff, Agricultural Leaders, Community Sponsors
Date: Spring/Fall/Winter
Audience: Clark County Residents
Project or Activity: Winter School
Content or Curriculum: Agriculture/Horticulture Updates
Inputs: UK Specialists, UK Publications, Extension Staff, Clark Ag Advisory Council, Community Sponsors
Date: January/February
Audience: Clark County Residents
Project or Activity: Gardening Classes
Content or Curriculum: Gardening Topics
Inputs: UK Publications, Extension Staff, Master Gardener Volunteers, Community Partners
Date: Spring/Summer
Audience: Farmers/Farm Families
Project or Activity: Clark County Extension Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Agriculture/Horticulture/Natural Resource Demonstrations
Inputs: Producer Volunteer(s), UK Specialists, Clark County Ag Advisory Council, Extension Staff,
Date: Summer
Audience: Farmers/Farm Families
Project or Activity: Production Update Workshops
Content or Curriculum: Ongoing agricultural issues/updates
Inputs: Clark County Ag Advisory Council, Collaborative Agricultural Groups (Clark County Cattlemen, C.C. Farm Bureau, etc.), UK Specialists, Extension Staff, other Agri-businesses and agricultural professionals
Date: As needed
Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Beekeepers Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Beekeeping
Inputs: UK Specialist, KY State Apiarist, Specialists, Ag leaders
Date: Third Monday of each Month
Audience: Landowners and Outdoor Enthusiast
Project or Activity: Wildlife Program
Content or Curriculum: Wildlife Management
Inputs: ANR Extension Agent, UK Specialist, Ky Dept of Fish and Wildlife
Date: Fall/Winter
Author: Carrie Spry
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Clark County Extension Office continued their support of local growers and producers through their support of the Winchester/Clark County Farmers Market with a Kid's Day Event. Extension and other sponsors offered $10 vouchers to the first 100 kids that were redeemable from each vendor at the Farmers Market. More than 130 youth were in attendance that day and more than 85% of the vouchers were redeemed as well. This helped youth learn about and experience fresh, local foods that they may
Author: Carrie Spry
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The Clark County Extension Agents worked with Clark County Farm Bureau and participated in an event call Agventures on Depot. This event brought together farmers, growers, producers, bankers, and more to help introduce and educate youth about agriculture. All program areas of Clark Extension worked together while participating in this event to offer the youth several activities along with educational information. Kentucky Department of Agriculture's "Kentucky Kate" was loaned to Ex
Author: Madalyn Hale
Major Program: Agriculture
The Clark County Extension Agents worked with Clark County Farm Bureau and participated in an event call Agventures on Depot. This event brought together farmers, growers, producers, bankers, and more to help introduce and educate youth about agriculture. All program areas of Clark Extension worked together while participating in this event to offer the youth several activities along with educational information. Kentucky Department of Agriculture's "Kentucky Kate" was loaned to Ex
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Agriculture
The Clark County Extension Agents worked with Clark County Farm Bureau and participated in an event call Agventures on Depot. This event brought together farmers, growers, producers, bankers, and more to help introduce and educate youth about agriculture. All program areas of Clark Extension worked together while participating in this event to offer the youth several activities along with educational information. Kentucky Department of Agriculture's "Kentucky Kate" was loaned to Ex
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Dairy
According to the 2017 Ag Census, Clark County sells over $34,000,000 in agricultural products, and around 75% of farms bring in less than $25,000 annually in sells. This means that most of the agricultural production is coming from a small portion of farm population, and further agriculture outreach could be greatly needed. With this being stated, the Clark County Extension Agents worked with Clark County Farm Bureau and participated in an event call Agventures on Depot. This event brought toget
Author: Carrie Spry
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
"Extension is the best kept secret" is a phrase every extension employee has heard at one point in time. Clark County Extension decided to try and spread the news about all of the wonderful services extension offers and hopefully reach new people thru a Fall Fest event. This event was free and open to everyone of all ages. Many steps were made in advertising this event including articles in the local newspaper and shows on local radio. Many activities were offered from fish casting com
Author: Carrie Spry
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The ANR Agent and Horticulture Agent worked together for the 2023 Winter School series. Clark Extension hosted 3 nights full of education for the public. Topics covered included fencing laws, water management around structures, drones in the fields, getting ready for garden pests, growing perennial vegetables, beef health update, minerals for cattle production, and heavy use pads. More than 80 people attended each night for a combined total attendance of over 240 people. The local Farm Bureau gr
Author: Carrie Spry
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
One of the top requests for assistance from Extension Horticulture would be help with vegetable gardening. Each year many first time gardeners reach out seeking advice on how to grow a vegetable garden. Therefore a 3 day program was planned to cover a wide range of topics. The first night focused on the basics of beginning a vegetable garden along with specifics and details on many vegetable crops that can be grown in Kentucky. The second night was a focus on maintenance of the vegetable garden
Author: Aubrey Lawson
Major Program: Agriculture
According to a recent study, 48% of Americans do not know where or how their food has been produced (Kirschenbaum & Buhler, Alliance of Science, 2022). This issue is trickling down to our youth as many do not understand what agriculture is and how it impacts our daily lives. To combat this statistic in our younger demographic, the Clark County Extension Office offered a field trip to showcase the various aspects of agriculture. The goal was to teach youth about the importance of agricul
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Forages
The ANR Equine Agents Working Group, Extension Specialists and Associates, planned the annual Pastures Please! Workshop. This was the 16th year for the workshop and typically takes place at one of the extension offices in central KY. As a result of efforts from the working group, this year the workshop was held in two locations - Fayette County and Livingston County. In the future the group would like to add a location in eastern KY. This workshop typically focuses on horse pasture management an
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
According to the 2017 Ag Census, Clark County have over 800 farms and around $34,028,000 in agricultural sales with livestock sales equaling 55% of total sales. Also Clark county has 14,576 households according to the 2019 census. With this knowledge, the Clark County Extension Office worked to hold the 2023 Winter School. The purpose of the 2023 Winter School was to hold a three day series covering beef mineral needs, heavy-use feeding pads, agricultural drones, building structures while mainta
