Mason County CES

Title:

Crops and the Environment

MAP:

Agriculture and Environment

Agents Involved:

Tad Campbell, Macy Fawns, Trever Cole

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Grains

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

Situation:

With the agriculture diversity in Mason County coupled with the topography with various slopes and tillable ground throughout the county, focusing on crop sustainability, soil conservation and enhancements to continue to generate farm income will offset any one major income producing sector. Forages for pasture/hay and cash hay become more prevalent with the economics of other commodities. Grain and tobacco production continue to generate farm income, but not to the supporting scale seen in past decades. Building a strong forage management mentality along with a sustainable grain production system will work hand in hand with the large livestock production sector in the county. Producers in the community look for efficient productive means for forage development and sustainability as well as other possible alternative such as Hemp and bio-mass for forms of education pilots and income generating avenues.  Hemp has exploded in the area but quickly saw a check a balance when the supply and demand of products fluctuated just as any other farm commodity.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Producers will be able to utilize technology to become more efficient with production expenses to lower volume input costs while maintaining environmentally sound conservation practices. 
• Participants will be able to manage forages to allow for increased carrying capacities, higher yields, and higher quality for operational use or cash sales. 
• Increase market and production opportunities for new crops such as Hemp and other non-traditional crops to provide added income to Mason County farm operations. 
• 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.
• Clients learn how to test streams

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Producers will be able to adapt technology such as GPS monitoring for chemical and fertilizer applications to become more efficient. 
• Producers will do more soil tests for farms to add the proper amount of fertilization needed for a specific crop. 
• Tobacco producers will utilize proper varieties to help reduce disease pressure during production. 
• Rotational grazing will be adapted to provide adequate rest times for each field. 
• Producers will follow pesticide safety protocols gained during certification and from the label instructions to reduce risk of exposure. 
• 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.
• Clients go into community and test streams, to view if it is healthy. 

Initial Outcomes:

• Producers will gain knowledge of crop varieties to enhance production efficiencies. 
• Producers will gain knowledge of benefits of soil testing. 
• Wildlife enthusiast will gain knowledge of soil, forages, food plots and conservation practices. 
• Producers will gain knowledge of storage capabilities that can add value to crops. 
• Producers will gain knowledge on dividing pasture fields for rotational grazing to improve forage quantity and quality. 
• Producers will gain knowledge on pesticide safety and why it is important to all on the operation. 
• Producers will learn about using better varieties to improve forage quality and yield. 
• 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.
• Clients make changes to increase stream health and teach others. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Wildlife enthusiast will gain knowledge of soil, forages, food plots and conservation practices

Indicator: Attendees to wildlife program series

Method: visual appraisal/ survey

Timeline: Summer/Fall

Initial Outcome: Clients & youth learn how to test the streams health.

Indicator: Number of individuals who planned to apply what they learned from this program to address water issues

Method: visual appraisal/ survey

Timeline: Spring & Fall

Intermediate Outcome: Producers will gain knowledge on dividing pasture fields for rotational grazing to improve forage quantity and quality.

Indicator:  Pastures and hay fields are subdivided for grazing system

Method: Phone Survey

Timeline:  Summer/Fall

Intermediate Outcome: Clients and Youth test stream health in the community

Indicator: Number of those who shared information from this program with at least one other individual

Method: observation

Timeline: Samples are collected three times per year

Long-term Outcome: Producers will benefit from soil testing.

Indicator:  Producers see crop responses to soil testing efforts in yields and plant vigor.

Method: Testimony.

Timeline:  Spring/fall

Long-term Outcome: Client and youth change behavior to increase stream health.

Indicator:  Number of those who reported going beyond the program to learn more about best practices to protect and/or conserve water resources

Method: Observation and Surveys

Timeline:  Spring, summer, fall (after activity)

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Agronomy Day 

Content or Curriculum: UK research based information

Inputs: ANR Agent, UK specialists

Dates: Annually every February

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Farm Family Night- Multiple Agriculture Educational Classes

Content or Curriculum: UK research based information

Inputs: ANR Agent, UK specialists, MCTC

Dates: March

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Weed Control in Pastures/Hay Fields- Field Walk

Content or Curriculum: UK research based information

Inputs: ANR Agent, UK specialists

Date: Fall

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Farm School for Women

Content or Curriculum: UK research based information

Inputs: ANR Agent, UK specialists

Date: Fall

Audience: Outdoor Enthusiasts

Project or Activity: Wildlife Series

Content or Curriculum: Food plots, Harvest/Carcass Prep, Cook Wild KY

Inputs: ANR Agent, UK specialists, land, food plot

Date: Summer/late fall

Audience: Tobacco Farmers 

Project or Activity: Tobacco Production/GAP 

Content or Curriculum: UK research based information 

Inputs: ANR Agent, UK specialists 

Date: Early spring 

Audience:  Farmers 

Project or Activity:  Private Applicator Pesticide Certification 

Content or Curriculum:  KDA/UK Approved materials 

Inputs: ANR Agent, UK specialist materials 

Date:  February through early April 

Audience: High School Agriculture Classes 

Project or Activity: Farm Inc. 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum 

Inputs: 4-H Agent, FFA Advisor, High School Agriculture Classes, Soil Conservation, Farm Loan Officer 

Date: Spring

Audience: Youth & Adults

Project or Activity: Water-Watch Test Streams 

Content or Curriculum: Water-Watch curriculum 

Inputs: Horticulture Agent, NRCS, teachers 

Date: Spring, summer & fall

Success Stories