Extension
It Starts With Us
Market, Technology, Horticulture, Livestock, Wildlife, Management Development
Sustainable Production and Marketing of Agriculture Products
FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
Local Food Systems
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Horticulture, Commercial
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Located in the center of the "Golden Triangle," Owen County is within an hour's drive of the major urban markets of Cincinnati, Louisville and Lexington. Owen County is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the emerging direct marketing, locally sourced food movement. A growing number of vegetable, fruit, berry and cut-flower producers are marketing their products in farmers markets in these urban centers. New technologies are being tested and demonstrated to increase production, improve quality and bring produce to market earlier.
* Successful home and commercial projects will serve as models and teaching tools for others
* Increased home horticulture production will result in family food dollars saved and healthier meals
* Commercial producers will have increased profitability due to improved production and marketing
* Increase home horticulture in and around the home for families
* Participants will begin implements new technologies to increase or enhance harvest
* Participants will begin exploring new marketing outlets
* Participants will begin making changes in practices around the home
* Participants will be exposed to a variety of productions methods such as raised beds, plastic mulching, high tunnels, drip irrigation, greenhouses and hydroponics
* Participants will explore various marketing options such as roadside marketing, farmers markets, marketing to wholesalers and internet marketing.
* Participants will explore ways to change their home surrounding
Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of improved production technologies and marketing opportunities
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting changes in knowledge, opinions, skills or aspirations related to home and commercial horticulture
Method: pre/post-tests, phone conversations
Timeline: April-May (2020-2024)
Intermediate Outcome: Implementation of new technologies and participation in new marketing opportunities
Indicator: Number of producers utilizing new technologies and marketing opportunities introduced by Extension
Method: Phone calls, Home and farm visits, questionnaires
Timeline: June, (2020-2024)
Long-term Outcome: New horticulture production systems which are profitable serve as teaching tools for others
Indicator: Number of homeowners and producers self-reporting an increase in profits as a result of adopting one or more practices recommended by Extension
Method: Surveys, home, and farm visits
Timeline: Ongoing (2020-2024)
Audience: Current and potential home gardeners
Project or Activity: Home Gardening Class
Content or Curriculum: Research-based approved publications and presentations
Inputs: UK Consumer Horticulture Specialist, video presentation, FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
Date: March 2020-2024
Audience: Current and potential commercial horticulture producers
Project or Activity: Commercial Greenhouse Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Research-based approved publications and presentations
Inputs: UK Horticulture Specialists, newsletters, direct mailing, newspaper articles, farm visits, FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
Date: May 2020-2024
Audience: Commercial Horticulture producers
Project or Activity: Sharing new marketing opportunities with producers
Content or Curriculum: Research-based approved publications and presentations
Inputs: Newsletters, direct mailing, newspaper articles, farm visits, FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
Date: Ongoing 2020-2024
Audience: Home Owners, Woodlot Owners, and Commercial Producers
Project or Activity: Beginning and Intermediate Beekeeping Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Research-based information, U.K. publications
Inputs: KDA and State Beekeeping Association Representatives, Newsletters, Direct Mailing, Newspaper articles, FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
Date: September 2020-2024
Audience: Landowners with woodlots
Project or Activity: Marketing Forest Products Webinar
Content or Curriculum: Research-based webinar presentations
Inputs: UK Forestry Specialists, U.K. publications, newsletters, direct mailing, newspaper articles, FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
Date: October 2020-2024
Audience: Landowners with woodlots
Project or Activity: Shiitake Mushroom Production Training
Content or Curriculum: Research-based video presentations
Inputs: UK Forestry Specialists, U.K. publications, newsletters, direct mailing, newspaper articles, FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
Date: November 2020-2024
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Home Horticulture
Content or Curriculum: Research-based approved publications and presentations
Inputs: Northern KY Horticulture Extension Agents, FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
Date: February 2020-2024
Author: Kendal Bowman
Major Program: Beef
Cattle play a vital role in shaping the agricultural scene across America, serving as a source of food and livelihood for many. Kentucky stands proudly among the top 10 states in the country for cattle production. Recently, a farmer, seeking ways to minimize feed costs and maximize profits, approached the Owen County Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent for guidance.In response to this inquiry, the county agent collaborated with an Extension Beef Specialist to analyze the farmer's existing
Author: Kendal Bowman
Major Program: Small Farm Diversification
On April 4th, 2024, Kendal Bowman, Owen County's Agricultural Agent, orchestrated an impactful event aimed at addressing the pressing concerns of the region's farming community. With 145 attendees, including seasoned farmers, agriculturalists, and homesteaders, the Ag Funding Workshop was a testament of the pressing issue of inflation in operating costs, a looming threat to farmers, beginning farmers, and homesteaders alike.Through meticulous planning, Kendal ensured that attendees depar
Author: Kendal Bowman
Major Program: Small Farm Management
In the heart of Owen County, where sprawling fields paint the landscape, Kendal Bowman, the Agriculture Agent, noticed a common challenge among local farmers. They struggled with keeping track of their farm records and faced a daunting task when tax season rolled around. For years, this lack of organization resulted in stress and financial strain for the community.To tackle this issue head-on, Kendal spearheaded an initiative focused on farm record keeping. Over the past four months, he diligent
