Morgan County CES

County Emphasis:

Growing Farms in Morgan County

Concentration 1:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 2:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Plant Production and Management

Situation:

Small farm development is a crucial aspect of the Kentucky agricultural sector, especially in the context of supporting rural economies and ensuring food security. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) defines a small farm as an operation with a gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less. The average market value of agricultural products sold by farms in Morgan County is $10,144 per farm, with the average expenses being $11,869 per farm. These farms are typically family-owned and operated, and they represent more than 90 percent of farms in the U.S. These farms face challenges such as urbanization, an aging farmer population, farm consolidation, new and beginning farmers, and changing climate patterns.    In Morgan County the average farm spans 161 acres with many being much smaller. With right at 560 farms in the county, farmland only represents 37.0% of the total acreage of Morgan County.  Small farms play a vital role in the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economies, protecting and enhancing natural resources and the environment, and maintaining rural populations. Urban small scale farm production is an emerging and fast grow segment of farm economies. The development and sustainability of small farms is important in providing a nursery for new enterprises and marketing systems, which is crucial for innovation and diversification in agriculture. Small farm development can be hindered by access to capital, markets, and technology. Additionally, owners of small farms may lack the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable practices that could improve their economic viability and environmental stewardship.  Kentucky Cooperative Extension will continue to aid small farm owners by providing educational opportunities and increasing awareness of resources offered through various programs and online platforms. This includes developing new and improved practices to reduce production costs, protect and improve soil and water resources, and offer options for specialty crop production. Extension personnel will also promote whole farm plans, estate planning, farm transitions, risk management, and market opportunities.  The development of small farms is imperative for the health of Kentucky’s agricultural sector, rural communities and emerge urban agriculture.

Copy and paste state situations that correspond to concentrations

County Situation:

According to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Statewide Community Needs Assessment the need for education and assistance with sustainability of family farms was in very high need.  Along with sustainability the County Extension Council also identified assisting farmers in agricultural production or profitability was a very high need.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increase the quality of beef livestock produced annually contributing to increased and more stable financial position of cattle operations.  Strengthening 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. Helping to maintain or increase domestic markets and increase export markets for grain crops and tobacco by improving quality of commodities compared to that of foreign competitors.    Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets. Youth will be life and work ready, contributing to the agricultural community as consumers, leaders, and innovators.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Annually implement strategies and production methods that result in increased efficiency, and number of animals produced /maintained, and animals harvested or pounds of milk produced.?  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. Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies. Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.

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 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.

 Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners.

Youth will develop a greater awareness and appreciation for the impact of agriculture in their daily life.?? 

Youth will expand life and work readiness skills in agriculture, gaining awareness of the diverse opportunities within the field of agriculture.

Evaluation:

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

 

Outcome	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve livestock production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving livestock production efficiency.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At the program

 

Outcome	Increase participation in Master Gardener program.
Indicator	Number of Master Gardener volunteers who completed training Number of Master Gardener volunteer service hours Number of clients engaged by Master Gardeners Number of programs led by Master Gardeners
Method	Post-program
Timeline	After program participation

Learning Opportunities:

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(s)	Fall/Winter

 

Audience	Livestock stakeholders (producers, lenders, government agencies, etc.)
Project or Activity	Marketing Related Programming
Content or Curriculum	Market Outlook, Risk Management, value-added marketing, etc.
Inputs	Extension faculty and staff, ANR Agents, and industry support
Date(s)	TBD

 

Audience	Pesticide applicators
Project or Activity	PSEP certification for private applicators and continuing education for commercial applicators
Content or Curriculum	Educational materials and program delivery
Inputs	Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations
Date(s)	TBD

 

Audience	Specialty crop growers and community gardeners
Project or Activity	Programming for specialty crop production and management
Content or Curriculum	Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls
Inputs	Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept. of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations
Date(s)	TBD

 

 

Audience	Small Ruminant Producers, Agents
Project or Activity	Small Ruminant Profit School
Content or Curriculum	Presentation materials, Specialists
Inputs	KY Sheep & Goat Development Office
Date(s)	TBD

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program
Content or Curriculum	Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, Ohio State University (OSU) Livestock Resource Handbook, Learning Lab Kits, Kentucky 4-H Livestock Program Rules and Guidelines
Inputs	Certified volunteers in animal sciences, research based on the Cooperative Extension land-grant system, 4-H programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships.
Date(s)	TBD

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Program
Content or Curriculum	Kentucky Animal Science Livestock Discovery Website, Kentucky Livestock Volunteer Certification Curriculum, OSU Livestock Resource Handbook, Country Ham Meat Lesson Kit, Learning Lab Kits.
Inputs	4-H Programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful, certified volunteers in animal sciences, funding from local, state, and federal sources, and grants.
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1-August 31) Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Contest (offered Kentucky State Fair - August every year)

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	General Agricultural Short Term Programs (School Enrichment, 4-H Camp, etc.)
Content or Curriculum	Any 4-H curriculum, Kentucky AG and Environment in the classroom, Kentucky Food and Farm Facts, National AG Day, National Ag and Environment in the Classroom.
Inputs	4-H programs in agriculture in which youth experience a sense of belonging, developmental relationships, explore their spark, and are actively engaged in opportunities that are meaningful, certified volunteers in animal sciences, accredited volunteers in agriculture.
Date(s)	4-H Program Year (September 1-August31)

Evaluation:

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

 

Outcome	Increased knowledge and/or awareness of management practices to improve livestock production efficiency
Indicator	Number of participants who reported an increase in their knowledge and/or awareness of management practices for improving livestock production efficiency.
Method	Survey
Timeline	At the program

 

Outcome	Increase participation in Master Gardener program.
Indicator	Number of Master Gardener volunteers who completed training Number of Master Gardener volunteer service hours Number of clients engaged by Master Gardeners Number of programs led by Master Gardeners
Method	Post-program
Timeline	After program participation