Extension
It Starts With Us
Crop and Livestock Production
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Philip Konopka, Sherrill Bentley, FCS Agent
Forages
Beef
Volunteer Development
Food Preparation and Preservation
Lewis County is home to 676 farms operating on 117,955 acres with the average farm size being 174 acres. The County Extension Council and the Agriculture Advisory Committee identified crop and livestock production as major components of Lewis County agriculture production. To increase profits it is important for farms to be efficient and increase yield as well as diversify. Youth need to recognize the impact that agriculture has on our daily lives as well as agriculture in the commonwealth. It is also important that farm families are able to save money and add value to their products and utilize food preservation techniques that allow them to do that.
- Profits will be sustained during tough economic times and increased during strong markets. Producers will get a premium price for their products.
- Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
- Lewis Countians will be able to market/sell locally produced garden products that have been safely preserved.
- Youth and adults will be agriculturally literate and make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
- Increase and maintain accessibility of local produced foods including the amount and variety of locally grown and or processed foods.
- Producers save money, reduce expenses, improve animal welfare, have healthier herds, reduce antibiotic use, and improve marketing opportunities through educational programming.
- Youth and farmers will improve cow/calf operations by using better genetics, improved feed efficiencies, record keeping, and animal health.
- Youth and adults will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food in the areas of animal science.
- Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
- Lewis Countians will safely preserve fresh, locally grown food products.
- Farmers will adopt usage of new technology, use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease, and weeds.
- Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations.
- Use Extension resources to make decisions related to food production and safety.
- Earn certification to distribute or sell raw and processed foods.
- Youth and adults will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and sustainable food systems in the areas of plant science, horticulture and animal science.
- Youth will learn valuable skills including decision making, record-keeping and leadership skills.
- Identification of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and understanding of production regulations.
- Recognize required food safety practices and describe proper food safety handling and processing.
- Increase knowledge of budgeting, record keeping, marketing strategies and economic risk.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Knowledge and skills will be gained in the area of food production.
Method: Self Reporting and Project books
Timeline: Fall 2021 to Fall 2024
Initial Outcome: Producers will increase knowledge on herd management, animal handling and welfare, and early recognition of calving problems and corrective measures.
Indicator: Farmers will become BQCA certified
Method: BQCA test
Timeline: Fall 2020- Spring 2024
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Youth will turn in record books and be able to offer reasons during showmanship.
Method: Observation
Timeline: Fall 2021-2024
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Lewis Countians learn to safely preserve fresh, local food products.
Method: Observation
Timeline: Fall 2022
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Youth Livestock Club participants will explain role of agriculture to 5th graders during Field Day.
Method: Observation
Timeline: Fall 2022
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: There are fewer disqualified preserved items at the county fair due to improper techniques used.
Method: County fair entry data
Timeline: Fall 2022
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Profits are sustained or increased during tough economic times.
Method: Agent interviews and number of farms are maintained in the county.
Timeline: Winter 2021
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Profits are obtained by selling canned goods at the Farmers Market and other eligible venues.
Method: Self reporting and observation
Timeline: Summer 2021
Long-term Outcome: Farmers implement new technologies.
Indicator: Farmers adopt the usage of new technologies and fertility management recommendations.
Method: Testimonials and Observation
Timeline: Fall 2020-Spring 2024
Audience: Women Farm Managers
Project or Activity: Farm School for Women
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Curriculum and USDA
Inputs: Ag. Agent time, USDA office time, local farm businesses
Date: Fall 2021
Audience: Youth Livestock participants
Project or Activity: Livestock Projects, feeder calf, hogs, lambs, and goats
Content or Curriculum: 4-H approved core curriculum for livestock
Inputs: 4-H curriculum, club leader volunteer, volunteer time, 4-H agent time, program assistant time, ag. agent time.
Date: Fall 2021
Audience: Lewis County 5th graders
Project or Activity: Youth Field Day
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock Kit and curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent time, Ag. Agent time, FCS Agent time, Program Assistant Time, SNAP assistant time, Lewis County Farm Bureau, Woodmen of the World, Local farmers, Livestock project participants.
Date: Fall 2021
Audience: Lewis County Citizens
Project or Activity: Food Preservation workshop and Micro-processing workshop
Content or Curriculum: Extension Food Preservation curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agent time, UK Specialist, Preservation equipment and supplies, UK curriculum
Date: Summer 2022
Audience: Lewis County Farmers
Project or Activity: County Field Day
Content or Curriculum: UK current research on Agriculture production
Inputs: Extension Agents, UK specialist, Local Farm, Advisory Councils, UK curriculum, RIP's Farm Center, Rose Farm Supply, Southern States Cooperative, Ag Pro Supply, WW Industries
Date: Fall 2022
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Lewis County Extension Service 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources programs conducted a Farm to Plate Program for all fifth graders in Lewis County. Approximately 130 students participated in the program. The program was designed to teach youth where their food comes from and was held at the Tollesboro Lions Club fairgrounds. It was sponsored by Lewis County Farm Bureau who paid for the meals and transportation for students to attend. Rip’s Farm Center pr
Author: Glenna Bentley
Major Program: Agriculture
The Lewis County Extension Service 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources programs conducted a Farm to Plate Program for all fifth graders in Lewis County. Approximately 130 students participated in the program. The program was designed to teach youth where their food comes from and was held at the Tollesboro Lions Club fairgrounds. It was sponsored by Lewis County Farm Bureau who paid for the meals and transportation for students to attend. Rip’s Farm Center pr
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Integrated Pest Management
There are many local businesses in the area who are required to have a commercial pesticide license to do their job. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture requires people who have those licenses to maintain them by receiving continuing education units (CEU’s). CEU’s are category specific with the requirements being 9 general hours and 3 specific hours for a total of 12 hours by the end of a 3-year period. These CEU’s can be obtained by attending classes throughout the ye
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Soil testing
Farm fertility programs have always been an important management program for farming operations. Lewis County takes in between 250 to 300 soil samples per year. This tool allows farmers to dial in their fertility program for each crop that is grown on their operation. By applying a proper amount of fertilizer farmers can ensure what is only needed to grow their specific crops. The soil test recommendations are research based so that each farmer can apply fertilizer based on their crop need
Author: Lorin Fawns
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Food prices have increased significantly, making it difficult for families to receive their full serving of fruit and vegetables. The Mason County Extension office offered clients vegetable seeds to grow in their gardens and information about gardening. The program allowed anyone to stop into the office to pick up seeds, information, and an opportunity to meet the horticulture agent to discuss questions. Clients grew vegetable and flower gardens throughout the county; for some, it was their firs
Author: Lorin Fawns
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Eating fresh fruit is a common problem not only among children but adults as well. Only 8% of adults meet the daily fruit intake recommendation. Fresh fruit can be costly and does not keep long-term; many times, fruit can go bad, and with increased prices, it can be difficult to keep fresh fruit on hand.The Mason County Extension Office provided educational classes to the public, including a class at the community center at the housing authority to ensure clients who did not have means of transp
