Woodford County CES

Title:

Sustainable Agriculture

MAP:

Agricultural and Environmental

Agents Involved:

Ryan Farley, Beau Neal, Hannah Thornsberry, Tyson Gregory

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Master Gardener

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Beef

Situation:

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. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Clientele implement sound environmental and economic practices.

Initial Outcomes:

Clientele are aware of practices to sustain or improve the well-being of their farms, gardens and landscapes.

Increased interest in local foods

Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

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

Success Stories