Wolfe County CES

County Emphasis:

Agriculture Production, Diversification and Sustainability

Concentration 1:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 4:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

According to US Census of Agriculture data, since 2007 the number of farms in Wolfe County has decreased by 48 with 23,993 fewer reported acres of land in farms. The number of cattle has recently maintained steady. Beef cattle and forages are the largest sectors of agriculture in Wolfe County. A large number of farmers in Wolfe County are part-time, most splitting their acreage between livestock and hay/pasture land. There is an interest in diversifying farming operations, especially as the local food movement is growing. More people from outside of Wolfe County are moving in which has affected the market as far as wanting more fresh local produce, meat and eggs. 

In order for producers to not only maintain their operations, but also to improve them, there is a need for: improving cattle and forage production, education in water quality as it relates to livestock production and general farming practices (e.g. pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use), overall environmental stewardship, education on how to maintain forested land and utilize it through conservation practices. There is also a need to focus on agriculture diversification for niche markets (fruit/veggie production, honey and honeybees, local soaps/lotions/etc., as well as other products). High tunnel production has became a key way to capitalize on land usage while increasing production.   

County Situation:

Our county has a need to increase niche market production to gain value added dollars while maintaining the traditional aspects of hay and cattle production here. Our producers have gravitated completely away from tobacco and zero are dependent on those dollars now. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Producers are routinely implementing guidelines and recommendations for efficient and financially sound production demonstrating sustainable behavior change
• Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods leading to enhanced production efficiency and reductions in the carbon footprint.
• Producers are routinely following Beef Quality Care & Assurance standards to produce healthy and high-quality beef. 
• Continually adoption of new technology and production practices.
• Achieve long-term sustainability and resilience through the widespread adoption of practices that enhance soil productivity, conserve water, and optimize resource use, leading to resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding economic and environmental fluctuations.
• Strengthen local economies through improved farm sustainability and profitability, which are economic multipliers in local communities. Helping farm families successfully transition to subsequent generations. Helping new and beginning farmers enter farming operations.  
• Strengthen local economies through the continuous support of farmer’s markets, community gardens, and community-supported agriculture programs that are well-integrated with urban horticulture initiatives.
• Increased financial literacy skills
• Improved financial security and stability
• Improved financial and economic well-being

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Increased biosecurity strategies that promote both animal and human health related behaviors for a safe food system.? 
• Increase or strengthen partnerships or relationships with commodity groups to address sustainable management strategies, health-focused care, and economic viability for all livestock.? 
• Continue development and dissemination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by specialists and agents to educate producers and promote IPM practices and/or organic practices that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining crop health and productivity.
• Expansion of Extension programming by broadening the scope of extension services to include more comprehensive support for agronomic and horticultural crops and forages suited to Kentucky's changing climate and soil conditions.
• Early identification of potential disease outbreaks and awareness of disease trends
• Increased sound financial decision making
• Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills
• Increased savings (e.g., as a result of budgeting, saving, reducing debt, spending wisely, stretching resources)

Initial Outcomes:

• Increase intentions to employ financially sound behavior regarding production methods, use of financial tools, health-focused care, and the human-animal interaction.? 
• Increase knowledge about sustainable and economically viable management practices.? 
• Increase confidence in implementing new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems.? 
• Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research and resources
• Increase adoption of data-driven practices through immediate trainings, workshops, and field visits to educate producers on the latest data-driven agricultural technologies, focusing on efficient resource utilization, pest resistance, and yield improvements.
• Stakeholders have access to timely diagnostics to avoid or reduce the impact of disease outbreaks
• Improved financial literacy knowledge

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.) (initial) 

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management 

Method: Self-reported surveys 

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation  

Intermediate Outcome: Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research 

Indicator: Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders. 

Method: Primarily surveys, records from consultations 

Timeline: Annual 

Long-term Outcome: Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices  

Indicator: Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications  

Method: Post-program test 

Timeline:  After program participation or online 

Long-term Outcome: Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency  

Indicator:  Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: At the program  

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees 

Project or Activity: Estate Planning 

Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning publication series; Transferring Cherished Possessions curriculum; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; OneOp; Leader Lessons; farm succession and legacy building programs; etc. 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, farms, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing 

Audience: Agricultural stakeholders (producers, industry, others) 

Project or Activity: Disease identification and management of horticulture and specialty crops. Crops include tree and berry fruits, hemp, field and high tunnel vegetables, greenhouse floriculture, landscapes and urban forests, and home horticulture 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Live and virtual trainings, online videos, workshops, field days, county meetings, regional and national meetings, field visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs: UK Plant Pathology Extension Specialists, research and extension funding

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents  

Project or Activity: BQCA trainings 

Content or Curriculum: State BQCA videos and chute-side trainings 

Date: Yearly

Audience: Beef Cattle Owners, Industry representatives, Agents  

Project or Activity: Master Cattleman  

Content or Curriculum: Master Cattleman curriculum  

Inputs:  Coordination with Beef IRM coordinators & specialists  

Date: TBD

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.) (initial) 

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management 

Method: Self-reported surveys 

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation  

Intermediate Outcome: Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research 

Indicator: Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders. 

Method: Primarily surveys, records from consultations 

Timeline: Annual 

Long-term Outcome: Increased awareness of beef cattle quality assurance and care practices  

Indicator: Number of participants who obtained BQCA certifications  

Method: Post-program test 

Timeline:  After program participation or online 

Long-term Outcome: Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve cattle production efficiency  

Indicator:  Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving cattle production efficiency.  

Method: Survey 

Timeline: At the program