Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
During a global pandemic, when in person meetings were not possible and the Jackson County Extension Service was closed to the public, the Jackson County Agriculture Agent and the Jackson County 4H agent worked collaboratively with each other, staff assistants, SNAP assistants, UK Specialists, The Jackson County Agriculture Teacher, KY Fish and Wildlife, and other community partners to create a social media presence to reach clientele. This was done through videos and media created by agents and
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Covid -19 Virus has affected our everyday life, our businesses, our economy and our livelihoods. To help our clientele meet the challenges caused by this pandemic, extra efforts have been made to present important information while maintaining the required health guidelines . Examples of these efforts include: The July/August and the September/October Editions of the Montgomery County Extension Agriculture News & Events Newsletter were mailed out to 1035 clients per newsletter. The
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
As the entire world deals with a global pandemic, measures to limit and slow the spread are very important to human safety. Extension being an organization that offers many face to face educational opportunities for local clientele creatively sought means to continue provided vital timely information to clientele. The Buffalo Trace Agriculture Agents have used web-based technology for several years to deliver a limited number of educational programs providing some local producers a c
Author: Marlee Kelley
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Covid-19 changed nearly everything in the United States in the spring of 2020. It closed many businesses, most schools and churches, eliminated most travel, and turned many Americans into virtual hermits. It also affected agriculture, with some of the most significant effects falling on livestock producers as farm-gate prices declined due to the closure of many of the large beef and pork processing plants. Prices of other commodities such as corn, soybeans, and produce were also depressed by the
Author: Christin Herbst
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, there are 50,908 acres of land in 308 farms in Carroll County. The market value of products sold was reported to be $5,811,000. Since the 1998 Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement, the pounds of tobacco harvested in Carroll County has decreased over 95% and the importance of diversifying agricultural operations from tobacco to other production areas has been vital.Supporting local agricultural producers is a high priority of the Carroll Cou
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Approximately 75 producers in Rockcastle County were approved to get cost share funds through the county agriculture investment program. Upon being approved for cost share these producers must attend an educational class pertaining to farm management. Over the past 6 weeks the Rockcastle County extension office has offered a wide variety of programming for producers to attend that will coincide with the cost share program in which they were funded. These programs include backg
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Mesonet stations are automated stations that monitor near-surface environmental conditions in the domain from 10 meters above the surface to one meter below the surface. Data from the stations are easily accessible and can be used to improve local forecasts and severe weather warnings, aid emergency response efforts, enhance agricultural productivity, assist local utility providers, and support business and industry. The Nicholas County Cooperative Extension office worked with the Nicholas Count
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Funding resources for farmers are often crucial to starting a new farm business and even sustaining an existing one. The Woodford County Extension Service receives many inquiries from clientele asking about grants, loans, and cost share opportunities to help offset the costs of either starting their farm business or expanding, sustaining, and/or diversifying their current operation. With many of the travel and health restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woodford County Extensi
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Funding resources for farmers are often crucial to starting a new farm business and even sustaining an existing one. The Woodford County Extension Service receives many inquiries from clientele asking about grants, loans, and cost share opportunities to help offset the costs of either starting their farm business or expanding, sustaining, and/or diversifying their current operation. With many of the travel and health restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woodford County Extensi
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The KY Beef Conference is planned and orchestrated by the D4 ANR agents and typically attracts 200+ attendees and includes a national speaker. The 2020 conference obviously could not be held in the traditional manner due to health safety concerns. The ANR agents felt that we should still host and the obvious venue was Zoom. We changed from a daytime event to evening. We felt that these changes would possibly attract more people or at least producers that traditionally couldn't travel to Lexi
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Constructing and re-constructing farm fences can be a mundane yet expensive task. During the Plan of Work process in 2019, the Muhlenberg County Extension Council asked that the Extension Service provide information on new types of farm fences and construction methods. The Muhlenberg ANR agent hosted a one day fencing school on October 1, 2019 that included classroom and on site construction of a fence at the Muhlenberg County Cooperative Extension Service office. T
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Buffalo Trace annual Farm School for Women was held during October with an alternative format.The program is geared to offer educational programming to an underserved agriculture audience from a management and production focus. The program’s success has been in part due to the past hands on activities to reinforce educational program, however, in the midst of a COVID pandemic the program was delivered with a different approach. Agents developed four evening educational sess
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In light of the current pandemic situation, I have been forced to expand my programming efforts to other platforms for disseminating information. In the last 3 years, monthly podcast listeners have increased by 54% and 37% of Americans listen to podcasts on a monthly basis. One statistic that specifically interested me is that half of Americans 12-34 listen to podcasts monthly. This age group demographic is very difficult to reach in typical extension programming. This lead me
Author: Reed Graham
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
For the last two years, the Breathitt County ANR program has co-hosted a Farm & Safety Field Day. The program has grown over time and more partners have been added, expanding the program to become multi-county. The Wolfe and Breathitt County ANR Agents met early in the Fall to discuss the 2020 program and how to continue in the midst of a global pandemic. It was decided to host a virtual Farm & Home Safety Week and to not only partner again with the county Farm Bureaus, but to also
Author: Charles May
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Perry County is one of the Counties that receives very little of the Phase I Tobacco Settlement funds that was established by House Bill 611. Perry County only receives around $8000 every two years. We usually have to set on the money until enough is accumulated to run a cost-share program. On average we run a program every two or three years and only have around $10,000 to put toward a grant. Most of the grants that have been run are only for $1000 producer maximum and are a 50/50
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Due to Henry County’s topography and soil, animal production has always been strong with in Henry County. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Henry County has over $14,000,000 in animal sales, and the average age of the farmer is 57.6 years old according to the USDA Census of Agriculture. With this knowledge, the Henry County Extension Office places livestock production as a high regard. The Shelby County Extension office would want to restart the Stockman’s College to help
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Central Kentucky ANR agents join together to provide this unique program to Agricultural financial lending institutions in the area. With COVID-19 protocols and restrictions hindering education of many of these lenders, this year's conference was more crucial than ever. Farmers across the state have seen dramatic price decreases and market volatility due to COVID-19. Financial lenders have reported times have been very tough financially on many farmers. Now more t
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In order to help producers be efficient and profitable in turbulent markets due to COVID, Central Kentucky County Extension Agents for Agriculture & Natural Resources collaborated with UK Beef and Agricultural Economic Extension Specialists to present the Kentucky Beef Conference on October 19th 2020. This has been an on-going, annual program for over 20 years. The financial assistance of many long time agri-business and community sponsors has allowed producers to hear from nationally known
Author: Joanna Coles
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented challenges to many people. It has changed the way we live and work. One of the challenges that has developed for Extension Agents is how do we continue to deliver quality educational programs to our clientele during this health crisis? Most traditional face-to-face program delivery methods are not currently an option.An alternate method is electronic delivery of programs. Because most of our traditional field days were canceled due to Covid, agents collaborate
Author: Robert Smith
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
COVID has necessitated that the way we teach or offer educational opportunities changes to meet the needs of safety and to continue our mission of education and outreach. As a criterion for receiving funding from the Nelson County Agriculture Development Council through the County Agriculture Improvement Program (CAIP), individuals must attain a least one hour of continuing education. Traditionally this has been accomplished by holding face to face meetings throughout the fall of th
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In 2018 one of the major goals that I had was to get an Agriculture Newsletter started in Pulaski County. This is something that I wanted to see happen but is also something that was ask by our Agriculture Advisory Council. The goal was one to use to get information out to the local producers in a timely manner. Also we wanted to use this to give people a better ideal of what extension has to offer and recruit for programs in the future.When we first started we sent newsletter out to around
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
With the changes in the past year and all of the challenges that has came form 2020 it seemed like the right time for Pulaski County ANR to get started on Social Media. With everything going on the opportunity to get more information out for the public to see was very important. This is able to be done with the help of Jennifer Keith one of our Pulaski County support staff. This has allowed us the to get information out faster to the public about upcoming meetings on zoom or deadlines that
Author: Christan Miracle
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Covid-19 has presented many challenges in the Extension world and has made agents think of creative ways to bring programs to their clientele. CAIP is a program that is conducted every year and heavily involves extension. 2020 was no different for this program.The typical CAIP program involves extension in various ways across the state. All levels of extension play a role in the program, from specialist to agents, and from state-wide meetings to local level meetings. Some counties administer the
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Choosing ARC Co or PLC for corn, soybeans and wheat during the annual Farm Bill sign up can be confusing for many producers. This agent worked with Tom Miller, Ballard County ANR agent and Dr. Greg Halich, from the College of Agriculture Food and Environment Agricultural Economics Department to work to find the best option for producers in Muhlenberg and Hopkins Counties. After reviewing the production information for the crops and utilizing the decision aid tool developed by the Universit
Author: Matthew Adams
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Cooperative Extension Agents are continuously looking for ideas to help reach new audiences to educate and communicate. Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents Matt Adams (Hardin), Whitney Carman (Grayson) and Daniel Carpenter (LaRue) specifically were looking for ways to reach the young farmer population, a group that can be difficult to reach in the current educational methods. One way that the agents looked into is podcasting. Podcasting uses the internet to make recordings of broadcasts ava
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
A committee chai for the 2020 KACAA state conference in-service training this ANR agent collaborated with other agents and University of Kentucky Extension Specialists to host a panel discussion about University of Kentucky soil fertility recommendations. Extension ANR and Horticulture agents sometimes get confused with ag industry recommendations versus UK’s. Clientele are bombarded with propaganda with convincing evidence on adding certain products to their fertilizer for yield boost and
Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In 2021, the election for the Farm Bill became a yearly decision. FSA had a deadline of March 15 for farmers to sign up the 2021 crop year. This agent along with help from Dr. Greg Halich from Ag Economics used information from Kansas State University , University of Illinois and Texas A&M to develop a PowerPoint presentation to train Kentucky agents to help FSA with grower education.Due to the unprecedented rise in commodity prices through the harvest season, the decision farmer
Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In these times of Covid, any in person grower meetings have ground to a halt. The need is still there to get the information out and Zoom is a useful tool for some clientele. Unfortunately, much of the older grain crop producers in the state are not zoom literate and have no plans to be. In order to help FSA with grower education for the 2021 Farm Bill Sign Up, this agent developed a one page educational sheet that our local FSA could hand to growers or landowners that explaine
Author: Jerry Little
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Boyle County Farm Bureau Federation applied for $129,000 in agricultural Development Funds for the CAIP program. There were 121 applications that were accepted from November 17th through December 8th, 2020. 63 applications were funded and the deadline to finish their projects on the farm is April 13, 2021. The extension office is the main clearing house for all reports and receipts turned in on the cost share program. With Covid-19 restrictions the extension agent has worked with produc
Author: Benjamin Rudy
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Every winter producers attend numerous in-person meetings held by extension on various row crop related topics, but due to Covid-19 these in-person meeting were not held. The Fulton County and Carlisle County Ag Agents developed a 5 part series to provide information to the producers in their area an opportunity to receive these updates, interact with the Specialist, and maintain social distancing, all from the comfort of their living room or office.The agents scheduled 5 Monday evening se
Author: April Wilhoit
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In fall 2020, COVID-19 still had many restrictions, but this did not stop the Buffalo Trace agents from hosting the Farm School for Women program. We offered the program virtually through Zoom for four sessions and had 28 women signed up and participated. We wanted to provide an exciting program, but this is not an easy task as many programs are offered virtually. We based the sessions on 2019's survey that asked what type of workshops participants would like to see for 2020. The first
Author: Roger Mollette
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Martin County Agricultural Development Council recently received $30,000.00 from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Council. The County Council with the Martin County Soil Conservation District acting as the Administrator of the program has chosen the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP). Producers with a Farm Number and Water Quality Plan may apply for up to $5,000.00 for Primary Focus Areas and up to $1,500.00 for Secondary Focus Areas. Producers will be
Author: Kendal Bowman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
On February 15th, 2021, the Owen County Cooperative Extension Service hosted a statewide webinar series on agriculture financials. During this meeting we had over 20 participants from all over the state participate. During this meeting they learned about CFAP payments available. Over 30% of participants recorded learning about this available money. Participants also learned about what to report on their schedule F on taxes. One participant learned about how equipment trade in effects their tax r
Author: Anthony Tackett
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
During the past year the Bourbon County Extension Service has worked extensively with the state level Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, and our local County Agricultural Development Council in supporting innovative projects that help increase local farm income. During a normal year acting as liaison and facilitator between these groups takes significant time and coordination. This past year the ongoing pandemic and a vacant s
Author: Philip Konopka
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In fall 2020, COVID-19 still had many restrictions, but this did not stop the Buffalo Trace (Lewis, Mason, Fleming, Bracken and Robertson) agents from hosting the annual Farm School for Women program. The program was offered virtually through Zoom for four sessions and had 28 women signed up and participated. The 2020 coursed topic that were covered were based the sessions on 2019's survey.The first session covered mum production; we decided to make the program a virtual field day. It includ
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The idea for “Ag Tool Tuesday” was derived from seeing many "Tutorial Tuesday" videos and posts on social media. There are many tools that we can use in our farming operations that some producers might not be familiar, or may not know how to use. Starting in January of 2021 the Rockcastle County Agriculture Agent started making Ag Tool Tuesday videos for Facebook and YouTube. In these short, 2-4 minute, videos an agriculture tool is shown and the agent describes
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Jackson County Agriculture Agent has worked closely with the Ag Development Council, the CAIP program Administrator, and Producers to have another County Agriculture Improvement Program. This year 108 producers were approved for $1427 each on a 75/25 cost-share program. The agriculture agent worked with producers through CAIP application classes that taught producers how to fill out their applications. Over one third of all applicants attended one of the CAIP application classes. The agricul
Author: Jessica Barnes
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Even though we have not been able to meet in person most of this past year, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents across the state as well as our specialists have worked hard to ensure that we are keeping clientele, stakeholders and other agents well informed about what is going on. An example of this would be the Central Kentucky Ag Lender's Conference that was held back in January for our community partners involved in ag lending to be a part of to get the most up to date informatio
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Hart County has a very strong agriculture and horticulture base. The absence of an Ag and Natural resources agent in the county has presented challenges for Extension staff and producers during this vacancy. The current staff does an excellent job ensuring that the needs of growers and homeowners are met. The ANR agents in Barren and Metcalfe County have assisted them and will continue to lend support in order provide agriculture information to the people of Hart County. Through
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Hart County has a very strong agriculture and horticulture base. The absence of an Ag and Natural resources agent in the county has presented challenges for Extension staff and producers during this vacancy. The current staff does an excellent job ensuring that the needs of growers and homeowners are met. The ANR agents in Barren and Metcalfe County have assisted them and will continue to lend support in order provide agriculture information to the people of Hart County. Through
Author: Jordan Shockley
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In 2016, a spreadsheet tool was developed to help producers determine the economic value of poultry litter applied to grain crops. The tool is customizable to reflect each individuals situation when selling, purchasing, and/or applying poultry litter. In 2021, this tool was utilized by Woodford Co. ANR agent to assess the economic value of poultry litter on 70 acres of tobacco. The farmer was applying 2 tons per acre of poultry litter and was wondering if it would be cheaper to
Author: Curtis Judy
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Todd County Conservation District is administering Todd County’s seventh offering of the Phase I County Agricultural Improvement Program (CAIP) this program year. The program was approved for $235,000 in Todd County Ag. Development funds, with a maximum cost-share reimbursement limit of $3,500 per farm. The actual reimbursement cap will be a pro-rated number, based upon the number of people who complete projects and the amount of cost-share eligible money they spend. CAIP s
Author: Curtis Judy
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
July 1, 2020 marked the beginning of a new two-year term for Todd County’s Phase I Ag. Development Council. Of the nine members on the 2020-22 Council, six were totally new this term, having never served before. At their first meeting, members received training related to their responsibilities on the Council, including a short history of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund and the projects and programs that have been funded in Todd County. The County Council has d
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Phase I funding continues to play an important part to the agriculture community of LaRue County. The LaRue County Agricultural Development Board helped to administer over $244,267 in the last calendar year to directly and indirectly make positive impacts to LaRue County farmers.The council funded producers directly through the County Agriculture Investment Program which is ran by the county Beef Producers Group. Investments were made in genetics, fencing, on farm water development, cattle handl
Author: Whitney Carman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Cooperative Extension Agents are continuously looking for ideas to help reach new audiences to educate and communicate. Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents Matt Adams (Hardin), Whitney Carman (Grayson) and Daniel Carpenter (LaRue) specifically were looking for ways to reach the young farmer population, a group that can be difficult to reach in the current educational methods. One way that the agents looked into is podcasting. Podcasting uses the internet to make recordings of broadcasts ava
Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The 2020-21 Ballard County CAIP Program is drawing to a close. With initial funding of $375,000 from the Ballard County share of the Master Settlement Phase 1 Funds allowed 75 produces to participate in a 50% cost share program, where the producer can spend up to $10,000 and get $5,000 back in cost share funds. The majority of the money has been used for Precision Ag and Grain handling equipment, but other programs like large and small animal and forage improvement have also seen muc
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
One of the task that was ask by the producers of Pulaski county of the new Agriculture and Natural Resources agent was to start running articles in the local paper like the horticulture and FCS agent does.To honor this request we started a weekly newspaper article that runs in the Sunday paper, and online at the commonwealth journals website and the ANR page of the extension website. These articles try to reach a wide variety of topics, while also hitting topic that are revelante at the ti
Author: Bethany Pratt
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Louisville Metro Government has Land Development Codes that regulate what can and cannot happen on all property within Louisville. These codes have often come in conflict with residents’ ability and interest to practice agriculture in an urban environment. Starting in December of 2020, Metro Government office of Louisville Forward began an equity review of these codes. Jefferson Co Horticulture Agent worked with members of the Louisville Urban Agriculture Coalition (UAC) to review and prov
Author: Karin Pekarchik
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Ag Weather Update, written by UK Ag Weather Center Meteorologist Matt Dixon, provides weekly news that is emailed to a growing audience of Kentucky farmers and producers. The first Ag Weather Update launched in May. In just a few weeks, eight-six people have signed up to receive the newsletter. The newsletter consists of timely, actionable news that helps producers make critical decisions such as when to cut hay, plant soybeans, or guard against livestock heat stress. To increase reach, the
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
As one of the largest employing industries, Agriculture is the back bone to the local economy in Adair County. It’s history and productive land make Adair County an ideal agriculture hotspot for years to come. The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service works alongside multiple organizations to educate and develop the future farmers and leaders of Adair County. Since 2017, $109,850 of county agriculture development funds have been invested in the Youth Agricultur
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Consumer choice has shifted away from the grocery store shelves and many local farmers markets have become the target to provide safe, fresh, and nutritious food for communities across the state, and Grant County is experiencing this trend as well. The past 18 months have shifted many individual’s life choices to shift away from the current food supply. As a result an increase in the demand for locally grown fresh produce, meat, and eggs. The Grant County Farm Bureau Fed
Author: Whitney Carman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Fencing projects are an investment that many farmers do not take lightly. Understanding basic principles of fencing can help a producer understand how fence their own property, or to understand the cost associated with hiring someone to do it for their farm.Due to the success of the Lincoln Trail Fencing School Grayson County hosted in 2019, there was still a large interest in a 2020 program, however due to COVID-19, there was no ability to host one safely. By 2021, restrictions eased, and the n
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Cooperative Extension Agents are continuously looking for ideas to help reach new audiences to educate and communicate. Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents Matt Adams (Hardin), Whitney Carman (Grayson) and Daniel Carpenter (LaRue) specifically were looking for ways to reach the young farmer population, a group that can be difficult to reach in the current educational methods. One way that the agents looked into is podcasting. Podcasting uses the internet to make recordings of broadcasts ava
Author: Steven Musen
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Due to declining world-wide demand for tobacco products, tobacco sales have fallen from a high of over 60%, to a value of 1.6% of the total value of agriculture crops sold in Jessamine County in 2017. House Bill 611 and the implementation of the Governor’s Office of Ag. Policy’s (GOAP) Agriculture Development Fund and the County Ag. Investment Program (CAIP) has allowed for the allocation over $3.1 million, over a 16-year period. These funds have been used to assist in the restructur
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
We have been doing livestock composting for several years on a small, experimental scale. Now, as a service to our county livestock owners, we have opened it up to all who may need the service. This is a free service where anyone who has deceased livestock can bring the animal(s) to our Education Center, and we put them into a composting situation. This is achieved by using wood chips from tree removal company Asplundh, who bring us dozens of large truck loads of chips each year.Basically, we bu
Author: Clinton Hardy
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
No one will forget 2020. Covid-19 didn’t care where you work or live, what church or school you attend. Everyone was affected, if not infected in one way or another. Agriculture has certainly has its ups and downs during the past 18 months. 2020 began with boost of confidence as trade agreements were established and plans were made for a rebound in demand for agricultural products. By mid-summer the commo
Author: William Snell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Economic and Policy Update (EPU) newsletter is sent out monthly to over 1,000 electronic subscribers which includes county agents, producers, farm organization leaders, agribusinesses, policymakers and the media. Authors are primarily extension professionals in the Department of Agricultural Economics who write articles on various marketing, management and policy topics. Our data reveal that the EPU e-newsletters have been viewed over 10,000 times during the past year. Agents use these artic
Author: Clay Stamm
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Extension professionals unfortunately hear this all the time; “Extension is the best kept secret in our town”. That is horrible news because we try so hard to get the word out about everything we do. One great way to combat this is to have a consistent media outlet to help get the word out about knowledge and programs available. Furthermore, it is even better if you can have multiple media outlets to assist in advertising. The r
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Programs and services that strengthen farming operations are a priority for the Oldham County Extension and Agriculture Councils. Like many counties, Oldham hosts many types of agriculture enterprises. Equine Operations lead Oldham County in the market value of products sold at over 6.3 million dollars. Pasture makes up one-third of available farmland and provides grazing for livestock. Additionally, hay leads all crops in acreage, according to the 2017 Census of Agricult
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Covid-19 crisis of 2020 led to social isolation and a lack of face-to-face networking opportunities for many families across the Commonwealth. While this was a challenging time in many ways, it also presented unique opportunities for farmers to connect with each other and to learn new things together. Cooperative Extension outreach was a natural fit during these times, providing educational outreach including video conferencing, online resource materials and telephone or zoom con
Author: Gregory Halich
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Programming Bale Grazing 2020-2021 Bale Grazing is a winter feeding practice originally developed in the western Canadian provinces and portions of the northern US. Done correctly, it can reduce equipment and labor (no tractor is required for feeding) and dramatically increase pasture fertility. However, it had to be adapted to work well in the Upper South as our soils aren’t frozen over for months at a time during winter. I started bale grazing on one of my personal
Author: Gregory Halich
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Programming in Pasture-Finished Beef Production 2020-2021 Pasture Finished Beef Production continues to be another major programming area in my extension efforts. I started finishing cattle on pasture on one of my personal farms eight years ago and have been working with farmers in Kentucky and throughout the eastern US with this niche but expanding enterprise. I secured a $45K Risk Management Education grant and led a joint extension program with two other states. Due to
Author: Gregory Halich
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Programming in Most Profitable Hay Feeding Days and Stocking Rate 2020-2021 Hay feeding is typically highlighted as the biggest cost in a beef cow-calf operation and many extension specialists say that if cattle farmers can reduce hay feeding they will be more profitable. While this simplistic statement is true for many farms, it will not be true for all farms. The basic message in my programming in this area is that there is a tradeoff between hay feeding and stocking rate: try
Author: Gregory Halich
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Programming: Cow-Calf Profitability Webinar 2020-21 While University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension has had many good programs focused on beef cattle, we felt that these programs have typically be somewhat fragmented and lacked cohesion: Various specialists from different departments would present on their respective topics. While programs like this have been valuable, we wanted a program where all the presentations were tied together and focused on what farmers had the most impact
Author: Kenneth Burdine
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Virtual Cow-calf Profitability ConferenceKenny Burdine, Greg Halich, and Jonathan Shepherd developed the Cow-calf Profitability Conferences in 2019 / 2020 as an extensive extension program targeting profit-driven cow-calf operators. Program topics were specifically designed to cover aspects of cow-calf production that have the largest impact on profitability. A total of 5 conferences were held in the winter of 2019/2020, reaching more than 300 people directly. After COVID forced the cancellation
Author: Kenneth Burdine
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
I have always made an effort to provide timely market information to cattle producers in Kentucky. They have always had good access to market data, but not necessarily to market analysis and commentary specific to Kentucky. For this reason, I have written a monthly Kentucky Market Update for the Off-the-Hoof Newsletter for many years. In the spring of 2020, I began writing a weekly market update for ANR agents and Kentucky cattle producers that I sent out each Friday morning. The markets were ch
Author: William Snell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Department of Agricultural Economics presented two virtual lender’s conferences on December 16, 2020 and January 26, 2021. These annual conferences in the past were presented in person in Owensboro/Henderson, Mayfield, Hopkinsville, and Lexington, but due to COVID-19 our team was forced to a virtual format. Attendance for both conferences totaled around 100. Topics covered included the U.S./KY farm economy, farm policy, trade, market updates and planning strategies for KY t
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Washington County Agriculture Development Board approved $245,000 to use for County Agriculture Investment Program and the Next Generation Farmer Program in 2021. These programs are 50/50 cost share programs with participants spending $5000.00 and receiving $2500.00 from the program they participated. There were two informational meetings administered by the Horticulture Agent and Program Administrator explaining the program requirements. One of the requirements for receiving monies is
Author: Kenneth Burdine
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Freezer beef has always been a viable option for beef cattle producers who were looking to add value to the existing cattle operations. By finishing cattle, and marketing them directly to consumers, producers have significant potential to increase profits on a per-head basis. As COVID impacted the beef supply chain during 2020, consumer interest in purchasing beef directly from producers increased, which expanded these opportunities. However, reaching these markets requires a great deal of addit
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The corona virus pandemic forced many families into disarray when the food supply chain was disrupted and many grocery stores had empty shelves. This situation drove these families to Boone County Extension seeking knowledge in raising their own food and living more sustainably without relying on big box stores. In response to this situation, Boone County ANR Agent partnered with the other northern Kentucky agriculture agents to offer the Modern Homesteading Series. This five session virtual ser
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
There are many agricultural producers in Monroe County that are required to obtain various certifications or attend trainings in order to effectively manage their enterprises. The UK Cooperative Extension Service Agents assist local producers by providing the necessary trainings and educational programs. The Monroe Co. Ag & Natural Resources Agent was able to provide in-person assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.Approximately 280 individuals participated in the County Agriculture Investm
Author: April Wilhoit
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The 2021 Kentucky Association of County Agriculture Agents (KACAA) was hosted by the District 1 agents which the Buffalo Trace County area is part of. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the decision was made to move the conference to a virtual format. With the idea to keep the traditional layout of the conference the same the agents decided to continue with farm tours but to video agriculture producers in the district and host the tours virtually for the KACAA conference attendees
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Tobacco production remains a very important part of the Ag economy for many Trigg County producers making up 17% of the total Crop sales. For producers, new diseases, increased regulations and as always the weather in 2020 made producing a high quality, high yielding crop very difficult. Trigg and Caldwell Counties have worked together to put on an educational meeting and GAP training each year to help them find answers to the issues they are facing in the field. This year more
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
KY cattlemen's Ground Beef is a branded beef launched by Beef Solutions a partner with the Ky Cattlemen's association. Most cattle producers have heard of Ky Cattlemen's Ground beef or read about it in the Cow Country News. Beef Solutions buys cull cows from Ky farm families who are all BQCA trained producers, commmited to excelent animal husbandry practices and in turn retails the meat through grocers. This allows an opportunity for consumers to connect more with l
Author: Joanna Coles
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Social media represents a huge potential for outreach for the Cooperative Extension Service. Facebook has over 2.85 billion active users, YouTube has 2 billion active users and Instagram has 1.074 billion users. Since July of 2016, the Warren County Agriculture’s social media presence has increased its scope and interaction. The platforms focus on timely agriculture and horticulture educational information, promotion of events, agriculture awareness campaigns, and recognition
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Peer groups have been helpful for CEO’s, marketing managers, entrepreneurs, human resources, operations managers, etc. in both big and small business for years. The modern day farm manager encompasses all of these jobs and it can be a helpful tool to help farm owners and operators to perform efficiently by sharing information and experiences with each other. It is also beneficial from a mental and social health perspective for the peer group to discuss problems and issues within their oper
Author: Joanna Coles
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Warren County Extension Service has worked with the Farm and Home Show for 20+ years as a platform for other Extension Agents and Specialists to share research-based information from the University of Kentucky. This educational, 5-minute show shares seasonal topics related to the farm and the home and is broadcast on the WBKO TV Station to residents across the South Central Kentucky viewing area.As of July 1, 2020, Warren County Extension Agents have produced, edited, and shared 260 educatio
Author: Savannah Columbia
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
This Spring, we turned our day-long, in-person MarketReady Producer Training into a virtual learning experience. The virtual learning experience was well-received. We had 49 producers participate in our virtual training and 48 producers participate in the follow-up advanced topic sessions. The MarketReady Producer Training educates producers interested in retail, grocery, farm to school, wholesale, etc. sales. The advanced topic follow-up sessions serve as deeper dives into some of the material
Author: Savannah Columbia
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In the spring of 2020, we distributed a survey about farmer’s markets and local food consumption to the community members of Campbell County, KY. We were able to take these survey results and put them into a reflection about how the community members felt about their local farmer’s markets. We found ways for the farmer’s markets to improve and better serve their community. We presented the findings to a group of 14 individuals; however, this project is on-going. Our group submi
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Since Covid19 restrictions were in place for most of the 2020-21 year, meeting the needs for the county was difficult and challenging to say the least. Soil samples and office visits were received and conducted in the parking lot while following the ever changing CDC guide lines. Farm visits were crucial during these times for educational opportunities and production demonstrations. Because of the efforts of the Knox County Extension Service, High Tunnels were set up and began production,
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical research-based education to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Traditionally, education programs are offered in the form of a field day, classroom or day camp to reach more clientele in one setting. These programs can be a series of events that take place over a few weeks or they can be a one-day event. Often times, one of the most benefic
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
New ways to teach old information.When the entire state was shut down in March of 2020 residents were in pandemic mode when it came to their daily grocery needs. I immediately began seeing Facebook posts and receiving texts on how to grow a garden, specifically, many people said, call the Breckinridge County Extension Office for information. Families were at home needing a positive project to engage the entire family in to keep their minds off the situation we were all in at the same time
Author: Emily Spencer
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Over the 10 years that MarketReady has been offered to producers in Kentucky, it has always been an in-person, face-to-face event. In 2020, the program was unable to be held because of COVID-19 precautions. In 2021, Emily Spencer, Savannah Columbia, and Tim Woods adapted the MArket Ready curriculum to better fit in an online delivery format.The typical MarketReady training lasts a full day- around 6 hours. To adapt the training for online, the program was broken up into a Core Training- highligh
Author: Emily Spencer
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Led by Brett Wolff and assisted by Emily Spencer and Savannah Columbia, the Center for Crop Diversification put on a webinar series in the Fall of 2020, addressing some of the most-asked questions from growers in Kentucky. The Webinar Series lasted 5 weeks and included expert voices from the Kentucky Horticulture Council, the Community Farm Alliance, UK Agricultural Economics, and the Kentucky Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (KCARD). The series had attendees from all over the state
Author: Emily Spencer
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
With the promise of in-person markets being open in Summer of 2020, many producers did not have website set up. Even fewer had an online store. However, when many markets did not open up in Summer 2020, many farms and businesses were left with few options. With assistance from the University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification, Emily Spencer assisted several producers in getting their online stores up and running in order to keep their business open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customer
Author: Emily Spencer
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Led by Lilian Brislen and Tim Woods, and assisted by Emily Spencer and Jairus Rossi, the University of Kentucky led a national team of university partners, community practitioners, and USDA AMS representatives in a project uncovering and addressing the needs of local food systems stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts by the University of Kentucky resulted in the following:Detailed Impact Assessments from August 2020 and May 2021 from 17 different local food systems stakeholders, fro
Author: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes and challenges to our world and local community. The outbreak quickly reminded people that Agriculture is essential business and that Extension was needed to continue to provide crucial services, diagnoses and advice during this time, while keeping participants and staff safe. In spite of the challenges, Morgan County ANR retooled traditional delivery methods and adopted new technology to meet needs of farmers and forestry professio
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The COVID-19 pandemic on most of 2020-2021 created unique situations which needed addressed especially with regards to agricultural producers. In spring of 2020 until the spring of 2021, Extension Offices were open only to one on one appointments, and large gatherings were not available to ensure safety of staff and clients. The lack of large educational meetings caused many issues for agricultural producers, but a large issue for producers was obtaining the necessary education to either sale ag
Author: Phillip Long
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
New farm business development in Jefferson County has slowed with regard to the recent pandemic, and a limited amount of support, created by an uncertain socio-economic-political environment. However, the development of Equine Therapy farms has continued to grow, serving the increased needs of Jefferson County, with the greatest number of farms being located in Eastern Jefferson County. Equine Therapy has created a need for safe and healthy indoor, and outdoor environments, for clients and
Author: Samantha Anderson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
With a recent nationwide renewed interest in local food production, information on homesteading practices have become a common request for many County Extension Service offices. Seeing a need for relevant, research-based information to be available to the public, area agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Caldwell, Calloway, Crittenden, Livingston, Marshall, McCracken and Trigg Counties, partnered to host the Small Diversified Farm series. Through an interest survey, monthly educa
Author: Jason Vaughn
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund provide monies to implement the County Ag Investments Program. The program runs through county councils and provides money directly to farmers allowing for investments in key farming operations. In Powell County, farmers must complete a qualified educational component to receive the cost shared funds. Traditionally, applicants would attend one of a couple educational classes offered at the extension office. Covid 19 prevented the
