McCreary County CES

Title:

Livestock/Forage Production

MAP:

Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Goodman

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

Situation:

According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, McCreary County ranks 101st in the state for total agriculture receipts, which were $2,550,000. Top crops reported (in acres) include 3,341 for forages, 14 for apples, and 21 for vegetables. The county agriculture profile is primarily beef and forage-based. We have 173 farms, totaling 18,321 acres with an average size of 106 acres per farm. Ninety five percent of our forest land is owned by the Federal Government either by the US Forest Service or National Park Service. The PVA's office recently reported that 79% of property is currently off the tax role. Local sawmills report that over 80% of their raw material are coming from outside the county. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Existing farm operations will incorporate agricultural diversification and sustainable agriculture practices to increase quality of products and profits; young/beginning farmers establish agriculturally diverse and sustainable operations. Forest landowners implement long-term plans for woodland management and adapt practices to be specific to their property. Loggers continue education of forest management and logging practices through the Master Loggers program. Youth expand knowledge of natural resource management and environmental stewardship as it relates to living in McCreary County. Youth farmers further their experience with animal husbandry and showing at the Kentucky State Fair. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers will become better stewards of their beef/forage enterprises thus increasing income or reducing expenses. Farmers will adopt proven methods of hay storage, forage management, and beef herd management. Qualified producers will improve/expand/establish their operations through County Agricultural Investment Program education and cost-share money. Area loggers will continue education through the Master Logger's program to improve local logging practices. Woodland owners and arborists will begin implementing management practices to improve forest health management and learn to develop long-term plans for woodland and invasive species management. Youth will compete in the 4-H Senior Forestry Competition to test and further their knowledge of woodland management, invasive species, topography, and forest evaluation. Youth farmers will get hands-on experience and further their knowledge of animal husbandry through the Jr. Cattlemen’s program, and begin showing at the County Fair level.  

Initial Outcomes:

Beef Producers will gain knowledge in the following areas: vaccine laws & updates, BQCA training, CAIP education, Pesticide Training, KDA programs & updates, Farm Service Agency updates, Soil Conservation programs & updates, special topics UK specialists and agents (A.I. & estrous synchronization workshop, forage trials, etc.). Young/beginning farmers will gain knowledge in agricultural diversification and sustainable agriculture practices through CAIP educational workshops and meetings. Loggers will obtain and renew Master Loggers certifications to improve logging practices. Woodland owners & arborists will learn management techniques for forest health and management of invasives. Youth will learn and understand their role in natural resource management and environmental stewardship by participation in 4-H Forestry Team meetings. Youth beginning farmers will learn breed specifics, animal husbandry, fencing, feed basics, showing, etc. with the Jr. Cattlemen’s program. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: McCreary Cattlemen’s Association & Extension has regular educational meetings  for beef producers in which UK Specialists or local agents discuss and demonstrate new production methods and outcomes
Indicator: Programs conducted, number in attendance & evaluations 

Method: Surveys, farm visits, testing services (forage, soil, etc.), client contacts
Timeline: September - May 

 
Initial Outcome: Master Loggers continuing education programs held each year at a local lumberyard
Indicator: Programs conducted, number in attendance & evaluations
Method: renewal paperwork, surveys, observations, contacts/visits to lumberyard
Timeline: September-December

 

Initial Outcome: Youth attend environmental day camp/workshop to learn the importance of natural resource management and environmental stewardship in McCreary County  

Indicator: Attendance, participation in group activities, application of knowledge/skills in school or community projects
Method: Surveys, observations, discussions, school visits
Timeline: March-September 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Producers 

Activity: Cattlemen’s Association Programs 

Content or Curriculum:  Monthly programs covering topics such as vaccine laws & updates, BQCA training, CAIP education, Pesticide Training, KDA programs & updates, Farm Service Agency updates, Soil Conservation programs & updates, special topics UK specialists and agents (A.I. & estrous synchronization workshop, forage trials, etc.). 

Date: September-April    

  

Audience: Loggers  

Activity: Master Loggers 3-Day Training & Continuing Education  

Content or Curriculum: Current logging practices, forest health & management, safety, industry economics  

Date: March   

  

Audience: Woodland Owners/Arborists  

Activity: Invasives in the Forest & Landscape, multi-county program 

Content or Curriculum: Forest health, management, plant ID, Pesticide & ISA CEU’s 

Date: July 

 

Audience: Youth (4H Age Range) 

Activity: State Forestry Competition  

Content or Curriculum: Compass & Pacing, Tree Measurement, Forest Evaluation, Stream Team, Tree ID, Maps, Insects & Diseases 

Date: April  

Audience: Youth (4-H Age Range) 

 

Activity: 4-H Jr. Cattlemen’s Club 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock kit, YQCA, KJCA 

Inputs: McCreary Cattlemen’s Association, Farm Service Agency, NRCS, local farmers, UK Extension Agents/Specialists, local businesses, Ky Jr. Cattlemen’s Association 

Date: Sept-April 

Success Stories