Extension
It Starts With Us
Agriculture Production and Environmental Literacy
Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment
Adam Huber (ANR), Vacant(FCS), Anna Meador (4-H)
Horticulture, Commercial
Chemical Management
Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Beef
Allen County is located in south central Kentucky where there is an abundant amount of agriculture and wildlife present. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Allen County is the #3 producer of vegetables and #1 producer of cattle and calve sales in the state. With 21% of the land in Allen County being woodlands and Barren River Lake flowing into the county, there are numerous outdoor activities and accommodations that Allen County has to offer outdoor enthusiasts.
As you can see, Allen County is very diverse and with the help of County Extension Council, we identified the needs in our community, as well as programs that will help community members be more comfortable growing and safely handling their own food, exercising and staying healthy, along with learning the importance of keeping our environment clean and pollution free.
- Maximize best management practices in farming operations
- Participate in civic projects that improve the environment
- Increased sales, profits & participation in farming operations
- Livestock and horticulture increased profit or reduced expenses or risk
- Improve wildlife habitat and environment
- Land owners enhance and maintain wildlife habitat
- Increase participation in outdoor activities
- Apply safety practices in Ag, Environment & wildlife activities
- Employ best practices in livestock & horticulture production
- Demonstrate food safety practices
- Use habitat improvement methods to increase wildlife populations
- Recognize the importance of environmental footprint
- Increase confidence in growing produce and livestock for consumption
- Utilize safety practices in ag, environment, and wildlife
- Learn 3 or more best practices in livestock, health, nutrition, & production
Initial Outcome: Learn 3 or more best practices in livestock, health, nutrition, & production
Indicator: Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farming operation
Method: verbal, paper and electronic surveys
Timeline: Annually after completion of programs
Intermediate Outcome Increase participation of outdoor activities
Indicator: Individuals state that they increased physical outdoor activities and exercise
Method: verbal, paper and electronic surveys
Timeline: Annually after completion of programs
Intermediate Outcome: Use habitat improvement methods to increase wildlife populations
Indicator: Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farming operation.
Method: verbal, paper and electronic surveys
Timeline: Annually after completion of programs
Long-term Outcome: Maximize best management practices in farming operations
Indicator: Individuals state that they gained knowledge and will use the knowledge gained on their farm to improve yield, profit and BMP
Method: verbal, paper and electronic surveys
Timeline: Annually after completion of programs
Audience: Agriculture producers, elected officials, educators and all stakeholders
Project or Activity: Farm to Fork Event
Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Toolkit, Farm to Table
Inputs: ANR, FCS & 4-H agents, Chamber of Commerce members, donated items
Date: Annually, Summer/Fall
Project or Activity: Agriculture Field Day
Content or Curriculum: General Ag content from UK specialist
Inputs: ANR, FCS & 4-H agents, Ag Advisory Committee members, UK specialist, Vendors, donated items
Date: Annually Spring or Fall
Audience: Youth, Families, Stakeholders
Project or Activity: Environmental Camp
Content or Curriculum: Forestry, wildlife & fish, environmental sustainability
Inputs: ANR, FCS, 4-H agents,
Date: Annually, Summer
Project or Activity: 4-H livestock and horse projects
Content or Curriculum: 4-H agriculture core
Inputs: Club leaders, community partners
Date: Annually
Audience: Agriculture producers, business owners, families, youth and stakeholders
Project or Activity: Allen County Agriculture Producer Guide
Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Toolkit training, Plate It up KY proud,
Inputs: ANR Agent, youth participants, Allen County Farmers Market, local agriculture producers
Date: Annually, Spring-Summer
Project or Activity: Farmers Market Education
Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market Toolkit training, Plate It up KY proud
Inputs: ANR, FCS, NEP Assistant, Farmers Market manager/vendors
Date: Annually, May-October
Project or Activity: Wildlife and commercial vegetable meetings
Content or Curriculum: Research from UK specialist, UK publications
Inputs: UK Specialist, ANR Agent, KY Fish and Wildlife, KY Division of Forestry
Date: Annually, Spring, Fall, Winter
Author: Nan Montgomery
Major Program: Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud
On August 28, 2024, the Allen County Cooperative Extension Service and the Farm to Fork Committee co-hosted the second Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork Fundraising Dinner. The event aimed to promote Kentucky Proud foods and support the Allen County 4-H Program. The dinner featured a delicious Kentucky Proud meal by a local caterer, Allen County Homemakers, and 4-H members. This provided an opportunity to enjoy local food while contributing to a good cause. The dinner, was held at Peach Tree Farm and
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Local Food Systems
On August 28, 2024, the Allen County Cooperative Extension Service and the Farm to Fork Committee co-hosted the second Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork Fundraising Dinner. The event aimed to promote Kentucky Proud foods and support the Allen County 4-H Program. The dinner featured a delicious Kentucky Proud meal by a local caterer, Allen County Homemakers, and 4-H students. This provided an opportunity to enjoy local food while contributing to a good cause. The dinner, was held at Peach Tree Farm and
Author: Anna Meador
Major Program: Agriculture
Eating local isn’t just a fashionable trend. By eating local farm produce and animal products, consumers may just find a positive correlation for improved health, nutrition, personal finances and even a positive impact in your community by financially supporting local farms. For a second year, Allen County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with local farmers, Extension Volunteers and the 4-H Program to host our Annual Farm to Fork Event. “The Kentucky Proud Fa
