Extension
It Starts With Us
Expanding Opportunities for Technology, Sustainability, and Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Quality, Education, and Innovation
Connor Cooper, Erika Wood, and Katie Mills, Amanda Dame and Jay Stone
Chemical Management
Natural Resources
Water and Soil Quality and Conservation
Producers, Youth, and Citizens will learn scientific research techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that positively address science, environmental and technology issues in Kentucky. In addition to technology and its incorporation, other issues that clients in Hopkins County have expressed interest in include water quality, pesticide safety, and sustainable practices. Developing and implementing Agriculture Water Quality Plans and Nutrient Management Plans can help farmers stay compliant with state laws, protect water quality, improve farm operations, and maximize profits. Educational programs for agricultural producers include county producer meetings, Master Gardener classes, and community coalitions. Collaborations with conservation districts and USDA service centers will strengthen county programs and maximize opportunities for farmers. Hopkins County Youth can learn about agriculture practices and how farmers continue to be successful in today's society. They are also able to learn more about water quality and how agriculture ties into this.
Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air
Protect and improve water quality
Maximize profits for Agriculture producers
Educate Youth on efficient production methods
Increase understanding of various production methods
Provide localized research-based production information to aid producers in production decisions.
Volunteers extend the educational outreach of the Cooperative Extension Service in areas such as community gardens, youth gardening, environmentally sustaining lawn and garden practices, and other topics.
Develop or update plans
•Urban Environments (water issues)
•Nutrient Management
•Implement Ag Water Quality Plans
Evaluate weather and physical conditions when making decisions
•Evaluate problem areas during seasons of challenging weather (excess rainfall, drought, etc.)
•Evaluate chemical storage, handling, and disposal
Participants (certified EMG volunteers) put into practice the skills learned when completing volunteer hours and working with clientele.
Youth put into practice knowledge and skills necessary regarding sounds environmental practices.
Understand importance of clean water
Increase knowledge of best management practices for protecting and improving water quality
Demonstrate proper use of
sprayers and equipment related to application (calibration, nozzle selection, boom height, etc.)
Identify active ingredients in chemical products and relate to modes of action
Read and comprehend directions for applying chemicals (timing, application conditions)
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of Environmental laws, regulations and proper practices
Indicator: Surveys and certification completion
Method: Private applicator trainings and clinics
Intermediate Outcome: Increased knowledge of local production practices and roles
Indicator: Master Gardener certification and participation; BQA Certification and Master Grazer programming
Method: EMG Curriculum, Meetings and Field Days
Long-term Outcome: Reduce environmental impact to water, soil, or air. Increase profits for agriculture enterprises
Indicator: CEDIK Survey Data, Ag Census Data, Hay Testing Program, Farmer's Market Productivity, and Producer profitability
Method: Surveys, ON-site visits, Client adoption of practices and shared-use equipment usage rates.
Audience: Grain Crop Producers, Home Owners, and Commercial Vegetable Producers
Project or Activity: Private Applicator Trainings, podcasts
Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Training Modules
Inputs: Extension Agents, County Extension Office, Shared-use demonstrations and supplies
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: Master Gardeners
Project or Activity: Spring Lawn and Garden Fair/ Community Gardens/Plant Swaps
Content or Curriculum: Efficient and Sustainable Produce Production Methods
Inputs: Hands-on Activities, Field Days, Trainings, and Certifications
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: Hopkins County Youth and 4-H Members
Project or Activity: SET and Natural Resources programming, 4-H Farm Day, 4-H Water Quality Day
Content or Curriculum: Environment and SET Core curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Field Days, Community Partnership and Trips
Time Frame: Fall
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
In the past several years, the Pennyroyal Master Gardener Association has held a spring and fall plant swap at the Hopkins County Farmers Market. The purpose of the fall plant swap was to give the community an opportunity to come swap plants with one another. Participants brought plants they were willing to give away and then could pick from plants donated by other participants to take home. A wide range of plants were brought to the swap and included the following: herbaceous
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
For over a decade, the Pennyroyal Master Gardener Association has created a gardening calendar available for the community to learn more about growing plants. Each year, the master gardener group forms a committee and decides on a particular topic to focus on for the next year’s calendar. Previous years have showcased bulbs, deer-resistant plants, trees, and much more. This year’s calendar features vegetable plants. Once the topic is decided, the committee re
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Natural Resources
According to the article “Why Is environmental Education Important for Kids” on the website Rubricon, Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives. (https://www.rubicon.com/blog/environmental-education-for-kids) Many times youth do not
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Over the past three years, we have all learned new ways to connect with people. Even during a global pandemic, businesses found ways to continue to meet the needs of their clientele and families found ways to stay connected without gathering in person. Stepping out of our comfort zones to learn new skills quickly became the new normal. The pandemic is over, but learning and adapting to new ways to connect to our clientele is still a priority. Agriculture and Natural Resources E
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Master Gardener
The Spring Lawn and Garden Fair is a program run by the Pennyroyal Master Gardener Association. The fair takes place at the Danny Peyton Outdoor Education Pavilion and offers a variety of activities including educational talks and demonstrations relating to horticulture, lawn and garden vendors, plant sales, and activities for children. The purpose of the fair is to educate local residents about different topics relating to horticulture, as well as raising awareness of the Master Ga
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Tri-County Ag Extension Group Educational Series Tri-County Ag Extension Group consists of Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents in Webster, McLean and Hopkins Counties. The counties are not only alike geographically, but also agriculturally. Many producers in the tri-county area farm in all three counties. With specialist demand during the “winter meeting season” coupled with travel constraints, moving toward multi-county educational opportunities just make
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Equine
A minor share of farm gate receipts in West Kentucky belongs to the equine industry, but all of the counties in our area have horse owners who either rely on horses for on-farm power or utilize horses as a form of recreational activity. Because of the need to maintain good health in our horse herds, agents polled producers to pinpoint their greatest need, which was solid nutritional information to help insure their horses stay in peak physical condition.To help producers meet their horses nutrit
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Crop production is a major part of the agriculture economies in Western Kentucky, with Corn, Soybeans, and wheat being the major crops produced in most counties. To meet the needs of producers, Ag agents in Hopkins, McLean, and Webster Counties have worked together to identify the educational needs of Grain Producers and develop programs to meet those needs. In addition to the Tri-County plot work that has been done in the past, agents have worked to provide additional opportunities and del
