Kentucky State University - 2023-2024 MODEL STATE PROGRAM - Program Assistant

Project Overview

SKY23-A002
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2023: $33,000.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2024
Grant Recipient: Kentucky State University
Region: Southern
State: Kentucky
State Coordinator:
Jerusha Lay, DVM
Kentucky State University

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Animal Production: animal protection and health, aquaculture, grazing management, grazing - multispecies, livestock breeding, parasite control, preventive practices, processing regulations, vaccines, winter forage
  • Crop Production: agroforestry, beekeeping, conservation tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, food processing facilities/community kitchens, food product quality/safety, grafting, high tunnels or hoop houses, no-till, organic fertilizers, pollinator habitat, water management
  • Education and Training: demonstration, extension, farmer to farmer, mentoring, technical assistance, workshop, youth education
  • Farm Business Management: agricultural finance, agritourism, farm-to-restaurant, farmers' markets/farm stands, financial management, marketing management, risk management, value added
  • Production Systems: agroecosystems, aquaponics, hydroponics, integrated crop and livestock systems, organic agriculture
  • Sustainable Communities: community development, community services, food hubs, local and regional food systems, quality of life, sustainability measures, urban agriculture

    Proposal abstract:

    Now in its 25th year, The Third Thursday Thing (Third Thursdays) features monthly sustainable agriculture training sessions. The sessions take place at the Kentucky State University Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm on the third Thursday of every month with no session in December. Agricultural professionals and farm leaders throughout the Commonwealth and surrounding states are the target audience for the trainings. These trainings are structured for multiple learning types, with lecture style presentations followed by hands on demonstration/activities. KSU has also added a Fourth Wednesday program on sustainable beef cattle production and marketing based on requests from the agricultural community and are exploring the addition of a Women in Sustainable Agriculture Group.  KSU is also including funds to support some of our KSU agents to seek professional development in sustainable agriculture in other venues.  Third Thursdays have become an institution in Kentucky’s professional development educational programming. The broad range of topics (listed in a later section) ensure that agricultural professionals and producer leaders have training in the skills necessary on a diversified small farm. Third Thursdays also serves as a space for synergies in small farm education. Many conferences and educational meetings are planned around “Third Thursdays” including: the Annual Small, Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference, the International Pawpaw Conference, the Regional SARE Goat Project’s Collaborator Conference, and many others.

     

    Project objectives from proposal:

    2023 KSU SARE MSP Revised Objectives:
    • Continue to offer the basic science-based information on sustainable agriculture production and marketing.
    • Supplement previous efforts with new subject matter training about farm succession and transition planning.
    • Expanding professional capacity of agriculture professionals in supporting producers as they plan for the present and future of their farms.
    • Support the further development of a community of women working in sustainable agriculture.

    • Kentucky’s SARE PDP Model State Program objectives are to build a broad base of interest and skills in agricultural sustainability among extension agents, other professionals, and farmers, particularly mentor farmers, in the state to equip them with the needed skills to assist farmers, marketers, and community leaders, and to facilitate a diverse range of collaborative projects.

     

    • Continue to offer the basic science-based information on sustainable agriculture production and marketing.
    • Support the further development of a community of women working in sustainable agriculture.
    • Forums for underserved farmers and professionals to network with USDA, State, Research, Extension, NRCS, and other professionals, learn about their programs and opportunities, and learn about Third Thursdays.

     

    SARE Third Thursday Thing Outline of workshops 2022 and 2023

    2022 Third Thursday Thing Workshop Schedule

     

    January:  Natural Resources (Jody Thompson)

     

    February: Organic Agriculture

     

    March: Goat Production and Marketing

     

    April:  Farmers Markets (Joni Nelson)

     

    May: Aquaculture

     

    June: Juneteenth (Tiffany Bellfield, Community Farm Alliance

     

    July: Sustainable Agriculture Small Farm Field Day

     

    August: Environmental Impacts on Small Farmers (Cindy Rice)

     

    September: National Pawpaw Third Thursday

     

    October: Small Ruminants

     

    November: Small, Limited-Resource, Minority Farmers Conference (many topics)

     

     

    2023 Third Thursday Thing Workshop Schedule

     

    January:  Learn About USDA Farm & Home Loans and Natural Resources

     

    February: Organic Agriculture

     

    March: Small Ruminants & Goats

     

    April: Weed & Insect Control & Beneficial Insects  -  & – NRCS Programs

     

    May: Aquaculture

     

    June:  Farmers Markets and Juneteenth

     

    July: Learn About Farm Fencing & Pasture

     

    August: Sustainable & Organic Agriculture

     

    September: National Pawpaw Third Thursday

     

    October: Small Ruminants & Goats

     

    November: Small, Limited-Resource, Minority Farmers Conference

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.