Extension
It Starts With Us
Improve and sustain agriculture production
Agriculture Production and Sustainablity
Raymond Cox, Jeremy Williams, Chasity Heck
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Horticulture, Commercial
Beekeeping
Local Food Systems
During discussions with the Harlan County Extension Council, program councils, and volunteer groups, agriculture management was seen as an issue that needs to be addressed. Although the county's commercial agriculture production ranks low, home gardening, landscaping, home fruit production, honey, forestry, and livestock production are still a source of livelihood income for citizens.
Adults and youth will initiate fruit and vegetable production and livestock management practices in order to provide a low cost food source and possible supplementation of income. Citizens will also see economic diversity as a result of being involved and developing agriculture products.
Adults and youth will apply recommended agriculture management practices to their gardens, orchards, beeyards, woodlands, and livestock operations.
Adults and youth will gain knowledge in gardening and fruit production as it refers to site selection, soil preparation, variety selection, nutrient needs, disease and insect controls, and proper harvesting in order to receive the best products. Adults will gain knowledge in apiary management and assist other beekeepers. Youth and adults will acquire skills in livestock management. They will be able to use best management practices in their operations.
Initial Outcome: Gain knowledge in agriculture production and management
Indicator: Begin to see improvements in their operations
Method: Attendance at workshops, reports, visits
Timeline: Throughout year
Intermediate Outcome: Adults and youth will gain knowledge of agriculture production
Indicator: Adults and youth will apply the knowledge they have learned
Method: Participate in workshops, 4-H events, site visits, reports
Timeline: Throughout year
Long-term Outcome: Adults and youth will gain knowledge in agriculture production and management
Indicator: Improvement will be made in their landscapes, orchards, beeyards and livestock production
Method: Number of adults and youth attending workshops and participating in agriculture management activities
Timeline: Throughout year
Audience: Adult
Project or Activity: Home Gardening
Content or Curriculum: UK gardening publications, presentations,
Inputs: Staff, specialists, leaders
Date: Spring and Summer 2025
Audience: Adult
Project or Activity: Cumberland Gap Cattle Conference
Content or Curriculum: UK, VT, UT extension publications and curriculum
Inputs: Staff and specialists from UK, VT and UT
Date: Winter 2025
Audience: Adult
Project or Activity: Backyard Poultry Production
Content or Curriculum: Extension Poultry Publications
Inputs: Staff, leaders
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: K-6
Project or Activity: Windowsill Garden/Grow Your Own Tomatoes
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Grow Your Own Tomatoes
Inputs: Staff, teachers
Date: April 2025
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Harlan County Beekeepers
Content or Curriculum: UK and KSU publications, updates from KDA,
Inputs: Staff, leaders, guest speakers
Date: Meeting each month
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Home Fruit Production
Content or Curriculum: UK horticulture publications
Inputs: Staff, UK Specialists, volunteers
Date: February / March 2025
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Chick Incubation
Content or Curriculum: Presentations, hands-on, publications
Inputs: Staff, teachers, volunteers
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: 4th-12th grade
Project or Activity: 4H Garden Club
Content or Curriculum: Gardening booklets, publications
Inputs: Staff, volunteers
Date: Spring 2025
