2016-2017 Model State Program University of Kentucky

View the project final report

Commodities

Practices

• Animal Production: free-range, grazing management, grazing - rotational
• Crop Production: cover crops
• Education and Training: demonstration, extension, technical assistance
• Pest Management: physical control
• Production Systems: organic agriculture
• Sustainable Communities: ethnic differences/cultural and demographic change, local and regional food systems, social capital, social networks

The UK team of Dr. Paul Vincelli and Brett Wolff is integrating SARE objectives and activities in a wide variety of programs and initiatives.  Dr. Vincelli brings not only his expertise in integrated disease management, but also interest and experience in dealing with key sustainability issues including climate change, cover crops, and genetically engineered crops, including CRISPR genome editing. Brett’s training in the social sciences, along with his recent experience in specialty crop production research at UK, gives him a grounded, valuable perspective on sustainability issues. The Model State Program at the University of Kentucky plans to include trainings for agricultural professionals, supported with its $10,000 SARE Budget through several primary activities:

1. Food Safety Trainings covering FSMA and GAP
2. Cover Crops and Soil Health
3. Ecological Livestock Production
4. Sustainability Considerations for GMO/GE Crops
5. Low-Input Spray Guides for Various Fruit Crops

In 2016-17, communicated with our Advisory Committee via email, particularly actively during the development of our work plan.  One point of emphasis this year will be evaluating our Advisory Committee and encouraging some new membership according to our previously stated goal of three- year term rotations.

Kentucky’s SARE PDP program objective is to build a broad base of interest and skills in agricultural sustainability among extension agents and other professionals in the state, equip them with the needed skills to assist farmers, marketers, and community leaders, and to facilitate a diverse range of collaborative projects. Building effective partnerships with NRCS, FSA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is an additional objective.