Extension
It Starts With Us
Agricultural Production 1
Production & Profitability
Corinne Belton, Regina Browning
Forages
Home & Consumer Horticulture
Commercial Horticulture
Grain Crops
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 entrepreneurial enterprise.
*Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life-skill development through 4-H.
*Youth will be advocates for agriculture and health and sustainable food systems.
*Long term viability
*Producers save money by making informed selection decisions
*Improve herd/flock quality
*Maximize profits for commercial ag producer
*Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
*Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems
*Increase positive opinion of GMO/Conventional production of non-farm individuals
*Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.
*Youth will adopt and practice skills that apply to employability
*Youth can explain the role of agriculture to others in their daily lives.
*Youth will set a goal and accomplish it
*Youth can practice entrepreneurial skills related to agriculture and food systems.
*Test forage for nutritional quality
*Provide a complete mineral supplement program
*Implement cross breeding program
*Make EPD and targeted selection decisions to capitalize on a value-added product
*Implement a managed grazing system
*Utilize alternative forages
*Properly use medicated feed
*Create improved livestock handling equipment/facilities
*Slowly and quietly handle cattle
*Discuss animal welfare issues less defensively with others
*Adopt usage of new technology for crop production
*Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production
*Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds
*Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations
*Youth will gain knowledge and skills and knowledge in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animals sciences.
*Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
*Youth will develop valuable life skills including decision making, communications, record keeping, leadership and service.
*Gain knowledge of the livestock industry and information and tools to succeed in livestock production
*Interpret forage analyses, feed and mineral bag tabs and to balance rations.
*Increase awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general herd management, economics and marketing.
*Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being.
*Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.
*Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal.
*Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production
*Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production
*Increase understanding of production regulations
*Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production
*Increase non-farm public understanding of BioTechnology/Organic/ Conventional grains crop production
*Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests
Initial Outcome: Youth and adults increase KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Indicator: Increased KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Method: Post-training evaluations, observation
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults implement production management practices such as: evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition.
Indicator: Improved management practices in evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Yearly
Long-term Outcome: Increased agriculture production and profitability
Indicator: Higher production and increased profits
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Year-to-year over the next decade
Audience: Farmers Transitioning from Tobacco
Project or Activity: CAIP Grant Program
Content or Curriculum: Cost-share program/project publications, educational sessions for producers
Inputs: GOAP publications, UK publications, agents, CAIP administrator
Date: Year-round
Audience: Home Gardeners
Project or Activity: Basics of fruit and vegetable production
Content or Curriculum: Classes on basic production
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents, horticulture technician
Date: July 2017-June 2018
Audience: Home Gardeners
Project or Activity: USDA GAP Training
Content or Curriculum: GAP Guidelines
Inputs: GAP Guidelines, UK GAP video, KDA information
Date: Year Round
Audience: Home Gardeners
Project or Activity: Fruit Trees and Vegetable Demonstration Plot
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications, variety trials
Inputs: UK Publications
Date: May - August 2017
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Master Gardener Classes
Content or Curriculum: Master Gardener curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications
Inputs: MG curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists, horticulture technician
Date: Summer 2017
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Food Gardening Classes
Content or Curriculum: MG curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, field trips to local gardens
Inputs: MG curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists and horticulture technician
Date: Feb-March 2018
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Garden Tours
Content or Curriculum: MG Curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications
Inputs: MG Curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists, horticulture technician
Date: Summer/Fall 2017
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Green Thumb Gardening Classes
Content or Curriculum: MG curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications
Inputs: MG Curriculum, guest speakers, Extension publications, specialists, horticulture technician
Date: March-June 2018
Audience: Grain Producers
Project or Activity: Grain Production and Marketing Update
Content or Curriculum: UK specialists and publications
Inputs: UK specialists and publications
Date: February 2018
Audience: Home Horticulture Enthusiasts
Project or Activity: Tips for Fall Planting
Content or Curriculum: MG curriculum, UK publications
Inputs: MG curriculum, UK publications, horticulture technician
Date: October 2017
Audience: Fruit Tree Owners
Project or Activity: Fruit Tree Pruning Demonstration
Content or Curriculum: MG curriculum, UK publications
Inputs: UK publications, horticulture technician
Date: February 2018
Audience: 4-H School Clubs
Project or Activity: Windowsill Gardens
Content or Curriculum: Windowsill Garden curriculum
Inputs: Agents, staff, windowsill garden materials
Date: April 2018
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
Educating local beef producers is a high priority in Shelby County. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Field days serve to educate cattlemen regarding important production principles while demonstrating practices in a practical, on-farm setting. With these facts in mind, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldham, Trimble,
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Forages
Shelby County is known for raising superior livestock and horses, due in large part to the county’s success producing its number one crop: forages. Thus, the demand for high quality hay and other stored forages is continually increasing and producers are seeking ways in which to differentiate their end-product, whether that be the forage itself or the animals that consume it.Shelby and Henry counties partnered to host the Master Haymaker series consisting of seven sessions taught
