Extension
It Starts With Us
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Amanda Sears, Brandon Sears, Julia Reid, Scott Darst
Horticulture, Commercial
Beef
Forages
The Madison County Agriculture Economy has undergone significant changes in recent years. As a result farmers are seeking new opportunities to generate on farm income.
Local leadership including Madison County agriculture and horticulture councils as well as local agricultural organizations have identified a need to improve agriculture productivity and assist beginning farmers. Producers need to implement best management practices that will promote profitable operations while responsibly utilizing natural resources. (Madison County Agricultural Development Council Comprehensive Plan, 2020)
Vegetable and Fruit producers will decrease the amount of chemicals used on farm.
Less chemical use on lawns.
Residents will not have to replace trees and shrubs as often.
Vegetable and Fruit producers will apply IPM principles to their farming practice.
Lawns will be healthier and less problematic.
Trees and shrubs will show less problems related to environmental stresses.
Vegetable and Fruit producers will learn IMP (integrated pest management).
Residents will learn how to manage their lawns.
Residents will learn how to care for trees and shrubs.
Outcome: Livestock producers will increase efficiency through utilization of extended grazing, reduced feed costs, better reproductive management.
Indicator: Percentage increase in value added sales such as CPH-45 and Bred Heifer Sales. Increased utilization of estrus synchronization products. Adoption of alternative forage systems such as summer annual forages, extended grazing and native warm season grasses.
Method: Surveys and evaluations of workshops, sales and programs
Timeline: After conclusion of event
Outcome: Producers will utilize the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service to make research based decisions.
Indicator: Increased number of farmers and producers use the diagnostic services of the extension office.
Method: Keep records of the number of producers who use the diagnostic services at the extension service
Timeline: year round
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Classes about gardening (vegetable and fruit)
Content: UK, other land grant institutions
Input: UK, other land grant institutions
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Articles, classes about tree and shrub care
Content: UK, other land grant institutions
Input: UK, other land grant institutions
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Articles, classes about lawn care
Content: UK, other land grant institutions
Input: UK, other land grant institutions
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Diagnostic Services included including soil samples, plant diseases and identification, insect identification, manure and water samples, livestock feed testing, hay testing
Content: UK Extension Resources
Input: ANR and Hort agent, UK Extension Specialists, Diagnostic Labs and Resources
Date: Throughout year
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: PATIM training and certification
Content: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent
Input: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent
Date: February, March or April
Audience: Madison County Residents
Activity: Extension Forestry Webinars, social media education, articles
Content: Managing woodlands, invasive plants and insect control, income and recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat improvement
Inputs: UK Extension Forestry, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Association of Consulting Foresters and Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association
Audience: Madison County Farmers
Activity: Farm Safety Day
Content: KDA and Kentucky Farm Bureau
Date: Fall 2023
Audience: Madison County Hay Producers
Activity: central Kentucky hay contest & testing program
Content: UK Extension Forages Group guidelines
Date: Fall/ Winter 2023
Audience: Madison County Youth
Activity: 4-H Clubs including Livestock, Poultry, Saddle, Vet Science, Country Ham Project, and Rabbit Club
Content: 4-H agents, 4-H curriculum, specialists
Date: Year Round
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Tree Week 2023 As our urban areas grow more and more, it is important to not forget the importance of trees in our communities. Trees not only provide beauty, but they also reduce storm-water runoff, cool cities, filter air and water pollutants, store carbon dioxide and help improve mental health and well being. To help educate the public about the importance of trees, the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry began the first annual Tree Week in 2018.“Tree Week
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Our community wants to be more resilient and sustainable. One way to promote that is by offering a seed swap.Having seeds to swap was not a requirement to attend. In addition to the seeds brought by clients, seed packets were available that had been donated by the local Ace Hardware.Before the swap began, seeds were placed on tables according to type of plant. Then the Agent gave a brief presentation on how to save and store seeds, as well as guidelines on how to proceed with the swap. Once the
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Local Food Systems
People do not know where their food comes from. For the past ten years the Madison County Horticulture Agent and a volunteer have maintained a list called, “Farm Food-Grown or Sold in Madison County”. The list contains contact information for the local farmer’s markets and CSAs, as well as sources for seeds, transplants, fruits, meats, u-pick farms and restaurants that use local foods. Nearly 30 farms in Madison County are highlighted in the listing.The list is updated on
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Madison county continues to be among the top three counties for growth in Kentucky. Many who move here are first time land/farm owners in search of guidance for how to get started and connected to the community. Local farmers and landowners also continue to need assistance and education for their production challenges as well.In an effort to educate and connect producers with one another programs and with input from the Madison County Extension Agriculture Council, Madison County Beef Cattle Ass
