Washington County CES

Title:

Improving Agricultural Systems In Washington County

MAP:

Managing and Growing Environmental, Agriculture, and Horticulture Systems

Agents Involved:

Dennis Morgeson, Taylor Graves, and Melissa Richardson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Soil testing

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Hay testing

Situation:

The 2023 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment reported sustainability of family farms, preserving/managing agricultural land, strengthening/supporting local food and agriculture industry, providing increased market opportunities for farmers, promoting youth agriculture and natural resources literacy, and assisting farmers in agricultural production and profitability as top 15 priorities within the Washington County community. Our local advisory councils for Agriculture, Horticulture, and 4-H Youth Development contributed to this assessment and promoted it within their communities. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maintain and increase family owned farms

Increased home horticulture participation 

Youth and adult program participants will be educated advocates for sustainable agriculture and food systems

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers utilize Extension resources to make fiscally sustainable decisions about farm management practices

Clientele will engage in horticultural programming and utilize research-based knowledge

4-H clientele will apply skills and knowledge in the production of agricultural commodities and environmental practices 

Initial Outcomes:

Increased awareness and availability of research-based Extension resources, including cost share opportunities through the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy Funding

Learn the most successful varieties to plant in Washington County, including proper planning, planting dates, and management

Community members will receive trainings, certifications, and accreditations in agriculture and natural resources programming 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness and availability of research-based Extension resources, including cost share opportunities through the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy Funding

Indicator: Increased use of Extension resources and programming

Method: monitoring participation in CAIP, YAIP, and Next Generation Farmers educational opportunities 

Timeline: annually

Intermediate Outcome: Producers utilize Extension resources to make fiscally sustainable decisions about farm management practices

Indicator: Increased soil testing in the community

Method: monitoring the numbers of soil tests

Timeline: bi-annually 

Long-term Outcome: Increased home horticulture participation 

Indicator: Increased participation in Wheelbarrow Series

Method: sign up sheets and registration

Timeline: bi-annually 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Washington and Surrounding Counties

Project or Activity: Wheelbarrow Series

Content or Curriculum: Cooperative Extension Publications and Research

Inputs: Extension Funding, Fees from participants, Extension Staff

Date: February through November 2024 (starting again in February 2025)

Audience: 4-H Youth

Project or Activity: Country Ham, Livestock Projects, Horse Projects, Horticulture, School Based Programming

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core Curriculums

Inputs: Extension resources, Fees, Volunteers, Extension Staff

Date: Country Ham- February - August 2024; Livestock Projects- continuous; Horse Projects- continuous; Horticulture- spring 2025; School Based Programming- August 2024-May 2025

Audience: Washington County Producers

Project or Activity: Meetings, Educational Activities, and Programs

Content or Curriculum: Extension resources

Inputs: Extension resources, staff, and specialists

Date: cost share opportunities - May 2025 (annual program); monthly educational programs