Wolfe County CES

Title:

Agriculture Production, Diversification, & Sustainability

MAP:

Agriculture Profitability & Marketing

Agents Involved:

Jessica Morris

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Small Farm Diversification

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Substance Use Recovery - ANR

Situation:

According to US Census of Agriculture data, since 2007 the number of farms in Wolfe County has decreased by 48 with 23,993 fewer reported acres of land in farms. The number of cattle has dropped to almost half the 2007 numbers. Net farm income has also drastically decreased in that time frame. Beef cattle and forages are the largest sectors of agriculture in Wolfe County. A large number of farmers in Wolfe County are part-time, most splitting their acreage between livestock and hay/pasture land. There is an interest in diversifying farming operations, especially as the local food movement is growing. 

In order for producers to not only maintain their operations, but also to improve them, there is a need for: improving cattle and forage production, education in water quality as it relates to livestock production and general farming practices (e.g. pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use), overall environmental stewardship, education on how to maintain forested land and utilize it through conservation practices. There is also a need to focus on agriculture diversification for niche markets (fruit/veggie production, honey and honeybees, local soaps/lotions/etc., as well as other products).  

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers will manage their farming operations and natural resources to receive maximum production profit. They will increase knowledge and develop skills necessary to manage their operations while also practicing sustainability. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will implement changes to improve their livestock, forage, or other farming operations (eg- soil testing, hay testing, improving handling facilities, rotational grazing, rotational cropping, etc.) 

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will gain a better understanding of what practices can be improved to benefit their herd, forages, income, and the environment. 

Evaluation:

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Agriculture Producers, Home/land owners, Gardeners, Farmers Market vendors 

Project or activity: Testing, diagnostic, & ID services 

Content or curriculum: Soil testing, hay testing, weed ID, insect ID, and plant disease ID to promote sustainable management decisions.  

Inputs: Agent time, UK specialists & diagnostic services 

Date: Ongoing 

 

Audience: Beef producers 

Project or Activity: BQCA training, Mountain Cattlemen meetings, Rotational grazing programs, Calving/Calf health, farm visits for pregnancy checks

Content or curriculum: training videos, meetings, demonstrations, field days, farm visits

Inputs: Agent, UK specialists 

Dates: Ongoing 

 

Audience: Agriculture Producers, Home/land owners, Gardeners, Farmers Market vendors 

Project or Activity: Water & Environmental Quality & Sustainability Programming 

Content or Curriculum:  Agriculture chemical collections program and rinse & return recycling program, Stream restoration, Ag Water Quality plan, Nature Walks, Roadside clean-ups, Pond management,  lessons on invasive species

Inputs: Agent time, KDA employees’ time, UK specialists, KY Waterways Alliance, community member/volunteer time 

Dates: Ongoing 

 

Audience: Farmers Market Vendors, Agriculture Producers, Small Business Owners 

Project or Activity: Diversification & Niche marketing 

Content or Curriculum: Farmers Market trainings/meetings, Marketing classes, Niche production programs (honeybees, wine/grape, sheep/goat, etc.), Farm Management Strategies for Improved Decision Making, Gardening classes, Raised bed classes, Fruit Tree Grafting, Fruit Tree Growers Workshop, Mushroom production, season extension classes 

Inputs: Agent time, KY Sheep & Goat Development Office resources, KSU specialists, UK Specialists, KDA employees 

Dates: Ongoing 

Reviewed JLM 05/01/2024

Success Stories