Muhlenberg County CES

Title:

Planning for the Family and Farm

MAP:

Improving Production and Management

Agents Involved:

Alex Kelly

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

All agricultural commodities are facing an uncertain future in terms of obtaining and sustaining a profit margin. Based on survey results from Kentucky Extension Community Assessment conducted in Muhlenberg County, 20.19% of of the respondents said that sustainability of family farms was a priority.  Lack of profitability could result in unintended consequences on a personal and professional level. Commodity Councils and County Extension Council members provided suggested programming input so as to try and reduce or alleviate potential hardships or economic catastrophes.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Clientele will assess business decisions and gain management and production skills that will help sustain their farm businesses.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Clientele participate in educational programs and utilize information gained.

Initial Outcomes:

Agricultural producers will start a dialogue within their business regarding enhanced production and management practices.

Agricultural producers will adopt production practices.

Evaluation:

One to One visits, phone and or written surveys will be used following educational programs. This will be used throughout the four year plan of work.

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Improved production practices will be utilized.

Method: One to one visits

Timeline: Annually- 2024-2025

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Improved planning for production and management will be utilized.

Method: One to one visits and post program surveys will be utilized.

Timeline: After programs and on an annual basis.

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Improved production practices will be utilized.

Method: One to one visits

Timeline: Annually 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Agricultural Producers

Project or activity: Monthly beef, forage and vegetable production meetings, field trips, and or demonstrations.

Content or curriculum: Educational programs UK specialist and local ANR agent

Inputs: Agent, specialist, and volunteer time, office space

Date: Monthly on an annual basis 

Audience: Agriculture producers and their family members

Project or Activity:  Financial Awareness

Content or Curriculum: CAFE budgets and Farm Analysis reports

Inputs: Specialists, Farm analysis specialists and ANR agents, volunteer time, Program Support funds

Date: Program year 2024-2025

Success Stories