Extension
It Starts With Us
Agricultural Marketing
Production & Profitability
Corinne Belton, Regina Browning
Commercial Horticulture - Crop Marketing
Farmer's Markets
Ag Marketing
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
While Kentucky's population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth. Shelby Countians are faced with maintaining a balance between industrial development, community growth and preserving the rural landscape. In order to increase sustainability and profitability, producers must take advantage of local markets as well as our close proximity to the large population centers of Lexington and Louisville. Diversification of agriculture operations is key to long-term viability. Producers must engage in practices that ensure the preservation and availability of natural resources for future generations.
Although Kentucky livestock producers have enjoyed relatively high prices for their stock over the past few years, it is important to continue to educate producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. Extension educational programs are targeted to provide Kentucky livestock producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.
Grain crop production is facing downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for the foreseeable future. Extension educational programs are targeted to provide Kentucky crop producers with the tools necessary to remain sustainable through this bearish market.
*Youth will engage in an entrepreneurial enterprise.
*Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H
*Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
*Sell value-added livestock
*Build the reputation and value of KY livestock
*Improved end product quality and food safety
*Enhanced consumer confidence in agriculture commodities
*Improved marketing opportunities for agriculture commodities
*Enhanced profitability by selling value-added calves
*Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability
*Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
*Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.
*Youth can practice entrepreneurial skills related to agriculture an food systems
*Market cattle in large uniform lots, access to premiums for better management
*Have access to premium markets
*Utilize knowledge to become competitive in the market.
*Incorporate breakeven analysis when purchasing/selling livestock and crops.
*Youth will develop valuable life skills including decision making, communications, record keeping, leadership, and service.
*Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable food systems.
*Gain knowledge about: marketing, budgeting and decision making with implications for profitability, practices to improve marketability of products they sell, market options for commodities.
Initial Outcome: Individuals increase KOSA about marketing, budgeting, record keeping, sustainable food systems, communications and decision making.
Indicator: Increased KOSA about marketing, budgeting, record keeping, sustainable food systems, communications and decision making
Method: Post-training evaluations, observation
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Individuals adopt new practices, influence purchase of Kentucky Proud products, explore new markets and job opportunities.
Indicator: Increased use of new practices, increased sale of KY Proud products, increased employability
Method: Self-reporting, surveying
Timeline: Annually
Long-term Outcome: As a result of developing new markets and expanding existing markets, individuals will increase farm revenues, customer bases, and overall farm profitability; youth will be gainfully employed.
Indicator: New and expanded markets, increased farm revenues and overall profitability, number of youth/young adults gainfully employed
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Year-to-year over next decade
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Marketing opportunities for livestock producers
Content or Curriculum: CPH Sales, Heifer Sales, On-farm sales, Advanced Master Cattlemen, Futures Marketing, Master Stocker
Inputs: Specialists, agents, CPH Sales, Heifer Sales, On-farm sales, Advanced Master Cattlemen, Futures Marketing, Master Stocker
Date: July 2017-June 2018
Audience: Local Producers
Project or Activity: Marketing local products - Rooted in Shelby
Content or Curriculum: UK curriculum, local marketing, KDA marketing info
Inputs: UK curriculum, specialists, agents, KDA employees
Date: July 2017-June 2018
Audience: General public
Project or Activity: Beginning Farmer
Content or Curriculum: Individual consultation and evaluation, UK publications
Inputs: Agent, UK publications
Date: July 2017-June 2018
Audience: Producers, general public
Project or Activity: Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: Local foods availability and desirability
Inputs: Farmers Market vendors, agents, horticulture technician
Date: July-October 2017, April-June 2018
Audience: 4-H members with animal science projects
Project or Activity: Market Animal Project and Auction
Content or Curriculum: Animal Science Curriculum
Inputs: curriculum, volunteers, auction
Date: September 2018
Audience: 4-H Members and Interested Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Animal Science Curriculum, Value Added
Inputs: Curriculum, hams and curing supplies
Date: January -August 2018
Audience: Cornerstone Students
Project or Activity: Ag Awareness Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Agriculture Curriculum
Inputs: volunteers, livestock, displays, marketing info
Date: October 2018
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Master Cattleman Certification
Content or Curriculum: Master Cattleman
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, MC Curriculum
Date: May 2017 - September 2017
Author: Regina Browning
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Marketing Extension and educating the public about the importance of agriculture are topics that concern members of the Shelby County Extension Council. A committee of council members and a Shelby County Extension Intern planned a field day to address those concerns. The 2017 Shelby County Cooperative Extension Field Day was an enormous success. Nearly 305 people attended despite the less than desirable hot weather. It was held at Mulberry Orchard, a local agribusiness and agritouris
