Grant County CES

Title:

Fixating the Focus on the Local Food Supply

MAP:

Elevating Local Food Systems

Agents Involved:

Ammerman, Conkwright, McFarland

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Horticulture, Commercial

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Nutrition and Food Systems General

Situation:

Recent community needs assessment coupled with the global pandemic have shifted consumers focus from large chain grocery stores toward locally sourced items to fulfill their need for food staples.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Consumer demand for locally grown and processed foods continues to climb.  Farmers recognize and respond to consumer demand and retaliate by matching with supply.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmer's look toward alternative methods of production and sales of off farm products.  Farm respond quicker to consumer demands.

Initial Outcomes:

Farmers acquire knowledge to understand new and emerging markets.  Farmer's also adjust production and marketing practices to reach new consumer populous. 

Evaluation:

Increase in farm gate revenues, More consumers purchase locally raised foods. 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Cattle Owners

Project or Activity: Building Better Beef

Content or Curriculum: UK Beef IRM

Inputs: Agent and UK website

Date: monthly throughout the year

Audience: Beef Farmers

Project of Activity: Master Cattlemen

Content or Curriculum: UK Beef IRM and UK Publications

Inputs: UK publications and specialists

Date: Fall 2024

Audience: Goat Producers

Project of Activity: Meat Goat Updates

Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications

Inputs: UK publications, KSU specialists

Date: March 2025

Audience: Sheep and Goat Farmers

Project of Activity: Small Ruminant Workshop

Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications

Inputs: UK publications KSU specialists

Date: March 2025

Audience: Forage Farmers

Project or Activity: Controlling Weeds in Pastures and Hayfields

Content or Curriculum: UK Agronomy

Inputs: Agent and UK website

Date: Spring 2024

Audience: Forage Farmers

Project or Activity: Pasture Renovation

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: UK publications and specialists

Date: Spring 2024

Audience: County Ag Investment Program Farmers

Project of Activity: Hay Storage to increase profits

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: UK publications and specialists

Date: Year Round

Audience: Dairy and Beef Farmers

Project of Activity: Silage Production Update

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications

Inputs: UK publications,

Date: March 2025

Audience: Vegetable Farmers

Project of Activity: Producers Best Practices Training

Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications

Inputs: UK publications and specialists

Date:  April 2025

Audience: Farmer’s Markets

Project of Activity: SNAP-Ed, WIC and Senior Coupons

Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications

Inputs: UK publications and specialists

Date: Jan 2025 throughout the growing season

Audience: 6,7, & 8 Graders

Project of Activity: GCMS Garden

Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications

Inputs: UK publications and specialists, agent and volunteers

Date: March –Sept 2025

Audience: 4-H Youth

Project of Activity: 4-H Horticulture Club

Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications

Inputs: UK publications and specialists, agents and volunteers

Date: March – Oct 2025

Success Stories

Growing Connections

Author: Asa Conkwright

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Due to the recognition of the benefits of local food production there has been an increase in people seeking locally grown and produced products or learning how to produce fruits and vegetables themselves. Not only do customers enjoy the enhanced flavors of locally produced foods there is a perceived sense of security in knowing where your food comes from. Community markets are also a great way to bring the community together to work towards a common goal and can be used to foster relationships

Full Story