Extension
It Starts With Us
Sustainable Agriculture
Agricultural and Environmental
Ryan Farley, Beau Neal, Hannah Thornsberry, Tyson Gregory
Local Food Systems
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Master Gardener
Beef
Farms are an essential and diverse part of Kentucky’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year across the State. In Woodford County alone, agriculture and the businesses that support it are responsible for one out of three jobs and $565 million in annual revenue. The Extension Service continues to work toward a strong agricultural community and local food system. Educational programs must holistically target farm viability by teaching sustainable production practices including enhancing soil quality and health, economic profitability, and natural resource conservation to ensure the longevity of farms and landscapes within the community. In addition, agricultural awareness in the community must be addressed through educational programs about where and how food and other agricultural products are produced.
Preservation and improvement of financial health of farms in the community.
Increased interest in agriculture and horticulture production.
Homeowners will save more money on home landscape.
Increased diversification of crops produced in Woodford county.
Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.
Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve the well-being of their farms, gardens and landscapes.
Increased interest in local foods
Initial Outcome: Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve natural resources on their farms.
Indicator: Observation
Method: Personal Interviews
Timeline: Yearly
Intermediate Outcome: Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.
Indicator: Observation
Method: Site visits, personal interviews
Timeline: Yearly
Long-Term Outcome: Enhancement of economic and ecological sustainability for farmers and homeowners within the community.
Indicator: Ag Census, Soil test reports
Method: National Ag Statistics Service, U.K. Regulatory Services
Timeline: Yearly
Audience: Farmers/Landowners
Project or Activity: Educational Programs, Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Sustainable farm management and agricultural production.
Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant Time, Specialist Time, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Woodford Co. Conservation District, Woodford County Beef Cattle Association, Farmer Cooperators
Date: Yearly
Audience: Homeowners/Farmers/Landowners
Project or Activity: Soil Testing Service
Content or Curriculum: Soil testing for residents to promote sustainable management decisions
Inputs: Agent Time
Date: Yearly
Audience: Homeowners/Farmers
Project or Activity: Horticulture Educational Programs/Events/Workshops
Content or Curriculum: Sustainable horticultural practices for farms, home gardens, and landscapes.
Inputs: Agent Time, Specialist Time, CES publications
Date: January - December
Audience: Woodford County Residents
Project or Activity: Diagnostic Services and Recommendations
Content: UK Extension Resources
Inputs: ANR and HORT agents, UK Extension Specialists and Resources
Date: On-going Year round
Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families, Producers
Project or Activity: Local Foods Directory, Farm to Table Dinner
Content or Curriculum: Commercial Horticulture and Marketing to Promote Local Foods
Inputs: Agent/Program Assistant's time
Date: Annually
Audience: Youth
Project or Curriculum: Plant Camp, Junior Master Gardener
Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, Specialists, local farmers, CES publications
Date: Yearly
Audience: Woodford County Residents
Project or Curriculum: Community Gardens
Inputs: Agent Time, Master Gardeners, local community members, CES publications
Date: Yearly
Audience: Farmers, Future Farmers, Families, Producers
Project or Activity: Beginning Farmer Program
Content or Curriculum: Educational program
Inputs: Farmer cooperators, Agent/Program Assistant's time, , Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Woodford County Conservation District, Farm Service Agency, UK Specialists
Date: Every other year
Audience: Homeowners/Landowners
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Training
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky Master Gardener Curriculum
Inputs: Agent Time, U.K. Specialists, CES Publications
Date: Every other year
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Equine
In order to help equine producers be efficient and profitable, Central Kentucky County Extension Agents for Agriculture & Natural Resources collaborated with Ag Equine Programs to offer the Equine Expo. I hosted the event right here in Woodford County at River Mountain Farm. The assistance of long-time business community sponsors allowed producers to see what the latest offerings are in farm machinery, equine nutrition products, and numerous other necessities for equine operations.&nbs
