Franklin County CES

Title:

Strengthening Knowledge and Awareness of Agriculture and Horticulture in Franklin County

MAP:

Enhancing Urban Agriculture, Local Food Systems, and Municipal Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

K. Bishop, A. Leonberger, A. Brewer, M. Preece, N. Colten

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Horticulture, Commercial

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Situation:

To continue improving ANR and HORT practices while diversifying enterprises and educating those new to rural life and those removed from farming for several generations. Franklin County has lost almost 50% of its farms (NASS) over the past 50 years. The result is a population that is more removed from the farm, food production and a more active outdoor lifestyle. Roughly half the farmers hold off-farm jobs (NASS) and are the average age of farmers is 58. The current children of farm families are looking to other industries for careers and choosing not to return to the farm. The majority of the people who are starting farms are more often not from a farming background. Existing farms are fairly traditional and looking to diversify and improve on current enterprises. These new producers from non-farming backgrounds are in need of basic knowledge and education on the subjects as well as information on new/upcoming regulations and certifications. The Hort Council, ANR Council, 4-H Council and the Community Forum identified the need to support these issues.

Wendell Berry (1990), Kentucky novelist, poet, environmentalist, and farmer, stated that “…eating is an agricultural act” (p.1). Unfortunately, for many, there is a disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. Today’s society lacks understanding regarding agricultural production and processing (Spielmaker and Leising, 2013). The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. The Agricultural Education in Secondary Schools Committee established by the National Research Council (1988) described an agriculturally literate person as one who’s “…understanding of the food and fiber system would include its history and its current economic, social, and environmental significance to all” (p. 8). The National Agriculture Literacy Logic Model defines an agriculturally literate person as one “…who understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects our quality of life” (Spielmaker et al., 2014, p. 2). One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Farmers and landowners will begin to properly plan for the near and long term future, for example, Estate Planning and Farm Transitioning. Rural residents and families can begin to adapt to small scale farming or a rural lifestyle instead of "subdivision" life on a large "lot" in the country. Farms can be passed along in a desirable and planned fashion (to younger farmer, for conservation, for rural housing). Existing farms operate in a sustainable, progressive manner. Rural residents have basic knowledge of the principles of agriculture, horticulture, wildlife, natural resources to thoroughly enjoy a rural life that is healthy and productive for their family, the community, and the environment. Youth will enjoy experiences to gardening, wildlife and animal husbandry for a healthier and well-rounded lifestyle. The average age of farmers will decrease as farm children and new young adults enter into the field of agriculture.

• Youth will be agriculturally literate.
• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
• Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production.

Residents will have greater access to local, fresh foods through local producers, and an applied knowledge home food production.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers and landowners will begin to properly plan for the near and long term and not just react to personal, economic and social conditions. Rural residents and families can begin to adapt to small scale farming or a rural lifestyle instead of "subdivision" life on a large "lot" in the country. Youth participate in 4-H traditional programming offerings, exhibiting livestock and the local county fairs. More small orchards, gardens, small livestock are being seen as well as an increase in food preservation requests. More people are certified in GAP, home-based processing and micro-processing. Farm City Field Day's will begin highlighting these changes to farming in Franklin County.

• Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life.
• Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.

Initial Outcomes:

An increase in extension programs, trainings and certifications. Producers understand their options, not only for potential on-farm enterprises but also long-term estate and land-use planning and ask for more information. Youth are aware of options for modern agriculture and horticulture activities, even if they do not live on a farm or own animals or land. Rural homeowners appreciate and understand their surroundings, farm neighbors, and farming activities. The rural population feels comfortable utilizing newly learned skills to initiate an agriculture lifestyle.

• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.
• Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.
• Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased participation in Extension programs, trainings and certifications.

Indicator: Statistics, County Attendance Rosters

Method: Collection of Data

Timeline: Bi-Monthly

Intermediate Outcome: An understanding and appreciation of the outdoors, natural surroundings and rural life.

Indicator: Increase in Agritourism; requests for food and gardening programming, increase in 4-H Livestock and other modern agriculture programs.

Method: Survey, Observation, Statistics

Timeline: Annually

Long-term Outcome: Children gain new skills and knowledge of farming, gardening and nature. Farm ownership is being sustainability managed.

Indicator: Greater participation in camping and other outdoor programming and traditional 4-H agriculture programs; Farm ownership stabilizes or increases.

Method: Survey, Program Statistics, Census, NASS

Timeline: Annually, On years Census and NASS comes out.

Outcome to be Evaluated

• Youth plan and implement an agriculture project (e.g., livestock project, horse project, etc.).
• Indicator of Success for Outcome
  • Youth complete an agricultural project.

Method of Evaluation 

• 4-H Common Measures Experience Survey
• Program Indicators

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth & 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Youth & 4-H Education/General

Content or Curriculum: Livestock Club; 4-H Animal Science Curriculum; Gardening/Horticulture Project Days, Farm Tours (Ag-Tourism), Farm to School programs, County Fair Entries, 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale

Inputs: FFA Advisors, 4-H Agents, Farmers, Cattleman's, KDA, Extension Master Gardeners, Livestock Leaders

Date: Year Around

Audience: Winter School Participants

Project or Activity: Winter School

Content or Curriculum: Tobacco, Beef, Equine, Poultry, Large Production Vegetable farming, grape/wine industry, fruit production, commercial lawn & landscape management, woodland & forestry, beekeeping, aquaculture, organic farming, season Extension

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Farmers/Operators that are using best practices, Extension Agents, Industry Specialists

Date: February/March Annually

Learning Opportunities/Programs for Agents

• 4-H Livestock Program
  • Curriculum: Acres of Adventures 1 and 2; Kentucky Farm 2 School; Project Food, Land, and People; Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit; Beef Resource Handbook; Beef Project and Record Book; Beef, Sheep, Swine Selection Evaluation; Dairy Cow Project and Record Book; Dairy Heifer Project and Record Book; Dairy Resource Handbook; 4-H Dairy Cattle 1, 2, 3, and Helper’s Guide; Dairy Judging Resources; Goat Project and Record Book; Goat Resource Book; Sheep Resource Handbook; Market Lamb Project and Record Book; Sheep Breeding Project and Record Book; Swine Resource Handbook; Market Hog Project and Record Book; Swine Breeding Project and Record Book
  • Training: Livestock Volunteer Certification Training; Agent In-services
• 4-H Horse Program
  • Curriculum: 4-H Project Horse Record Book; Horse Achievement Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4; Horse Safety Guidelines; Horse Smarts: Equine Reference and Youth Activity Guide; Horse Volunteer Certification Resource Kit
  • Training: Horse Volunteer Certification Training; Agent In-services
• 4-H Poultry Program
  • Curriculum: Egg Preparation Demonstration; Kentucky 4-H Chicken and Turkey Barbeque Project; Kentucky 4-H Poultry: Barbeque Contests; National Avian Bowl Manual; ChickQuest: A Classroom Journey through the Life Cycle; ChickQuest Logbook; Hatching with my “Peeps” Embryology Countdown Calendar; Poultry Project and Record Book
  • Training: Agent In-services
• 4-H Country Ham Program
  • Curriculum: How to Make a Country Ham Publication; How to Cure a Country Ham Video
  • Training: Agent In-services
• 4-H Horticulture Program
  • Curriculum: Junior Master Gardener Curricula; 4-H Gardening Levels A, B, C, D, and Helper’s Guide
  • Training: Agent In-services
• 4-H Rabbit Program
  • Curriculum: 4-H Rabbit 1, 2, 3, and Helper’s Guide; Rabbit Learning Lab Kit
  • Training: Agent In-services
• 4-H Dog Program
  • Curriculum: 4-H Dog 1, 2, 3, and Helper’s Guide; Dog Project and Record Book; Dog Resource Handbook; Dog Learning Lab Kit
  • Training: Dog Volunteer Certification Training; Agent In-services

Inputs: 4-H Agent, volunteers, State Specialists

Date: September-August

Audience: Community Members

Project or Activity: Farm City Field Day/Farm City Banquet, Cattlemen's meetings

Content or Curriculum: On Farm Demonstrations, Farmers/Farm History, Modern and Traditional Ag/Hort Practices, Awards for Excellence, Exposure of Ag/Hort Students, FFA Students, 4-H Members to traditions/history/new practices and technology.

Inputs: Host Farm/Farmer Amenities, Chamber of Commerce, Extension Specialists, Community Organizations, Extension Organizations, Environmental and Farming Businesses and Organizations, Local Media.

Date: May and July Annually; quarterly

Audience: Franklin County Fair Participants/Fair Goers/Community Members

Project or Activity: Livestock Shows, Floral Hall, Exhibits/ ETC

Content or Curriculum: Classes, newspaper and newspaper articles about Fair and how to exhibit; classes to assist with making appropriate items to enter; support fair board.

Inputs: Extension Agents; Fair Board; 4-H & FFA; Homemaker Leaders; Master Gardner's; Garden Club Educators;

Date: May-July Annually

Success Stories