Author: Vicki Shadrick
Planning Unit: Webster County CES
Major Program: Community Engagement
Plan of Work: Educational Opportunities for Producers, Gardeners and farmers markets
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Webster County agriculture is made of up primarily corn, soybeans, tobacco, poultry and cattle production including hay/pasture. However, we also have wheat, grain sorghum, goats, fruits and vegetables. Agriculture is a major part of Webster County. According to Community and Economic Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK), 77% of land in Webster County is in farms. Poultry, our number one commodity, brings in $81,825,000 in sales annually, followed by grain crops which brings in $51,010,000. Cattle including calves brings is 6,407,000 annually.
The first annual Webster County Farm City Agriculture Tour was held in July 2023. The program was planned, implemented and evaluated by the Webster County Extension Agriculture Advisory Council. The purpose of the tour is to build a connection between farmers/agriculture and our county and state elected officials, local businesses, school administrators, and citizens. We are an agricultural county, but many of our county leaders and business owners/managers haven’t ever really visited a farming operation. They haven’t talked with local farmers about what a farming operation is really like and learn how the products they are growing make it to each of us through the food we eat or the fiber in our clothing, furniture and feed for our pets. On that same token, many farmers haven’t taken the opportunity to talk with our county leaders, business owners and citizens about their jobs. It takes all of us to make this the best county in the state.
The driving tour was led out by Webster County Sherriff. Attendees visited a corn and soybean operation, a cattle operation and ended with tour of Nutrien Ag Solutions Farm Supply Store. Lunch was prepared by our local Cattlemen’s Association and the burgers were supplied by local cattle producers. There were 56 in attendance ranging from elected officials, students, farmers, homemakers new folks to extension. 2024 Farm City Tour is already scheduled!
In 2013 Webster County Cooperative Extension partnered with Webster County Conservation District and... Read More
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical research-based education... Read More
In 2013 Webster County Cooperative Extension partnered with Webster County Conservation District and... Read More
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical research-based education... Read More