Wolfe County CES

Title:

Education, Utilization, and Management of Natural Resources

MAP:

Environmental & Natural Resource Education

Agents Involved:

Heather Graham

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Ag Water Quality Program

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Chemical Crop Management Tools

Situation:

The majority of farmers in Wolfe County are part-time. Most split their acreage between livestock (mainly beef) and hay/pasture land, with some crop land. There is a need for education in water quality as it relates to livestock production and general farming practices (pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer use)and overall environmental stewardship.

There is also a need for educating land owners on how to maintain their forested land and utilize it through conservation practices.

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers/farmers will utilize their land in a way that maximizes profits while sustaining the environment.

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Intermediate Outcomes:

- Increased use of BMPs(best management practices)

- Increase in use of forested land

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Initial Outcomes:

- Increased knowledge of water quality and BMPs (best management practices)

- Understanding the importance of environmental stewardship

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Producers/farmers will gain knowledge about BMPs, natural resources, and environmental stewardship.

Indicator: Number of farmers reporting intent to change practices to improve environment

Method: Pre & post surveys

Timeline: July 2018

Intermediate Outcome: Producers will put into practice BMPs

Indicator: Number of producers indicating use of BMPs

Method: Surveys, Personal questioning and observation

Timeline: December 2017/January 2018

Long-term Outcome: Producers will see an increase in profits by improving their existing operations

Indicator: Number of farms reporting increased profit

Method: Pre & post surveys

Timeline: June 2018

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Landowners, livestock producers

Date: 2017- 2020

Project or Activity:

- Pesticide training

- Nutrient management

- Water Quality training

- Forage management

- KY Master Woodland Stewards Program

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)