Madison County CES

Title:

Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices

MAP:

Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Agents Involved:

Amanda Sears, Brandon Sears, Julia Reid, Scott Darst, Jessica Hunley

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Horticulture, Commercial

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Situation:

The Madison County Agriculture Economy has undergone significant changes in recent years. As a result farmers are seeking new opportunities to generate on farm income.

Local leadership including Madison County agriculture and horticulture councils as well as local agricultural organizations have identified a need to improve agriculture productivity and assist beginning farmers. Producers need to implement best management practices that will promote profitable operations while responsibly utilizing natural resources. (Madison County Agricultural Development Council Comprehensive Plan, 2020)

Long-Term Outcomes:

Vegetable and Fruit producers will decrease the amount of chemicals used on farm.

Less chemical use on lawns.

Residents will not have to replace trees and shrubs as often.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Vegetable and Fruit producers will apply IPM principles to their farming practice. 

Lawns will be healthier and less problematic.

Trees and shrubs will show less problems related to environmental stresses.

Initial Outcomes:

Vegetable and Fruit producers will learn IMP (integrated pest management).

Residents will learn how to manage their lawns.

Residents will learn how to care for trees and shrubs.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Livestock producers will increase efficiency through utilization of extended grazing, reduced feed costs, better reproductive management.

Indicator: Percentage increase in value added sales such as CPH-45 and Bred Heifer Sales. Increased utilization of estrus synchronization products. Adoption of alternative forage systems such as summer annual forages, extended grazing and native warm season grasses.

Method: Surveys and evaluations of workshops, sales and programs

Timeline: After conclusion of event

Outcome: Producers will utilize the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service to make research based decisions.

Indicator: Increased number of farmers and producers use the diagnostic services of the extension office.

Method: Keep records of the number of producers who use the diagnostic services at the extension service

Timeline: year round

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Madison County Residents     

Activity: Classes about gardening (vegetable and fruit), urban gardening, pests, trees

Content: UK, other land grant institutions

Input: UK, other land grant institutions

Date: Throughout year

Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Articles, classes about tree and shrub care

Content: UK, other land grant institutions

Input: UK, other land grant institutions

Date: Throughout year

Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Articles, classes about lawn care

Content: UK, other land grant institutions

Input: UK, other land grant institutions

Date: Throughout year

Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Diagnostic Services included including soil samples, plant diseases and identification, insect identification, manure and water samples, livestock feed testing, hay testing

Content: UK Extension Resources

Input: ANR and Hort agent, UK Extension Specialists, Diagnostic Labs and Resources

Date: Throughout year

Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: PATIM training and certification

Content: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent

Input: UK Entomology Department, KDA, USDA, ANR Agent

Date: February, March or April

Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Extension Forestry Webinars, social media education, articles

Content: Managing woodlands, invasive plants and insect control, income and recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat improvement

Inputs: UK Extension Forestry, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Association of Consulting Foresters and Kentucky Woodland Owner’s Association

Audience: Madison County Farmers

Activity: Farm Safety Day

Content: KDA and Kentucky Farm Bureau

Date: TBD

Audience: Madison County Hay Producers

Activity: central Kentucky hay contest & testing program

Content: UK Extension Forages Group guidelines

Date: Fall/ Winter 2024/25

Audience: Madison County Youth

Activity: 4-H Clubs including Livestock, Poultry, Saddle, Vet Science, Country Ham Project, and Rabbit Club

Content: 4-H agents, 4-H curriculum, specialists

Date: Year Round 

Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Soil Health and pH adjustment meeting

Content: NRCS 

Date: October 2024

Audience: Madison County Residents

Activity: Homesteading Expo

Content: Resources from Extension Agents

Date: September 2024

Success Stories

Central Kentucky Hay Contest

Author: Brandon Sears

Major Program: Forages

Kentucky has long been known for our Bluegrass Pastures and green, rolling hills. We have an abundance of forages with nearly 5 million acres of hay and pasture lands. Recent programming surveys by the UK Beef Extension group indicate that about only 35% of livestock producers test hay for quality. Utilizing hay testing to determine nutrient content allows for more efficient feeding of livestock through the winter by matching high quality hay with livestock that have the greatest nutrient requir

Full Story

Controlling Invasive Plants

Author: Amanda Sears

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Invasive plants can have major biological, economical and aesthetic impacts on Kentucky by degrading native habitats, decreasing the richness of native species and contributing to the loss of biodiversity. Invasive plants may negatively affect the state’s economy when they intrude on commercial fishing, aquaculture operations, forestry and agriculture as their removal comes at a cost. When recreational events such as hunting, hiking, fishing, swimming and boating are no longer possible or

Full Story

Central KY Hay Contest 2024

Author: Brandon Sears

Major Program: Forages

The second annual Central Kentucky Hay Contest was a resounding success, showcasing the dedication and collaboration of agricultural agents, specialists, and producers across 14 counties. A total of 236 hay samples were collected, representing the diverse efforts of local farmers to produce high-quality hay. Agricultural agents spent countless hours collecting these samples, an effort that not only provided crucial data but also strengthened relationships with farmers through valuable one-on-one

Full Story

Madison County Home, Farm, and Garden Expo Success

Author: Brandon Darst

Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development

Madison County Extension Agents want and need to bring attention and awareness to the local community to keep Extension from being the "Best Kept Secret." Madison County Extension Council decided to host an event that will help bring attention and awareness to the unique resources available through the Madison County Extension Office.The Madison County Extension Home, Farm, and Garden Expo utilized various venues for outreach to share about the event including billboards, radio announc

Full Story