UK Extension specialists partnered with Loretto Motherhouse Farm and the Washington County agriculture and natural resources agent to offer an in-person field day highlighting stewardship practices used on the farm. The Good Ideas Field Day was held at Motherhouse Farms in Nerinx, KY on April 6, 2024. 

Motherhouse farm manager, Cody Rakes, serves on the farmer advisory board for a multi-state project focused on farmer engagement in watershed protection and conservation efforts. He has been a strong advocate for stewardship in production agriculture and serves as a role model for other farmers. The field day focused on taking a closer look at how the Loretto Motherhouse Farm manages cattle with a focus on soil and water stewardship. Twenty-five participants learned about stormwater and manure management around the barn, permanent riparian areas enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, and restricting livestock access to water bodies by providing alternative waterers. Farm managers also demonstrated their intensive rotational grazing techniques, including pros and cons of various polywire and reel setups. Participants were introduced to the One Good Idea web platform (https://goodideafarm.org/) for sharing research-backed, farmer-produced videos related to conservation practice implementation. 

A post-event survey indicated that participants owned or managed a total of 3,116 acres (range: 11-2,000) with operations being widely varied (including but not limited to beef cattle, fruit/vegetables, small ruminants, and corn). Survey respondents indicated that they already used soil conservation practices (82%) and some nutrient conservation practices (45%) but fewer used wildlife habitat (27%) and water conservation practices (18%). All respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they felt more knowledgeable about on-farm conservation practices after the event; 70% agreed or strongly agreed that the practices shared were profitable enough to adopt on land they manage; and 90% agreed or strongly agreed that attending the event increased their confidence to implement conservation on their operation.