Extension
It Starts With Us
Horticulture
Agriculture Sustainability
David Embrey
Small Farm Diversification
Soil testing
Local Food Systems
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.
Producers will become, improve, and maintain profitability and sustain the environment on their individual operations.
Producers will add to and maintain new, non-traditional agricultural practices to their operations and/or expand and improve traditional enterprises.
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.
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.
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
