Extension
It Starts With Us
Supporting Local Agriculture
Agriculture
McCarty
Beef
Forages
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Agriculture
The majority of Menifee County agriculture is produced on small farms. Over the last few years, the Menifee County Extension Office has improved access to local, healthy food by training and certification of farmers, gardeners, beef producers 4-Her, Homemakers, and food entrepreneurs. Food production can begin with washing produce, home baking, home canning, vaccinating livestock, and producing quality forages. Consumers are at least 2 -3 generations removed from the farm. Educating consumers and today's youth on where the food comes from is very important.
Attendees will increase the availability of fresh fruits vegetables, and meat to the community.
Use Extension resources to make decisions related to food production and food safety as well as obtaining certifications to sell direct to consumer and value-added products.
Attendees will increase their knowledge of horticulture and best practices in beef production, forage practices, chemical usage, and marketing.
Outcome: Increased items at the farmers market.
Method: Visual.
Timeline: Summer 2024.
Outcome: Increased Ag Sales.
Indicator: USDA Statistics.
Method: Research.
Timeline: Spring 2025.
Outcome: Increased knowledge through the Small Farm Sustainability Project.
Indicator: Increase in applications and questions.
Method: Phone calls and projects.
Timeline: Spring 2025.
Outcome: Increase Youth Knowledge in Agriculture.
Indicator: Survey Questions.
Method: Formal and Informal Survey.
Timeline: Spring 2025.
Audience: YAK Farmer, Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Hay Research, Semen Extender Research
Content or Curriculum: Weight Gain on different hays
Inputs: Agent, Farmer, and UK Specialist
Date :Fall Winter 2024-2025
Project or Activity: Beef Producer Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Hay Quality, Marketing
Inputs: UK Specialist
Date: Quarterly Meetings
Audience: Farmers Market/Horticulture
Project or Activity: Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: SRFMNP, WIC/Marketing
Inputs: UK Crop Diversification, CFA
Date: Spring & Summer 2024-2025
Project or Activity: Youth Garden
Content or Curriculum: Youth Master Gardner Manual
Inputs: Agents Teacher
Date: Fall 2024 spring
Audience: 4-H
Project or Activity: Country Hams and 4-H Livestock Club, 4-H Horse
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Kit
Inputs: Agents
Date: Summer 2024 - Spring 2025
Project or Activity: Small Farm Sustainability Project
Content or Curriculum: Chosen Projects on application
Inputs: Farmers and Grant Funds
Date: Summer 2024-Spring 2025
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Agriculture
Menifee County, with its rural charm and population of 6200, might seem like a place where everyone knows where their food comes from. However, the reality is different. In 2011, according to the Ag Daily, 72% of the United States of America's population knew nothing or a little bit about farming and ranching. These statistics underscore the urgent need for Ag education, even in rural counties like ours. The importance of Ag education cannot be overstated, but it is a vital part of our
