BOONE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. March 2001

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1 BOONE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN March 2001 Submitted By: Steve Alford (chairman) Bob Schwenke (vice-chairman) Danny Cupps (secretary) Ed Moore Todd Ryan Paul Kahman Leo (Chip) Foltz Micah Feldhaus Jerry Brown Boone County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources

2 Overview of Boone County Located in the largest bend of the Ohio River, a few miles downstream from Cincinnati, Boone County is the northernmost county in Kentucky. For forty-two miles the Ohio River bounds the county on the north and west. The elevation in the county ranges from 455 to 964 feet above sea level. In 1990 the county population was 57,589 in a land area of 246 square miles. Today, the population is nearing 85,000. There are three incorporated cities, Florence, Union and Walton, but much of the county is unincorporated, including the county seat of Burlington. The county's geographical diversity provides an excellent quality of life and every indication is that Boone County will continue to grow and prosper. As in most sections of the outer Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, the land in Boone County is gently rolling to steeply hilly. Historically, Boone County's economy was driven by agriculture, with corn, soybeans, produce, tobacco, and livestock being the principal cash crops. The land is drained by numerous small streams that flow west and north into the Ohio River from headwaters along the Great Ridge, or Dry Ridge Divide. The Dry Ridge Divide runs north-south just inside the eastern boundary of the county and has long served as both an ancient and modern transportation corridor (today's U.S. 25 or Dixie Highway) connecting Cincinnati and Lexington. The development of the airport in Boone County in 1947 and Interstates 71and 75 in the 1960s accelerated the suburban growth that began about Today, residential, commercial, and industrial development is changing the rural landscape of Boone County; however, agriculture still plays an important part in the economy of the county. There are presently about 700 farms in the county. Most of these farms are considered small to very small farms. The median farm size is 50 acres and the average farm size is 116 acres. There are 240 farm operators that

3 consider farming as their principal occupation. Many more consider farming as a parttime occupation or secondary income. Boone County has many farms that have excellent records of production. Some of these farms consistently have top production in the state in tobacco, corn, soybeans, hay, dairy, beef, horses, and vegetables. Some of the highest quality landscaping plants are produced in the county. In 1999, Boone County produced the following crops: Burley tobacco 3,097,000 pounds Corn 329,400 bushels Soybeans 68,000 bushels Alfalfa hay 9,600 tons All other hay 23,200 tons Livestock inventory included: Beef cows and calves 11,700 head Dairy cows 600 head Sheep and goats 600 head Horses 6,000 head Review of the Process One of the goals of the Boone County Agriculture Development Council was to seek input from the local community in identifying needs and opportunities that would be included in the comprehensive plan. A public meeting was held at the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service Office to explain the Phase I Monies, the county plan development process, and grant proposal procedures. Each participant was allowed to give their input on the needs of the county's agricultural industry and their ideas of projects and programs that would enhance the agricultural economy for the

4 short and long term. Letters were sent to 1885 people, explaining the Phase 1 program and announcing the Public Meeting. People that could not attend the Public Meeting were asked to telephone Council members with their ideas or questions. Presentations were made to numerous farm and community meetings by Council Members and Extension Service staff explaining Phase 1. All of these groups were asked for input for the Boone County Plan The Council itself has been a good resource of input into developing the plan. Council members were selected because of their involvement and leadership in the agriculture industry in Boone County. Their peers recognized that these farmers are the innovators who have helped bring new technology and ideas that have helped production, marketing and profitability both for their farms and to other farmers who have learned from them. The Council will continue to solicit ideas and recommendations and see that this public input will help them make good decisions for the county in their vital roles in overseeing the investment of the Phase I dollars into the enhancement of the county's agricultural economy. Assessments Strengths Boone County is part of the Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan area which has in place an extensive highway, rail and water transportation system. The Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky Airport is located in Boone County. These resources coupled with a high per capita income consumer base provides Boone County farmers with a tremendous opportunity to market agricultural products locally. Boone County has very productive river bottoms and ridge tops. Some of the

5 top crop yields in Kentucky are consistently produced on Boone County farms. Boone County has an under-utilized forage base that, if managed correctly could provide increased income to our farmers. We also have diverse agriculture and horticulture enterprises that have a tradition of producing crops other than those produced on traditional tobacco and livestock operations. Even though many of the farmers have off farm jobs, most have a sincere interest in maintaining a viable family farm. Agricultural agencies such as the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service, Natural Resources Conservation District, Boone County Conservation District, and the Farm Service Agency work closely to improve the productivity and profitability of Boone County's agriculture community while conserving the county's natural resources. As we look to assess the potential strengths of Boone County's agriculture, we conclude that emphasis should be placed on the two major areas of expanding foragelivestock based enterprises and developing horticultural enterprises. Weaknesses Boone County's greatest weakness for agricultural development is also one of its strengths, only with a different perspective. Boone County's location near a large metropolitan area also presents its own problems. Urban sprawl has inflated the values of land such that it makes paying for a farm with agricultural production is impossible. Our urban neighbors also tend to view our farms for their beauty and nature, not as a profitable business for farmers. They do not understand equipment noise, dust, livestock odors, or pesticide use. They do not understand that farmers must move large, slow moving equipment from farm to farm using the roads and

6 highways. Another of Boone County's weaknesses is its lack of tillable land. Much of our land is too steep to cultivate and has limited productivity due to it's high clay content and/ or shallow depth of topsoil. Available water is a limiting factor that restricts productivity and reduces the opportunity to diversify production into some crops that are not as forgiving to the lack of adequate water as tobacco. There is a definite lack of labor force for agriculture in this county. With the increasing population and number of businesses, people that once worked in agriculture can now get a job in town that pays more, offers insurance benefits, is less physically demanding, and offers regular working hours. Even though there is a diversity of agriculture production in the county, many farmers are reluctant to make changes in their farming operations that could improve profitability. Educational programs and on farm field demonstrations are needed to show alternative or supplemental agricultural opportunities. There is a need to expand established markets and to add value to existing agriculture products. Distance to traditional livestock and tobacco markets has also been identified as a concern in Boone County. There is a lack of available veterinarians and farm implement dealers in the county or area. Opportunities Boone County's growing population and its proximity to Cincinnati provide an excellent opportunity to market agricultural, horticultural and other speciality crops directly to the consumer. Existing farmers' markets need to be expanded and alternative markets need to be established.

7 One of Boone County's greatest opportunities lies in its underutilized forage base. Increase revenues are possible if farmers would implement best management practices such as pasture renovation, improved fertility, grazing management and water development. By increasing our forage capacity revenues from our beef and cash hay enterprises would be increased. Recreational farming (horse boarding, riding trails, petting zoos, pay lakes, lease hunting, etc.) are other opportunities for Boone County. Threats Lack of public knowledge about the importance of agriculture continues to threaten existing farming operations. Boone County has experienced rapid urban growth and will continue to see urban development encroaching on agriculture enterprises. This has impacted traditional county agriculture in two ways. Land values have escalated to the point where their costs are prohibitive for potential producers to initiate new farming enterprises or existing farmers to expand. A large amount of the available land is already held by developers for subdivision in the future. As urban expansion escalates, environmental concerns will become more of an issue. For example, cattle farmers must manage more closely their waste handling procedures, and crop producers will be strictly scrutinized for potential pesticide and fertilizer runoff and pesticide drift. The lack of marketing infrastructure will be a major constraint to further developing vegetable, fruit, and other specialty crops. Present Farmers Markets are able to sell production from small plots, but are not able to market crops from larger acreage where more mechanization and/ or economies of scale may be used.

8 County Council Objectives The goals and objectives of the Boone County Agricultural Development Council will be to serve as a catalyst for the development of projects that will further the economic welfare of this community. We intend to solicit input from a diversified cross section of the farm and non-farm communities to insure that we reflect the interest and aspirations of the county. Our intent is to encourage the development of new enterprises that provide a value-added component to our current enterprises and to support the development of new enterprises that will expand and diversify our agricultural economy. We hope to preserve the family farm structure as the means to provide opportunities for the next generation of farmers in Boone County. Mission/Vision Statement The Boone County Agricultural Development Council, working on behalf of the citizens of Boone County and family farms, seeks to promote and encourage projects and programs that will expand the agricultural base of this county and region. We further hope to serve as a catalyst for farmers in Boone County to explore new enterprises, preserve existing farming operations, and extend marketing opportunities for farmers in this region. We seek to foster an atmosphere of cooperation and agreement in an effort to initiate agricultural enterprises that offer sustained economic growth and to maintain our rural economy and its future in Boone County for the next generations. Short Term Priorities The short term priorities will be to support and encourage cooperation among individuals to develop proposals that are broad based and will show benefit to more than one producer. During recent years, leadership groups such as the Northern Kentucky Cattle Association and the Boone County Farmers Market Association

9 have worked to improve the productivity and profitability of existing agricultural enterprises. One of our short term goals is to support these leadership groups as they develop projects that will strengthen the agricultural economy in Boone County. Projects designed to enhance the county's livestock/forage industry (pasture seeders, hay marketing facilities, ultrasound equipment for cow pregnancy testing, and cattle working equipment) will be given priority for funding. Horticulture projects that would be given high consideration would include improving the county's existing farmers' markets, packing facilities, hydro-coolers, value added processing equipment, planting and irrigation equipment purchases, and developing additional marketing opportunities. Individuals establishing new or alternative agriculture enterprises would also be considered for funding. While we prefer group proposals, we will accept individual project proposals as long as they can show evidence that it will expand new opportunities for agriculture and could serve as a pilot project for future growth. The Council also encourages continued educational programs that will support the above mentioned projects. Educational programs should focus on production and marketing as well as increasing the public's awareness of the importance of agriculture. Long Term Priorities One of the long-term goals of the Council is to continue supporting the grassroots leadership groups, educational programs, and the above-mentioned projects that are vital to our agriculture economy. Cooperation among farmers and developing direct marketing outlets for agricultural products are long-term goals of the Council.

10 The establishment of processing facilities to add value to our raw commodities will also remain a major key to continue strengthening agriculture. The ultimate long term goal of the Boone County Agricultural Development Council will be to encourage an atmosphere of cooperation among producers, rural and urban citizens, and public and private sectors toward efforts that maintain both the economic and historic aspect of Boone County. The improvement of existing farming enterprises, expanding new enterprises, developing markets and providing educational opportunities will also remain of major importance to continue to strengthen the agricultural economy of Boone County. Tactics for Leveraging Funds Groups or individuals interested in submitting an application for Phase I funds can download an application from the following web site: or they can pick one up at the Boone County Cooperative Extension Office located at 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington. Based on the projects that have been identified by the local agriculture community, we anticipate that a majority of the applications will be asking for county funds. The Boone County Agriculture Development Council will expect proposals to show evidence of inkind, matching money or other support equal to at least 50% of the total cost of the project for which any application is submitted. This percentage could increase based on the number of applicants and the availability of funds. Proposals should clearly outline to whom the funds will be directed, who will be responsible for the expenditures, and the project's potential benefit to the individual farmer(s) or to the agriculture community. Every effort will be made to coordinate like projects as one application. The Council reserves the right to waive cost share requirements for special

11 proposals from non profit agencies and associations. For the convenience of the producers or persons applying for funding, the Cooperative Extension Service Publication "A Primer for Selecting New Enterprises for Your Farm" can be used to satisfy the needs of the Council to analyze the potential of the proposed project.. For those using multiple county funds or state funds, a request of Boone County funds must show evidence of the proportional benefit to the citizens of this county. Local proposal request groups that have the opportunity to greatly enhance agriculture outside the county lines will be encouraged to request State Board consideration for funding from the state pool of money. Applicants for funds need to carefully read the directions listed on the application form and follow its guidelines in preparing the proposal. The Boone County Extension Office stands ready to assist those needing help with any part of the proposal application. People needing help from the Boone County Extension Office can stop by the office Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Extension Office can also be reached by phone at , or you can contact them at the following address: boone@ca.uky.edu. Evaluation and Review How proposals will be evaluated Proposals will be evaluated on their perceived potential to increase the area's agricultural income through production improvements and efficiency, improved marketing, expansion of the scope current enterprises, development of new enterprises and a broadening of the educational base. Applicants will be required to show evidence of in-kind, matching money or

12 other support equal to at least 50% of the total cost of the project applied for. The Council reserves the right to waive cost-share requirement for special proposals from non-profit agencies and associations. Priority will be given to requests by groups, associations and agencies that will have greater impact on the agricultural economy of the county and on a greater number of producer's farm income. Investments that benefit more farmers will receive a higher priority over more narrowly targeted projects. Investments that will lead to higher incomes and net profits for farmers will receive a higher priority. Farmers who have suffered significant loss of tobacco income will receive a higher priority if their projects show good potential for improving farm income. The County Council will accept completed grant applications at the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service, 6028 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, Kentucky. Applications that are mailed should be mailed to: Jerry Brown, Agriculture Agent Boone County Cooperative Extension Service P. O. Box 876 Burlington, Kentucky It is suggested that applications be hand delivered or sent by certified mail. The County Council will meet on a timely basis to review and evaluate applications for proposals for county funds. They will prioritize and budget the county's funds based on the evaluation tools presented herein and by evaluation tools provided by the State Board. The County Council will determine how well each proposal fits into the County Comprehensive Plan and the Council's Investment Priorities using the following criteria:

13 Applications will be scored using this evaluation format: 1 Dependency on tobacco 10 points 2 Number of people impacted by proposal 10 points 3 Applicants share contributed to project 15 points 4 Can it become self-sustaining? 10 points 5 Does it sound practical and provide the necessary supporting documentation? 10 points 6 Does the project provide a realistic opportunity to increase farm profitability? 15 points 7 Will the applicant share knowledge gained and can it be duplicated? 10 points

14 8 How well does it fit the county/state comprehensive plan? 20 points Total points 100 points *This scoring format can be found on page 16 of the application packet. Applications will be scored by the Boone County Agricultural Development Council and sent to the State Agricultural Development Board with the county council's recommendations. In some cases the applicant may be requested to make an oral presentation of their proposal before the county council. Applications will be accepted beginning January 8th, 2001 and will continue until all funds are exhausted or from further direction from the State Board. How will success and failure be measured? The success or failure of each project will be based on the goals of the project, its impact on farm profitability, impact on the agricultural economy, how many people were impacted, and how the project helps viability of the family farm. Applicants may be asked to provide reports to the Council on the progress of their projects. Farm visits before and after project completion may be needed to evaluate the progress of each project. Copies of expenditures (receipts/canceled checks) shall be made available to the Council upon request. Applicants will be encouraged to share their projects with other farmers through field days, tours and written reports. How will the County Comprehensive Plan be revised? The Council will continually evaluate how well the plan is meeting the needs of the

15 county for growth of the agricultural industry. Each fall the Boone County Agriculture Advancement Council will schedule a community forum to gather ideas on improving the comprehensive plan. Other meetings can be called as needed by the County Agriculture Advancement Council to revise the comprehensive plan. The Council will then make any necessary revisions and submit those to the State Board for final approval.