Success StoryAg Water Quality- collaborative efforts with producer groups



Ag Water Quality- collaborative efforts with producer groups

Author: Tammy Brewster-Barnes

Planning Unit: Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs

Major Program: Ag Water Quality Program

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Many producers are unaware or are unfamiliar with the State law that mandates all farming enterprises, on greater than ten acres, develop a KY AWQP and it's companion the KY NMP.  In collaboration with industry groups (dairy and beef) or private companies (Handsome Brook, and Pilgrim's Pride), several farmer workshops, meetings or one-on-one farm visits provided development assistance and education about their AWQP. Additional farm visits yielded the information needed for the completion and delivery of their KYNMP.  Through these workshops 35 producers updated or developed their AWQP. This is especially true for non-tradition or "plain community" producers. Producer groups identified producers such as Amish or Mennonite dairy or poultry farmers that would benefit from these workshops.