Extension
It Starts With Us
Supporting Local Agriculture
Agriculture
McCarty
Beef
Forages
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Agriculture & Natural Resources
The majority of Menifee County agriculture is produced on small farms. Over the last few years, the Menifee County Extension Office has contributed to improving access to local, healthy food by training and certification of farmers, gardeners, beef producers 4-Her, Homemakers, and food entrepreneurs. Food production can begin with washing produce, home baking, home canning, vaccinating livestock, and producing quality forages. Consumers are at least 2 -3 generations removed from the farm. Educating consumer and todays youth on were the food comes from is very important.
Attendees will increase the availability of fresh fruits vegetables, and meat to the community.
Use Extension resources to make decisions related to food production and food safety as well as obtaining certifications to sell direct to consumer and value-added products.
Attendees will increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in beef production, forage practices, chemical usage, and marketing.
Outcome: Increased items at the farmers market.
Method: Visual.
Timeline: Summer 2023.
Outcome: Increased Ag Sales.
Indicator: USDA Statistics.
Method: Research.
Timeline: Fall 2023.
Outcome: Increased Ag knowledge.
Indicator: Survey Questions.
Method: Survey.
Timeline: Fall 2023.
Outcome: Increase Youth Knowledge in Agriculture.
Indicator: Survey Questions.
Method: Formal and Informal Survey.
Timeline: Spring 2024.
Audience: YAK Farmer, Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Hay Research, Semen Extender Research
Content or Curriculum: Weight Gain on different hays
Inputs: Agent, Farmer, and UK Specialist
Date :Fall Winter 2023-2024
Project or Activity: Beef Producer Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Hay Quality, Marketing
Inputs: UK Specialist
Date: Quarterly Meetings
Audience: Farmers Market/Horticulture
Project or Activity: Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: SRFMNP, WIC/Marketing
Inputs: UK Crop Diversification, CFA
Date: Spring & Summer 2023-2024
Project or Activity: Youth Garden
Content or Curriculum: Youth Master Gardner Manual
Inputs: Agents Teacher
Date: Fall 2024 spring
Audience: 4-H
Project or Activity: Country Hams
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Kit
Inputs: Agents
Date: Winter 2024
Project or Activity: Ag Awareness Day
Content or Curriculum: Progressive AG
Inputs: Teachers and Volunteers
Date: Spring 2024
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Small Farm Management
According to the Lexington Herald, in 2022, more people moved to Kentucky than in any other year. Many of these new residents moved into Menifee County. Some of the new residents had a farming history, but many have moved from an urban lifestyle to a new rural one. These residents are looking for ways for their farm to work for them. Small farms and limited-acre farms bring different challenges to new residents. Knowing where to begin and how to make all needed purc
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Beef
The second yak conference was held on October 28, 2023, at Morehead State University. 48 tickets were claimed from the online registration site with 140 page views. Participants came from across the United States, and people traveled from Oregon, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, New Jersey, and Kentucky. The conference spanned 11 hours, providing information on general yak husbandry and updates from the Southern SARE-supported producer and on-farm research grant work. A post-program eval
