Extension
It Starts With Us
Increasing Agricultural Systems In Washington County
Managing and Growing Environmental, Agriculture, and Horticulture Systems
Dennis Morgeson, Taylor Graves, and Melissa Richardson
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Volunteer Development
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Soil testing
The 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment reported these issues within Agriculture and Environment: less illegal dumping and littering, more market opportunities for farmers, and sustainability of family farms. Our local advisory councils for Agriculture, Horticulture, and 4-H Youth Development contributed to this assessment.
Maintain and increase family owned farms
Increased home horticulture participation
Youth and adult program participants will be educated advocates for sustainable agriculture and food systems
Producers utilize Extension resources to make fiscally sustainable decisions about farm management practices
Clientele will engage in horticultural programming and utilize research-based knowledge
4-H clientele will apply skills and knowledge in the production of agricultural commodities and environmental practices
Increased awareness and availability of research-based Extension resources, including cost share opportunities through the Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy Funding
Learn the most successful varieties to plant in Washington County, including proper planning, planting dates, and management
Community members will receive trainings, certifications, and accreditations in agriculture and natural resources programming
Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and availability of research-based Extension resources, including cost share opportunities through the Governor's Office of Agriculture Policy Funding
Indicator: Increased use of Extension resources and programming
Method: monitoring participation in CAIP, YAIP, and Next Generation Farmers
Timeline: annually
Intermediate Outcome: Producers utilize Extension resources to make fiscally sustainable decisions about farm management practices
Indicator: Increased soil testing in the community
Method: monitoring the numbers of soil tests
Timeline: bi-annually
Long-term Outcome: Increased home horticulture participation
Indicator: Increased participation in Wheelbarrow Series
Method: sign up sheets and registration
Timeline: bi-annually
Audience: Washington and Surrounding Counties
Project or Activity: Wheelbarrow Series
Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Publications and Research
Inputs: Extension Funding, Fees from participants, Extension Staff
Date: February through November 2022 (starting again in February 2023)
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Country Ham, Livestock Projects, Horse Projects, Horticulture, School Based Programming
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculums
Inputs: Extension resources, Fees, Volunteers, Extension Staff
Date: Country Ham- February - August 2022; Livestock Projects- continuous; Horse Projects- continuous; Horticulture- spring 2023; School Based Programming- August 2022-May 2023
Audience: Washington County Farmers
Project or Activity: Meetings, Educational Activities, and Programs
Content or Curriculum: Extension resources
Inputs: Extension resources, staff, and specialists
Date: cost share opportunities - February 2023 (annual program); monthly educational programs
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Beef
A cattle handling field day was hosted in conjunction with Marion and Boyle County Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources for producers in the central region. According to a product development specialist and educational director from Tarter, their customer service department mainly receives calls from producers complaining that the product they purchased didn't work in their operation and usually it is because that equipment was made to serve a different purpose. We set forth a goal o
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
At the request of participants from several horticultural classes a seed and plant swap were held at the Washington County Extension office. The goal of the swap was to increase the diversity of plants in local gardens, increase gardening knowledge, and to propagate rare varieties. There were a wide range of plants and seeds swapped including: perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, and a variety of seeds and bulbs. Participants introduced themselves to the group and discussed what they brought to s
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Local Food Systems
According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, a thousand and thirty-two deer were harvested in Washington County. The closest processor for deer is a little over 30 minutes away and oftentimes stays fully booked during hunting season. This led to the idea of hosting a Field to Fork deer processing course. This program is held in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. At the beginning of the course, participants were offered the opportunity to try the Cook Wil
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Poultry/Small Flocks
The average price of a dozen eggs in the U.S. was $4.21 in February 2023, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is more than double the price in February 2022 of about $2.00 a dozen, so it came as no surprise when community members began to reach out seeking information on starting their own backyard flock. This inspired the Washington County County Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Agent to host a class on the basics of backyard poultry. The progr
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The Horticulture How-To Series was developed for those that were interested in learning by doing. One such program was growing oyster mushrooms. Participants learned about the nutritional value of oyster mushrooms, examples, and varieties, how to sterilize the substrate and the ins and outs of what to do to get the oyster mushrooms to fruit. After the initial program participants made mushroom substrate bales out of moistened pine pellet bedding and inoculated it with oyster grain spawn. Partici
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Dairy
Most of the population is at least 2-3 generations removed from the farm. This is why it is important for those involved in agriculture to be proactive in telling their story and sharing what they do, how they do it, and why they do it. Following a good turnout at last year's event, despite the pouring rain, I decided to make this a yearly event for the community so that they have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience with learning how dairy products get from the farm to their table
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
We have seen an increase in the number of producers who are interested in producing sheep and goats within the state. The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office reached out and wanted to offer a clinic on confirmation for producers. Most producers are looking for lower-priced animals to begin their flock, but this can lead to problems later on. The idea behind teaching confirmation to producers came from a group of experienced producers who were wanting to host a field day. The goal was for
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Washington County residents have diverse interests and knowledge levels in horticulture. Each year the horticulture agent surveys participants, social media followers, and the public to meet the needs of most gardeners for a particular topic. This series class series is The Gardener’s Wheelbarrow Series. In the past programming year, there were 24 classes with participants choosing to attend the morning session or the evening session. Sessions were by far more popular in the mornings.The t
