Knox County CES

Title:

New opportunities for agriculture in Knox County

MAP:

Furthering Agriculture Diversification

Agents Involved:

Wayne Kirby, Renata Farmer, Kelsee Dewees

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Agriculture

Situation:

Kentucky has much to offer in the way of agriculture. Of Kentucky’s total acreage (25.4 million acres), over 50% (12.9 million acres) is farmland (NASS, 2019). Kentucky farms produce a variety of agricultural products. The top five agricultural commodities (based on sales) in the Commonwealth include broilers, all other animals and products, soybeans, corn, and cattle and calves. 

With an uncertain economy, the need for agriculture diversification and niche production is at an all time high. Through educational workshops and hands-on farm visits, Knox County Extension will be able to help local farm families determine the best commodities to be successful. The ANR program council identified the need for educational programs that educate them on new markets, production techniques and ways to increase farm revenue but also the need for youth to be educated on agriculture. As a result, the ANR & 4-H programs will team to strive to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Knox County through positive youth development programs on agriculture & natural resources.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Increased agricultural profitability for Knox County Farmers;
• Youth will be agriculturally literate.
• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Farmers will utilize new technology and recommended production techniques to increase productivity and profitability.
• Youths will complete 4-H Country Ham Project.
• Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.

Initial Outcomes:

• Gain knowledge of new technology and practices as related to livestock, forages, tobacco, and horses
• Gain skills in farm management. 
• Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship,
• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.
• Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Farmers will increase AG profitability

Indicator: Farmers will expand from traditional methods/crops to diversifying crops/methods to increase profit

Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.

Timeline: Throughout year  

Intermediate Outcome: Farm families and interested members of the general public will gain a better understanding of animal husbandry and livestock/horse showmanship.

Indicator: Individuals will successfully raise and/or show animals as part of 4-H and/or Ag Extension Programs.

Method: Testimonials; observation and pre/post testing.

Timeline: Throughout program plan year

Initial Outcome: Farmers will gain and utilize new knowledge and skills that will help them increase agricultural profitability.

Indicator:Farmers will attend local workshops and will put new information, methods and techniques into practice.

Method: Testimonials; observation.

Timeline: Throughout program plan

Outcome: Youth will plan & implement an agricultural project

Indicator: Youth will participate in an agricultural project (e.g, rabbit club, country ham project, gardening)

Method: 4-H Common Measures Survey Tool

Timeline: Fall 2024/Fall 2025

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers/ Producers

Activity: Farm Visits

Content/Curriculum: Research based information tailored to needs of the producer

Date: Throughout year 2024-2025

Activity: Ag Producer Meetings

Content/Curriculum: Information on production and management of livestock, forages and commercial crops. Information on promotion and advancement of agri-tourism opportunities.

Date:  Fall/Spring

Activity: Test Plots

Content/Curriculum: Commercial crops and grazing

Date: Fall 2024/Spring 2025

Audience: Youths

Activity Agricultural based lessons/club lessons/special projects

Content/Curriculum: 4-H publications on chick incubation / country ham / Rabbit curricula / gardening

Date: Throughout school year

Audience: Youth

Activity: Gardening kits

Content / Curriculum: 4-H curriculum and NEP curriculum

Date: Summer

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: News and Views

Content or Curriculum: ANR curriculum on area needed (horticulture, spraying, feeding)

Inputs: agent, assistant

Date: monthly

Audience: Families, Producers, Youth

Project or Activity: Farmers Market exhibit & participation booths

Content or Curriculum: ANR, FCS, 4-H Curriculum

Inputs: agents, assistants, volunteers

Date: Spring 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2025

**Activities may be completed in an online/virtual experience (if needed) or in the tradition in-person setting.

Success Stories