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January 2015
Fayette County Agriculture &
Natural Resources Newsletter
Fayette County
1140 Red Mile Place
Lexington, KY 40504
(859)257-5582
Fax: (859) 254-3697
http://ces.ca.uky.edu/fayette/
KC Convention & Council for Burley
Tobacco Annual Meeting
The 2015 Kentucky Cattlemen’s Annual Convention
and Trade Show will be held on Friday January 16,
2015 & Saturday January 17, 2015 at the Convention
Center in Owensboro, KY. On Saturday January 17,
2015 the Council for Burley Tobacco Meeting will
also be held at the same location. Information,
registration form & agendas are included in this
newsletter.
Register for the 2015 Annual Meeting of
Council for Burley Tobacco
The Council for Burley
Tobacco invites members
to attend the annual
meeting and lunch on
Saturday, January 17 during
the Agriculture Industry
Trade Show at the
Owensboro Convention
Center. The meeting
registration is free but
registration is required to enjoy the Ag Industry Trade
Show and lunch. To register for the meeting visit
www.councilforburleytobacco.com .
Accessing UK Dining’s Local Foods Market
A workshop for producers
January 26, 2015 (Monday) -- 9:00 to 4:00
Fayette Co. Extension Office
Since July 1, Aramark has been the contract manager
for the University of Kentucky food services, doing
business as UK Dining. UK Dining has embraced the
contract provision to buy $2 million of Kentucky
Proud and local food products in its first year, with
plans for growth each year. This is a challenging goal
for UK Dining and a great opportunity for local
farmers and food processors. But it will also be a
challenge for the local food industry to meet the
quality and business requirements of UK Dining.
Are you a farmer or processor who wants to learn
more? If so, join us on Monday, January 26. At this
workshop you will learn what UK Dining requires of
its food vendors, how to develop a food safety plan,
steps to get GAP certified and how much liability
insurance you will need. You’ll also learn about
business procedures and even who to contact at UK
Dining and its supplier partners (Sysco and Piazza
Produce).
This workshop is sponsored by the UK Food
Connection, the UK Cooperative Extension Service
and Bluegrass Farm to Table. UK Dining will provide
breaks and a local foods lunch. Contact Lee Meyer
([email protected]) 859.257.7276 for more
information or Sarah Lovett ([email protected])
859.218.4382 to register.
Fayette County Cooperative
Extension Office
will be closed
December 25th to January 4th,
for the Holiday Season.
We will reopen on Monday January 5th, 2015.
body condition prior to winter. Don’t let cows lose
weight/condition.
SPRING CALVING HERD
Order and number eartags for next year’s calf crop this
Divide the herd into groups for winter feeding -winter. It is also a good time to catch up on freeze
-weaned heifer calves
branding and replacing lost eartags.
-first-calf heifers, second-calvers and thin mature cows FALL CALVING HERD
-the remainder of the dry cows which are in good body Have Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) performed
condition
on bulls (even if you used them this spring).
-herd sires
Get breeding supplies together, if using estrous synchroBe sure that weaned heifer calves are on a feeding pro- nization and/or A.I.
gram which will enable them be at 65% of their mature The fall breeding season starts. Breeding can best be
weight before the start of the breeding season. Rations accomplished on stockpiled fescue pasture; otherwise,
should be balanced to achieve gains sufficient to get
cows with calves should be fed 25-30 pounds of good
heifers from their current weight to that “target” weight. quality hay or its equivalent. Supplement with grain, if
needed, and minimize hay waste. Cows shouldn’t be
Begin feeding the lowest quality forage to dry cows
allowed to lose body condition.
which are in good condition during early winter and
save the best hay for calving time or for weaned calves. Observe performance of bulls during breeding season.
Watch cows for return to estrus, if you see several in
Body condition is important, plan an adequate winter
program for cows to be at least body condition score 5 heat, try to determine the cause and consider changing
(carrying enough flesh to cover the ribs) before the calv- bulls.
ing and breeding season. This will help them to breed Source: Dr. Roy Burris, Beef Extension Professor, University of
early in the spring. Thin cows should be fed to regain
Kentucky
Timely Tips for Beef Cattle
Make Farm Record Keeping a Priority
Record keeping may not be every farmer’s favorite
activity, and probably not the reason you got into
farming as a career. With time, patience and a
commitment to get it done, it can make your financial
life a lot less worrisome.
Record keeping doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s a way to
discover things about your farm that will help you make
better long-term decisions. You can use a ledger book or
a computer—whatever helps you maintain consistency.
Software programs can make your data more
meaningful.
Software has become more user-friendly over time, and
while it may not make the record keeping process fun, it
could help you see the overall picture of your operation.
Some programs track purchases of inputs and how you
use the input on a particular enterprise or field. You’ll be
able to keep track of repair and maintenance records for
specific farm equipment and produce balance sheets,
income statements and cash flow budgets.
For many livestock operations, a good time to start
keeping records is when the veterinarian comes to check
the herd. Vets usually charge per head, so that data can
help you develop a list of animals that need attention.
You can use the same data to develop health histories of
your animals, which will lead to more informed exams
and diagnosis in the future.
Make record keeping a team effort for your family. Sit
down and work on the records and budget together.
Perhaps one person can read the information while
another person types it into the software program or
writes it in the ledger book. Also, if you do a little bit
each day and don’t save it all up for the end of the year,
you won’t become overwhelmed.
If you’ve done the work throughout the year, year-end
procedures can feel more satisfying. You can generate
year-end reports with a few simple clicks and not have
to sort through stacks of bills lying around the home or
office.
The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture,
Food and Environment’s Department of Agricultural
Economics has several tools online that could help with
budgeting and decision making. Visit http://
www2.ca.uky.edu/agecon/index.php?p=29 to see what
is available.
For more information on agribusiness management,
contact the Fayette Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative
Extension Service serve all people regardless of race,
color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
Source: Steve Isaacs, extension agricultural economist
2
UniversityofKentucky
AgriculturalEconomicSituation&Outlook
U.S.&KentuckyFarmEconomy
2014 U.S. Review
x USDA projects US net farm income to total $96.9 bil. in
2014, 21% below the 2013 level & the lowest since 2010.
x US farm cash receipts are expected to fall by 1% in 2014
as the anticipated drop in crop receipts (-12%) will nearly
be offset by the forecast gain in livestock receipts (+14%).
x US farm expenses are estimated to be 6% higher in 2014,
while government payments will fall by 4%.
x US ag exports are forecast to set a record in 2014 on the
heels of strong livestock exports.
x Despite a slumping ag economy, land values continued to
increase, although at a much slower pace, while debt
levels increased modestly leading to a relatively strong
financial position entering 2015.
2014 Kentucky Review
x KY ag cash receipts will total $6 billion in 2014, compared
to the 2013 adjusted official USDA level of $5.7 billion.
x KY crop receipts are forecast at $2.8 billion (-2%)
benefiting from higher priced 2013 crops sold in 2014.
x Strong beef, dairy, poultry and hog prices boosted KY
livestock receipts to a record $3.2 billion (+15%).
x KY net cash income (cash receipts + government
payments – cash expenses) may retreat from the 2013
record high level but will remain relatively strong.
2015 Outlook
x KY cash receipts forecast to decline 5% in 2015 to $5.7
billion in response to a 15% forecast drop in crop receipts
versus an estimated 3% gain in livestock receipts.
x Significantly lower grain prices and anticipated reductions
in land rents will challenge grain profitability in 2015.
x Increasing livestock supplies may constrain the growth in
record prices, but demand and profitability will remain
relatively strong,
x Kentucky net farm income will be challenged with
anticipated lower crop receipts and the ending of tobacco
buyout payments, which have averaged 10% or more of
Kentucky net farm income in recent years.
x Issues to follow in 2015 will be how cropland rents/crop
mix adjust to a lower priced grain environment, export
value, and volume with increased global crop supplies and
a stronger U.S. dollar; the degree of expansion in the
livestock sector amidst a favorable price/profitability
outlook; and potential changes in U.S. energy policy and
immigration reform.
1
UniversityofKentucky,DepartmentofAgriculturalEconomics–2015Ͳ2015AgriculturalSituation&Outlook
2015 UK W I NTER W HEAT M EETI NG
Christian County Extension Office
2850 P em broke R d, Hopkinsville, K Y 42240
January 6, 2015 9:00 – 3:00 (CDT)
Registration begins at 8:30am
•
Welcome: Laura Knoth
•
Using Rainfall Forecasts For Optimal Fertilizer Application: A Group Experiment
Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association
Yoko Kusunose, UK Agricultural Economics Professor
•
•
•
•
•
U.S. And World Supply And Demand Outlook For Wheat
Todd Davis, UK Extension Agricultural Economics Specialist
Understanding the DON-Head Scab Connection
Don Hershman, UK Extension Pathology Specialist
Dave Van Sanford & Carrie Knott Survey Results Discussed
Dave Van Sanford, Wheat Breeding Researcher
Wheat Varietal Differences in Head Scab Susceptibility
Bill Bruening, UK Variety Testing Specialist
My Fields Workshop
Dr. Brian McCornack, Associate Professor Entomology, Kansas State University
Dr. Wendy Johnson, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Kansas State University
LUNCH PROVIDED BY:
CCA Credits: applied for
Pesticide Credits: 2 general hours, 2 specific hours
(Categories 1A, 4, 10, 12)
For More Information, Contact: Colette Laurent 270-365-7541 Ext. 264 or Email [email protected]
2015 Winter Conference & Expo
JANUARY 20-22 (Education Conference)
JANUARY 21-22 (Expo)
Kentucky International Convention Center
221 Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky
Full Conference Registrants can earn...
7 General & 5 Specific Kentucky Pesticide CEUs; or
9 ISA Arborists’ CEUs; or 5 Kentucky Landscape Architect Board CEUs; or
18 Hours for PLANET Landscape Industry Certified Recertification
PASTURES PLEASE !!
PASTURE MANAGEMENT FOR THE HORSE OWNER
Please contact your
county extension agent
to reserve a spot at the
meeting.
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service invites you to attend
an informative meeting on the management of horse pastures. We have some
of the top experts in the area lined up for this meeting. Registration begins at
6:00 p.m. and the program begins at 6:45. Snacks and light refreshments will be
provided.
The meeting is offered
at no charge. All speakers and materials are
provided by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.
February 5th - 6:00 p.m.
UK Fayette County Extension facility
1140 Red Mile Place
SCHEDULED PROGRAM:
Dr. JD Green
Stewardship when Applying Herbicides for
Weed Control
Dr. Ray Smith
Starting Over: Complete Re-establishment of
Pastures
Dr. Cindy Gaskill
Poisonous Plants and Horses
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
CONTACT
YOUR LOCAL
COUNTY EXTNSION AGENT
COUNTY OFFICE NUMBERS
JESSAMINE (859) 885-4811
BOURBON (859) 987-1895
WOODFORD (859) 873-4601
FAYETTE
(859) 257-5582
SCOTT
(502) 863-0984
PANEL DISCUSSION
Tobacco Grower Conference An Update and New Information on the Industry The Cooperative Extension Service of Fayette, Jessamine, Scott, Franklin,
Anderson, and Woodford Counties would like to invite you to the 2014 Tobacco
Grower Meeting to be held at the Woodford County Extension Service. Plan to attend
this year’s meeting for an update and new information on the tobacco industry.
January 27, 2015
Woodford County Extension Service
184 Beasley Drive
Versailles, KY 40383
SCHEDULED PROGRAM:
10:00 a.m.
Production Program
2015 Planning
Committee
Dr. Will Snell, UK Tobacco Economist
- Burley Demand and Outlook
Adam Probst
Dr. John Wilhoit, UK Ag Engineering
- Burley Curing Structures and Mechanization
Nick Carter
Rob Amburgey
Dr. Bob Pearce, UK Extension Tobacco Specialist
- Chemical Topping & Research Update
Tommy Yankey
12:30 p.m.
Dinner
Sponsored by Altria and the Burley Tobacco
Growers Cooperative Association
Keenan Bishop
1:30 p.m.
Sponsor and Organization Report
2:00 p.m.
GAP Training
3:00 p.m.
Adjourn
Michelle Simon
For more information
and to RSVP by
January 23rd
contact your County
Ag Extension Agent.
COUNTY OFFICE NUMBERS:
FAYETTE
JESSAMINE
WOODFORD
SCOTT
FRANKLIN
ANDERSON
(859) 257-5582
(859) 885-4811
(859) 873-4601
(859) 863-0984
(502) 695-9035
(502) 839-7271
2015 KCA Convention & Trade Show Agenda (10/20/14)
Thursday, January 15, 2015
1:00-4:00
Trade Show Move-In
Exhibition Hall
Friday, January 16, 2015
7:00-6:00
Registration Hours
Registration Booth
7:00-11:00
Trade Show Move-In
Exhibition Hall
8:00
KCA- KCA Executive Committee Meeting
Board Room 230
11:30-5:00
BT- Burley Tobacco Grower’s Coop Board Meeting
Board Room 231
9:00-11:30
KCA- Beef Efficiency Conference
West Ballroom A-C
What makes an efficient cow? Matching Production to Environment
Dr. David Lalman, Oklahoma State University
Can early embryonic losses that reduce reproduction efficiency be managed through
genetics?
Dr. Alison VanEenammann, University of California-Davis
What defines an efficient beef cattle operation?
Mr. Burke Teichert, former manager of Deseret Land and Cattle
11:30
Trade Show Opens
Exhibition Hall
12:00
KCA- Welcome Reception (exclusive)
Exhibition Hall
1:00-3:00
KCA- Opening General Session
West Ballroom A-C
Kristina Butts, NCBA
3:30
KCA- KCA Foundation Meeting
Meeting Room 230
4:00
KBC/KCA Rib-eye Cook-off
Exhibition Hall Stage
5:00
KCA- County President’s Awards Night- (Invitation Only)
Riverview Room
7:00-10:00
KCA- Allied Industry Game Night
Exhibition Hall
10:00
Trade Show Closes
Saturday, January 17, 2015
7:00-6:00
Registration Hours
Registration Booth
7:00
Trade Show Opens
Exhibition Hall
7:00-9:00
Ag Industry Breakfast
Exhibition Hall Stage
8:00-12:00
KBC- Beef Ambassador Contest
Board Room 230& 231
9:00-3:00
KJCA- Tour and Meetings
8:30
KCA- Silent Auction Starts
9:00-11:00
KCA- Regional Meetings
Region 1- East Ballroom E
Region 2- East Ballroom D
Region 3- West Ballroom A
Region 4- West Ballroom B
Region 5- West Ballroom C
9:15-12:00
BT- University of Kentucky Tobacco Production Seminars
West Ballroom D
10:00-11:00
TS Breakout Session TBD
____________
11:00-2:00
KCA Membership Awards & Closing Session Lunch
East Ballroom A-D
12:00-1:00
BT- Council for Burley Tobacco Annual Meeting
West Ballroom E
2:00-4:30
KCA- Forages at KCA
West Ballroom A-C
Welcome, Introduction & Overview- Dr. Garry Lacefield
My top FIVE forage improvements/practices
2:15 Commercial Hay- Clayton Geralds
2:30 Dairy- Bill Payne
2:45 Goats and Sheep- Jason Tower
3:00 Cow/Calf- Chris Pantle
3:15 Stocker- Russell Hackley
3:30 Top TEN Forage Improvements: The BIG Picture- Dr. Garry Lacefield
3:45 Panel Discussion
4:30 Adjourn
1:00
BT- Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative Association Annual Meeting West Ballroom D
2:30-3:30
KCA- Ladies Program
East Ballroom E
2:30-4:00
KCA- Kentucky Young Producer’s Council Membership Meeting
West Ballroom E
3:00-4:00
TS Breakout Session TBD
_____________
4:30-6:00
Internet Feeder Calf Sale
Exhibition Hall Stage
5:00-6:00
KCA- KCA Leadership Alumni & Past President’s Reception- (Invitation Only) Riverview Room
6:30
Trade Show Closes
6:30
KCA-Evening Banquet
East Ballroom A-D
KCA Convention Registration Form
Event
Cost
Registration Fees
Number Attending
Registration Fee
X________________
=
_______
$10
X________________
=
_______
Beef Efficiency Conference
(9:00-12:00 PM)
X__________________
= ________
Industry Breakfast Free with
Registration Fee or Trade Show Only
X__________________
= ________
Closing Session Lunch $20
X _________________
=
Evening Banquet
X__________________
= ________
Banquet Preferred Seating
Table of 10
$600
X________________
= ________
Ladies Program
X________________
= ________
$50
Totals
Includes Trade Show & Business Meetings
Trade Show Only
Meals & Events
Friday, January 16
Saturday, January 17
$50
$10
________
Total Amount Due $ _______
Names as they should appear on badges: Due December 31x Late Registration Fee is $75
Please only 1 family or individual per registration form.
Name (s): _______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________
City:
________________________________________State:______________________Zip: _________________
County (REQUIRED):____________________________ Phone:__________________________________________
Email:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Credit Card Type: _________________________Credit Card #:___________________________________________
Expiration Date: _________________________ Signature: _______________________________________________
Mail to: KCA Convention Registrationx 176 Pasadena Drive x Lexington, Kentucky 40503
Fax: 859-260-2060
On-line registration available: http://www.kycattle.org/online_convention_registration.php
Beef
Efficiency
Conference
January 16, 2015 Ÿ 9AM-11:30AM CT
Owensboro Convention Center
501 West 2nd Street Ÿ Owensboro, KY
Taking Place During the 2015 KCA Convention
Agenda:
Welcome
- Dr. Gordon Jones, Western Kentucky University
Opening Remarks
- Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, University of Kentucky
What makes an efficient cow? Matching Production to Environment
- Dr. David Lalman, Oklahoma State University
Can early embryonic losses that reduce reproduction efficiency be managed
through genetics?
- Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California-Davis
What defines an efficient beef cattle operation?
- Mr. Burke Teichert, former manager of Deseret Land and Cattle
Sponsored By:
2015 Kentucky Fruit and Vegetable
Conference and Trade Show
January 5-6, 2015
Embassy Suites Hotel, 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY
Sunday, January 4
2:00-7:00 p.m.
7:30-8:30 p.m.
7:30-8:30 p.m.
7:30-8:30 p.m.
5:00-9:00 p.m.
Monday, January 5
8:00 a.m.
8:50 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Noon
1:30 p.m.
Meeting Outline
Pre-conference Sessions
Discussion of Potential Ideas to Encourage Future
Growth of Kentucky’s Grape and Wine Industry
Tree Fruit Round Table Discussion
Small Fruit Round Table Discussion
Vegetable Round Table Discussion
Exhibitor Set-up
Main Conference Sessions
Exhibits and Registration Desk Open
Concurrent Sessions
KSHS-KVGA Joint Session
Grape & Wine Short Course
Break
Exhibitor & Grower Luncheon
Concurrent Sessions
Farmers’ Markets
Vegetable Production
Grape & Wine Short Course
Tree Fruit Production
Advanced Wine Making
Break
Exhibits Close
Celebration of Kentucky Wines
Room
Coldstream 4
Coldstream 4
Coldstream 5
Fayette
Coldstream 3
Coldstream 4
Coldstream 1 & 2
Coldstream 1 & 2
Coldstream 3
Coldstream 4
Coldstream 5
Fayette
2:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
Coldstream 1 & 2
Tuesday, January 6
8:00 a.m.
Exhibits Open
8:30 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Organic Production
Coldstream 1 & 2
Vegetable Production
Coldstream 3
Grape & Wine Short Course
Coldstream 4
Tree Fruit
Coldstream 5
Direct Marketing
Fayette
10:00 a.m.
Break
11:45 a.m.
Conference Luncheon
Coldstream 1 & 2
1:30 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Small Fruit Production
Coldstream 1 & 2
High Tunnel Workshop
Coldstream 3
Grape & Wine Short Course
Coldstream 4
Agritourism
Coldstream 5
Wholesale Marketing
Fayette
2:30 p.m.
Break
3:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Closes
FOR COMPLETE PROGRAM VISIT:
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/2015_KYFVC_Program_REG.pdf
KENTUCKY FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONFERENCE
Embassy Suites Hotel, Lexington KY -- January 5-6, 2015
Mark one:
ADVANCE REGISTRATION
I am not able to attend--continue my membership(s) as listed below.
NAME(S) for name tag (Please print)
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE
PHONE: (
FAX: (
ZIP
)
OCCUPATION/FIRM
)
E-Mail
PLEASE LIST NAME(S) OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS:
I recommend ___________________ for the □ KSHS or
□ KVGA Board of Directors.
Complimentary registration for County Extension Agents, University Students, and children under 15 years of age accompanying an adult.
** A $40 registration allows entrance into any conference meeting session except for Advanced Wine
Making.
One year membership plus meeting registration.
Kentucky State Horticultural Society -------------- Number attending
Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association ------- Number attending
Organic Association of Kentucky ------------------ Number attending
Grape & Wine Short Course ---------------------- Number attending
$40 PER PERSON
$
$
$
$
Register for Advanced Wine Making, (limited to 25 registrants), Jan. 5, 2015 / 1:30 pm
Number attending
x $20 each = TOTAL $
Register for the Celebration of Kentucky Wines, Jan. 5, 2015 / 6:00-7:30 PM
Number attending
x $15 each = TOTAL $
EXHIBITOR/GROWER LUNCHEON -- January 5, 2015 / 12:00 Noon EST
MENU: Will be mostly locally produced Kentucky Proud Products.
► Meal prices include meal, tax and tips.
Number attending
CONFERENCE LUNCHEON - January 6, 2015 / 11:45 a.m. EST
Number attending
x $26 each = TOTAL $
x $32 each = TOTAL $
MENU: Will be mostly locally produced Kentucky Proud Products
**Meal tickets are available only through advance registration.
→ Please make CHECKS payable to:
CHECK #
CHECK AMT $
KENTUCKY VEGETABLE GROWERS ASSOCIATION
CASH AMT $
TOTAL PAID $
Mail advance registration to:
Mary Ann Kelley, Research & Education Center,
PO Box 469, Princeton, KY 42445-0469
Phone: 270-365-7541 x 216; Fax: 270-365-2667
Dr. John Strang, Coordinator
ADVANCE REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014
Participants may also register at the conference.
C
OOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE | UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT
November 2014
Changing Lives
IN FAYETTE COUNTY
Extension provides prac cal educa on you can trust by helping individuals, families, businesses, and communi es solve problems, develop skills, and build a be er future. Priority
ProgramEfforts
A total of 1,854 people are now involved in addressing significant community issues 11 youth made an impact in their commu‐
nity through service projects 3,000 local residents implemented prac c‐
es that promote sustainable agricul‐
ture 130 producers reported an economic im‐
pact (i.e., increase in agricultural produc vity, increase in higher re‐
turns, decrease in expenses) in their agricultural opera ons 3,401 youth indicated an increase in lead‐
ership skills, knowledge or confidence through par cipa on in Extension‐
related leadership programs 99,287 ci zens (youth & adults) acknowl‐
edged u lizing the skills learned through Extension programming A total of 3,801 individuals reported mak‐
ing lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, managing stressors, healthy home prac ces, etc.) for the purpose of im‐
proving their health A total of 1,544 youth and adults demon‐
strated informed and effec ve deci‐
sion‐making skills 800 individuals incorporated new or addi‐
onal conserva on prac ces. William Wells Brown Community Center Garden Master Gardener Volunteers In urban areas, the large number of residents challenges Coopera ve Extension to be visible and available to everyone. In Faye e County this is par cularly true for hor culture, as almost anyone who owns a home has some interest in what we do. The Faye e County hor culture program trains, oversees, and relies heavily on a large pool of Master Gardener volunteers. There are presently over 100 ac ve Master Gardener volunteers who conduct numerous educa onal pro‐
jects in our community. These include several demonstra on gardens, including a therapy garden, educa onal classes, hor cultural exhibits, and a call‐in hor cul‐
ture helpline. In addi on to these, our volunteers provide daily educa onal assis‐
tance to clients in our office se ng. In the past year our Master Gardener volun‐
teers provided 5,269 hours of educa onal service to our community for a total value of over $118,541.00 to our community. Homemaker Veteran Program This past year, Faye e Extension Homemakers chose a new project in partner‐
ship with Community Ac on to help local homeless veterans, the ‘Backpack a Vet’ program. This program raises awareness about homeless veterans in Lexing‐
ton and provides them with a backpack of essen al items that can be used while on the streets. Faye e Extension Homemakers donated one hundred backpacks containing a large variety of essen al items. In 2014, the Faye e Extension Homemakers contributed 33,762 volunteer hours. With the current na onal average of $22.55/hour, Faye e Extension Homemakers’ community service is valued at $761,333.10. Greener Alterna ves Our society is in the midst of a revolu on of environmental con‐
sciousness. People are concerned about chemical use, yet s ll want to maintain beau ful landscapes and gardens. Faye e County Coopera ve Extension's hor culture agents and Exten‐
sion Master Gardener volunteers rou nely advise homeowners of the least hazardous approach in dealing with garden pests and problems. In many cases, our recommenda on is to not use chemicals at all. Soil tes ng services help avoid the indiscrimi‐
nate applica on of nutrients that are not necessary, avoiding expense and water pollu on. In the past year Faye e County Hor culture processed over 550 soil samples and assisted over 2,500 clients with diagnos c samples, phone calls, emails and individual consulta ons. Clients o en comment that these ser‐
vices are ’invaluable’ and have made them much more success‐
ful in their gardening endeavors. 4‐H Farm Field Day The Faye e County 4‐H Program conducted a farm field day for approximately 150 fourth from an inner city school. During monthly 4‐H club mee ngs, we learned that most of the stu‐
dents had never visited a farm, seen live farm animals, or spent significant me outdoors studying nature. As a result, Faye e County 4‐H agents worked with Kentucky State University, Ken‐
tucky Rep le Zoo, and Madison and Garrard County 4‐H pro‐
grams to present a forestry program. The highlight of the day was a 4‐H livestock leader from a local high school who brought her sheep and lambs for the students to see. She shared how to care for the animals and how it helped her develop self‐
confidence. She also allowed the students to pet the animals. It was the first me most of the students had interacted with farm animals. Volunteers in Home Demonstra on Garden Agriculture at Bluegrass Fair Increasing the visibility and presence of Agriculture at the Lion’s Club Bluegrass Fair has been a priority of the Agriculture Adviso‐
ry Council, Faye e County 4‐H Council, Faye e County Extension Council, and the Lexington Lions Club since 2007. Extension Leaders, Volunteers, Agents, Locust Trace Agriculture Teachers, Faye e County Farm Bureau, and members of the Lexington Lions Club have worked together to make this a successful ven‐
ture. This collabora on has increased the number of exhibits, including Youth Livestock Shows, Hor culture and Flower Show, 4‐H Projects, An que Tractors, Equine Parade of Breeds, and Hay Contest. Demonstra ons included Chick Incuba on, Food Preserva on, Cooking Demonstra ons, and performances by the Faye e County 4‐H Dog Club. Each year, par cipa on has in‐
creased, with 2014 showing the largest increase since it was included again seven years ago. Agriculture is now recognized as a significant part of the Lions Club Bluegrass Fair. 2 Students at the 4‐H Farm Field Day “I can truly credit the Faye e County Extension Service for the health and ‘happiness’ of my lawn, shrubs, garden, and trees. You have al‐
ways been only a phone call away and I am very much obliged. ” ‐ David C. 2nd Sunday 4‐H Overnight Environmental Camps The posi ve impact that environmental educa on has on youth con nues to be a focus for many youth development organiza‐
ons. In order to promote life skills and increase environmental educa on, the Faye e County Coopera ve Extension Service 4‐
H Youth Development program partnered with Faye e County public and private schools to con nue the long‐standing tradi‐
on of providing overnight environmental camps to youth in grades three through five. Overnight camping programs provide youth opportuni es to learn prac cal skills, gain a greater sense of independence, prac ce responsibility, and develop posi ve interpersonal rela onships with caring adults and other youth. The Faye e County 4‐H Environmental Camp held at the North Central 4‐H Camp in Carlisle, KY impacted the lives of 1,034 youth and 323 adults. 100% of the parent volunteers that a ended stated they appreciated the opportunity to a end camp with their child and observe the lessons being taught. Many families indicated that because of their exposure to the campgrounds through this program that they would be sending their child to overnight residen al camp in the summer as well. Lexington’s sixth annual 2nd Sunday took place on October 12 and a racted over 200 cyclists and sup‐
porters. The event provided a preview of how a two
‐way cycle track would func on. Faye e County Extension coordinated the partnership of Lexington
‐Faye e Urban County Government and local agen‐
cies to plan and implement 2nd Sunday to posi ve‐
ly affect the health, economy and environment. 2nd Sunday Kentucky is a statewide ini a ve that en‐
courages all forms of physical ac vity within the comforts on the local community, and is designed to get Kentuckians on their feet and moving. 2nd Sunday Sponsors at Coolavin Park 4‐H Cooking Schools According to the American Heart Associa on, teaching youth how to prepare their own food will give them a skill they can use for a life me, they will be more likely to eat healthier as adults, and build self‐confidence. In an effort to teach youth how to prepare their own food, giving them a life‐long skill, the Faye e County Coopera ve Extension Service 4‐H Youth Development Program conducted four 4‐H Cooking Schools or lessons to 86 youth, ages 9‐14. Topics covered included proper measuring, kitchen safety & sanita on, blanching for food preserva on, measuring math, and more. New foods never tried by the par cipants in the past included kale and using applesauce as an oil subs tute when baking to make a healthier recipe. A pre and post program evalua on was conducted with par cipants and 100% agreed that as a re‐
sult of par cipa on in these programs that they know how to properly measure both liquid and solid ingredients, ob‐
serve clean kitchen prac ces including how to properly wash their hands, follow instruc ons step‐by‐step to make recipes and follow safe kitchen prac ces. 85% stated they use the skills learned in 4‐H in other ac vi es at home, school or in their community. 4‐H Environmental Campers 4‐H Cooking School 3 Follow the Food Farm Tour Despite a growing local food economy, many Faye e County residents are unaware of the pro‐
ducers in our own backyard. Faye e County Coop‐
era ve Extension partnered with Good Foods Co‐
op, LFUCG, edible Magazine, Faye e Co. Farm Bu‐
reau, Marksbury Farm Market to provide an oppor‐
tunity to meet farmers, vendors, and livestock. The second annual Faye e County Follow the Food Farm Tour was held in September at Clark Family Farms, which produces pastured poultry, eggs, lamb, and beef. In addi on to mee ng farmers, consumers could sample and purchase their local products. The free tour also offered exhibits, blue‐
grass music, and Kentucky Proud recipes. The zero‐
waste event, in which all of the materials were re‐
cycled or composted, was coordinated by LFUCG Division of Waste Management. The farm tour a racted over 350 par cipants. Agriculture Development Program Over the past eleven years the Faye e County Extension Service has been the facilitator of the Faye e County Agriculture Development Pro‐
gram since the beginning of the Phase I Tobacco Se lement funds in 2003. With the con nued coopera on between the Faye e County Conserva on District, Faye e County Ca le‐
men’s Associa on, Faye e County Agriculture Development Board, and Faye e County Extension Service , over $4 million dollars of cost share funds have been invested into the Agricul‐
ture Economy in Faye e County. Areas these funds have been invested include: Forage & Grain Improvement, Agriculture Di‐
versifica on, Large Animal (beef, dairy, equine), Small Animal (goat, sheep, rabbit), Farm Infrastructure, Fencing & On‐Farm Water, On‐Farm Energy, Poultry & Other Fowl, Technology & Leadership Development, and Value‐Added Marke ng. These programs will con nue for 2015. In a follow‐up survey, 85% of respondents indicated they were more likely to purchase local foods as a result of the event. Sheep at Clark Family Farms Faye e County Extension Agents: Kevin Lindsay Deana Reed Agents for 4‐H Youth Development Nick Carter Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Jamie Dockery Delia Sco Agents for Hor culture Diana Dogge Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Farm Tour par cipants at Clark Family Farms Gardener’s Toolbox The Faye e County Coopera ve Extension hor culture program offers classes called Gardener's Toolbox. These classes have generated a large group of followers devoted to producing their own food. Classes cover a broad range of topics and feature recommended varie es and best management prac ces. In the past year registra on for these classes exceeded 1000 seats with 418 people a ending their choice of the 34 sessions. One par cipant commented, "The biggest impact that the Toolbox classes have had is that they’ve given me the confidence to keep trying to grow new types of plants to feed my family and friends. It has changed how and what we eat for the be er, which is an impact that is hard to quan fy and yet so im‐
portant." The Faye e County Coopera ve Extension Service Extending Knowledge,
Changing Lives
For more informa on, contact us at: 1140 Red Mile Place Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 257‐5582 Fax: (859) 254‐3697 h p://faye e.ca.uky.edu 4