Extension
It Starts With Us
Creating awareness of the impact of agriculture on daily life
Agricultural Awareness
Brasher, James, Rideout, Hill
Local Food Systems
Forages
Nutrition and Food Systems General
Kentucky is home to 77,064 farms, with 465 farms in Henderson County (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). The average farm size in Henderson County is 378 acres, compared to the state average of 169 (National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2012). Between 2007 and 2012, the Bluegrass State had a 6.7% decrease in the number of acres of farmland, which is the greatest percentage decrease any state in the country (Census of Agriculture, 2012).
In 2012, Henderson County farms operated on 175,914 acres, which represented 62.9% of total county land. In comparison, Kentucky’s farm operations made up 51.6% of the state’s total land area, and U.S. farm operations made up 40.5% of total land area in the country. While Kentucky’s population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore, the need exists to educate people about the impact that it makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the commonwealth.
Adults and youth in Henderson County will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
Adults and youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others and can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.
People in Henderson County will know where their food comes from and what can be grown locally and will know more about Kentucky Proud products.
Initial Outcome: People in Henderson County will know where their food comes from and what can be grown locally and will know more about Kentucky Proud products.
Indicator: People will state what they have learned
Method: Survey
Timeline: 2024-2025
Intermediate Outcome: Adults and youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others and can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.
Indicator: Survey
Method: Demonstrate Skills
Timeline: End of 2024
Long-term Outcome: Adults and youth in Henderson County will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
Indicator: Behavior
Method: Demonstrate Skills
Timeline: 2024 forward
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Education on locally grown crops, what they look like, and recipes you can make with them during field trip
Content or Curriculum: KY Proud, Plate it up, Extension Publications
Inputs: Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Farmers
Date: Fall 2024-Fall 2025
Audience: Henderson County Seniors
Project or Activity: Administer the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program
Content or Curriculum: State guidelines/promotional materials
Inputs: Extension Agents, Community partners, Farmers
Date: Summer 2024 and Summer 2025
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Henderson Ag is strong and the local business community understands the importance of agriculture in our community both as an economic driver and for it’s cultural importance. The local Chamber of Commerce organized an Agriculture Committee to help promote and support local producers. They called on Extension to help. The Chamber Ag committee is responsible for planning and organizing the annual Farm to Table Dinner that highlights local produce growers.
