Extension
It Starts With Us
Increase Farm Profitability
Increase Farm Profitability
Harper, Wilson
Commercial Horticulture
Beef
Farmer's Markets
Integrated Plant Pest Management
Pulaski County has a strong commercial horticulture industry. We have several green industry businesses as well as a very healthy number commercial growers of fruits, vegetables and processed products. Three farmers' markets serve the consumers of this area and meet their needs in different ways. Pulaski Co is also very near two produce auctions.
Emerging issues pop up in any industry and commercial horticulture is no different. Profitability is maximized when crops are produced successfully and marketed equally successfully.
Marketing is key. Produce growers do not make a dime growing a product, only selling it. More markets need to be explored, especially with kids and our school systems.
Growers will gain income and markets from produce crops, processed goods, and other tangential products.
Growers will employ IPM practices to successfully grow crops.
Growers will gain markets in wholesale and/or retail produce.
The general public will buy more from local growers at farmers markets and roadside stands.
Schools will buy produce from local growers.
Growers will learn about emerging issues as it relates to what they grow.
Growers will learn about markets available and how to get into those markets.
Consumers will learn about local foods & their availability.
Initial Outcome: Growers will learn about IPM, markets, emerging issues, etc
Indicator: attendance at meetings, farm visits
Method: various meetings for commercial growers
Timeline: throughout year 2017-18
Intermediate Outcome: Consumers will buy more local products (fresh and processed)
Indicator: increase in sales at farmers' markets
Method: personal communication
Timeline: fall 2017
Long-term Outcome: Growers will gain income
Indicator: More gross sales
Method: personal communication
Timeline: end of growing season
Audience: Commercial growers
Project or Activity: GAP Training
Content or Curriculum: GAP curriculum and 3rd party audits
Inputs: KDA specialists, powerpoints
Date: winter 2018
Audience: Commercial growers
Project or Activity: Farmers' markets meetings, Senior Farmers Market nutrition program training
Content or Curriculum: updates from KDA personnel
Inputs: KDA specialists
Date: mainly winter but throughout 2017-18
Audience: Consumers
Project or Activity: info booth at farmers' markets
Content or Curriculum: UK publications & recipes
Inputs: Plate It Up Recipe cards, food
Date: during farmers' market season
Audience: Consumers
Project or Activity: Local foods program
Content or Curriculum:UK publications & recipes
Inputs: Lexington Local Food coordinator, local Market on Main founder
Date: Prior to growing season
Author: Bethany Wilson
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The 2017 City to Farm Tour was held on September 14, 2017 with well over 70 local business leaders and Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce members in attendance. Extension partnered with the Somerset-Pulaski Co Chamber of Commerce to plan the event. The event helps educate our community about the changes that have occurred in agriculture over the past decades. This behind-the-scenes look at local agriculture allowed community leaders the opportunity to
Author: Bethany Wilson
Major Program: Farm Management
Pulaski County is the third largest county by area in Kentucky. It is third in cattle and calf production, third in forage production, and grain crops are growing in importance. Over 1700 individual farms are in Pulaski County and farm size is increasing.Pulaski County has been with and without an ANR agent since late 2015. Producers still have issues and are still coming to the Extension office for help. The Pulaski County Agriculture Council still meets. The Phase I Council still must fun
