Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Rockcastle County Extension office holds its winter meetings every year starting in January and conclude in March. These meetings are focused on livestock production encompassing all areas of farm management. In early February of 2022 Dr. Greg Halich was invited to speak to our group about ways to decrease commercial fertilizer use therefore increasing profits. In his presentation Dr. Halich presented several options that included, bale grazing, rotational grazing, stocking
Author: Robert Amburgey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Bath County Extension Office and the Bath County Conservation District held the first county-wide field day event since 2019, due to Covid restrictions. The focus of this field day was two fold. Demonstrate how improved management and strategic on-farm enhancements can not only improve efficiency in animal production, but can also free up labor requirements at a time when labor is in short supply and to highlight programs offered by the Natural Resources and Conservation Service throug
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In today’s agriculture industry there are many ideas, products and beliefs out there that some agriculture companies try to push producers into “buying”. A lot of these companies try to sell these ideas, products and beliefs to producers by showing them research that was done from their companies which would be a biased interpretation or maybe even no research at all. There are a few companies out there that are making the claim that liquid calcium products can be used to
Author: Robert Smith
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Leadership Nelson County is a program sponsored by the Bardstown/Nelson County Chamber of Commerce designed to increase the knowledge and awareness of the vital components of the community for the participants. This year there are 18 participants in the adult leadership program and 35 in the youth program. The Nelson County Extension service hosts both groups to explain and demonstrate the necessity and vitality of agriculture to our community. We have been hosting and organiz
Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Ballard County Ag Development Board met in April 2022 to approve the funding of another round of CAIP (County Agriculture Improvement Program) for the producers of Ballard County through the Kentucky Office of Ag Policy. They voted to use $325,000 of the Ballard County Funds for a 50% cost share program of up to $10,000 for each producer. That means that the producer can spend up to $10,000 and get 50% up to $5,000 reimbursed.In the past this program has been greatly received by
Author: Linda Brown-Price
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
A first-time Small Limited-Resource Minority Farmers Conference was held in Western Kentucky, hosted by Kentucky State University’s (KSU) Cooperative Extension Program in partnership with the Cherokee State Resort Historical Park of Aurora, the Global Center for Health Innovation (GCHI), Rural Studies Institute (RSI), and the VAT (Vaccine Access and Training Program) on September 1, 2022. The purpose of the program was to provide 44 farmers with an opportunity to interact and to take advan
Author: Chuck Flowers
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
On the average 76 % of all the land in the four river counties is in crop production. Three of the four counties Ballard, Carlisle, and Fulton County have over 33 million in average crop sales. Hickman County sells over 56 million in crop sales. In all four counties, there is an average of 24.75% female farm operators. Our program this year for the Women in Ag Seminar was to concentrate on handling farm stress and its impact on the family farm. Dr. Paul Norrod prese
Author: Benjamin Rudy
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
On the average 76 % of all the land in the four river counties is in crop production. Three of the four counties Ballard, Carlisle, and Fulton County have over 33 million in average crop sales. Hickman County sells over 56 million in crop sales. In all four counties, there is an average of 24.75% female farm operators. Our program this year for the Women in Ag Seminar was to concentrate on handling farm stress and its impact on the family farm. Dr. Paul Norrod prese
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In 2022, the Woodford Co. Extension Service collaborated with several local partners on the Annual Farm Tour. Over 250 participants learned about production agriculture, genetically modified crops, local foods and farmers markets, and local watershed studies. Several months after the event, a participant stated that the information they learned about genetically modified crops and local foods at the farm tour event led them to make more informed decisions about their food purchases.
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In October, a second basics of welding class began at the Clinton County Technology Center. This once again was a multi-county effort between Clinton and Cumberland County Extension. The class currently has 15 participants. With the start of a new class and some discussion of an advanced class it was decided to conduct a 6-month post survey with the first group that went through the program. Eleven of the 12 participants have completed the 6-month post survey. Of those, 91% indicated they have c
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
A partnership between Rockcastle County Extension, Rockcastle County FFA, Rockcastle County conservation district, Rockcastle County Cattlemens and Rockcastle County Farm Bureau was form to present an afternoon farm tour to highlight some farming operations in the county. The tour would begin at the Rockcastle County High School FFA chapter to showcase their container garden where they are producing lettuce for school lunches. This container garden is a partnership between the FFA c
Author: Matthew Futrell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Writing Our Future Through many discussions with the Ag Business leaders in Christian County it was determined there is a great need for lender education in the Ag sector. Today the majority of Americans are at least three generations removed from the farm. That tells us that the average person walking down the street knows very little about farming, agriculture, or food production. The Ag leaders in Christian County decided that we must take the time to educate our lender
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Phase I funding continues to play an integral part of the agriculture of Green County. The Green County Agricultural Development Board helped to administer over $300,000 to the agriculture producers of Green County.The council funded producers with the C.A.I.P. program that included: genetics, fencing, on farm water development, cattle handling, hay storage, diversification, technology, dairy diversification, and forage improvement. Several different educational offerings included as part of the
Author: Chelsea Sapp
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Chelsea SappANR Success Story #2January 2023Fencing School After seeing the need for modernized and improved fencing practices, I collaborated with Dr. Chris Teutsch and members from Ag Council to host the 2022 Kentucky Fencing School. This program was the first one done in Marion County since pre-Covid (2018). I worked with a local young farmer in Marion County to be the host farm for this event. The first part of the day was held at the Marion County Extension Office. Participa
Author: Clinton Hardy
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Owensboro serves as a regional hub for agricultural finance with multiple private, government and member organizations serving the finance needs of farm businesses across the Green River Area. The Green River Area Extension offices and the Ohio Valley Farm Analysis Association recognize the importance educating lenders on the general agricultural economy and profit outlook of the upcoming year as they prepare to meet with their clients on end of year operating loan settlements and renewals
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
During recent horse and farm equipment programs, participants voiced the need for more tractor and equipment information. General working knowledge, plus tractor operation, maintenance, and safety were topics of interest identified by farmers. This information is important for operator safety, farm efficiency, and in many cases can provide economic benefit. To begin addressing these needs, the Oldham County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent partnered with a local farmer
Author: Victor Williams
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Since 2002, the Laurel County Extension Office has worked with the Laurel County Agricultural Development Council and Cattlemen’s Association to distribute cost-share grant funds from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) to local producers. Funded by the county’s portion of the Tobacco Master Settlement agreement, the goal of these projects is to assist Laurel County producers with diversifying their farming operations as agricultural needs and opportunities in the
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Buffalo Trace Area Agriculture/Natural Resources Agents and Horticulture Agent offer an annual program for women in agriculture. The program is only open to women with interest in the field of agriculture. The program is designed to offer production and management techniques to be more efficient with the farm operation. Thirty women attended sessions offered during the program. Small fruit production, lawn management, Body Condition scoring/vaccines/ manure a
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In cooperation with the Rockcastle County Agriculture Development Board and Rockcastle Conservation District the 2022 CAIP cost share program was completed on December 14th in Rockcastle County. The program offers up to 2000 dollars on 50/50 cost share basis for the producers. This program year a total of 128 farmers received 192,000 dollars to invest in on farm improvements. These dollars were used to improve genetics in beef herds, build structures for animals and hay storage
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Forages, Beef Cattle and Grain Crops are the staple crops of the Gateway Area farm economy. Over the past 13 years the ANR agents in Bath, Menifee and Montgomery County’s have gathered producer input, planned and implemented a Regional Agricultural Commodity Night Program to focus on some current issues facing farmers. This year 23 producers attended and gained knowledge from information presented by specialist from the University of Kentucky. This years topics included: Fire Ants in Kentu
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In cooperation with the Jackson County Cattlemen’s Association, the KADF, and the Jackson County Agriculture agent, Jackson County was approved for $524,000 to use for the County Agriculture Investment Program for the 2022-2023 program year. There were 121 producers approved to receive a $4300.00 each cost share on a 75/25 basis for eligible items. Producers can use this money for 12 eligible investment areas to improve their operations. These areas are:Ag DiversificationAgTech & Leade
Author: Regina Utz
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
On September 8th, 2022, I hosted a record keeping program at the extension office. As a part of this program, I contacted Katie Taylor from our local Farm Service Agency to come help explain the importance of record keeping. The program was held at the Trimble County Extension Office. The program was targeted for farmers but was open to anyone looking to improve their record keeping skills. We had 11 participants show up for the program. Katie spoke first about why keeping records are impor
Author: Megan McCoun
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Record keeping is an essential part of any business operation, and farming is no exception to that. I started my extension career around the same time our local CAIP program started. I was interested in learning more about the program so I spent time with our County Administrator. In doing so, I noticed that Henry County’s farmers were struggling with record keeping. The same issue came up in a discussion with my local FSA Executive Director. After those initial discussions, I did an infor
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
I had the honor of taking some of the best cattleman in Lincoln County to the State Cattleman's Convention in Lexington. At the convention we had the opportunity to vote for leadership that represented our area. there was much networking among our members and the leadership that selected to serve on the KY cattleman's board of directors. We got to view a wonderful trade show where many companies in the cattle industry were represented. Our cattleman members got to talk
Author: Dee Heimgartner
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
A military couple bought some farm ground in Crittenden County for hunting purposes but had other plans for the property after retirement. They reached out to the ANR agent Dee Heimgartner for soil sampling. During a conversation the couple asked many questions about farming and were wanting to try a broad range of farm production from goats, chickens to produce. The couple stayed in contact with the agent while they were stationed in another state. Once they both retired they moved full time to
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
2023 Marks the 3rd year of Trigg County Extension partnering with the Kentucky Beef Network through Beef Solutions. 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, seen it on the shelf at Krogers or read about it in the Cow Country News. Beef Solutions buys cull cows from Ky farm families who are all BQCA trained producers, committed to ex
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Reinvestment in a business is a must if that business is to succeed. Farming is no exception. Muhlenberg County farmers have been utilizing funds from the County Agriculture Investment Program (CAIP) for several years to do just that. Those reinvestments have included honeybees, vegetables, grain, forages, sheep, and beef cattle. This agent obtained information from the administrator of the Muhlenberg County Cattlemen's Association to ascertain the amount of money that County Agriculture Inv
Author: Linda McClanahan
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
To meet educational needs for farmers of certain agricultural commodities, ANR agents in Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln and Mercer counties collaborate to host a series of winter educational meetings annually. This year they conducted meetings for forages, grain crops, backgrounder and tobacco producers. Topics for the meetings are selected based off surveys conducted by the individual county agents, surveys from past meetings and current issues. Surveys found these meetings were attended by producers
Author: Joseph Ray
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
To meet educational needs for farmers of certain agricultural commodities, ANR agents in Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln and Mercer counties collaborate to host a series of winter educational meetings annually. This year they conducted meetings for forages, grain crops, backgrounder and tobacco producers. Topics for the meetings are selected based off surveys conducted by the individual county agents, surveys from past meetings and current issues. Surveys found these meetings were attended by producers
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Julian Farm has been in the same family since 1813 and now has a board of directors to ensure the property remains a farm after the remaining heirs. I have been working with the current owner, Jane, and members of the board to help draft a new lease agreement with the current producer as the farm transitions to a working educational & demonstration farm. The desire is to continue the good working relationship with the long time lease while beef cattle are temporarily removed to restore s
Author: Joanna Coles
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Social media represents a huge potential for outreach for the Cooperative Extension Service. Since July 2016, Warren County Agriculture’s social media presence has increased its scope and interaction. The platform focuses on timely agriculture and horticulture educational information, promotion of events, agriculture awareness campaigns, and recognition of local farmers. From July 2022-June 2023, Warren County Agriculture Facebook page reached 289,099 accounts and engaged 11003
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), 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 available on computer or mob
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
This meeting had a wonderful turnout. With recent years, some people were relucant to gather in a meeting room, eat a meal, and listen to a speaker. but this meeting is one that many come to and learn practical information they can take home with them. The attendees learned how to deliver a backwards calf, and heard about the upcoming protocol for vet meds. Out next speaker talked about shortening the breeding season and how econamical that is for a producer. we all shared a big meal and had a w
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Tobacco cost-share programs have made significant positive impacts in the county. Improved local infrastructure with fence, water, and facilities have allowed producers to operate more efficiently while in some cases providing safety to animals and local citizens. Beef cattle have seen improved quality over the years with the genetics program; stockyard professionals stated it was evident what the program has done for cattle over the years. Mason County acquired a new program adminis
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
It is estimated that farmers and ranchers receive a mere 14.3* cents of every food dollar that consumers spend. According to the USDA, off-farm costs, including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution, and retailing, account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States. While America still produces one of the cheapest and safest food supplies, consumers and farmers are feeling the effects of inflation. The 2017 USDA AG Census shows an average net farm income of
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Madison County is one of the fastest growing counties in Kentucky. Several new residents are from out of state and some are purchasing a farm for the first time. As such, there are many things to learn about getting started with owning land or a farm. More than just production aspects, the business side of farming can be daunting. There is a need to educate both experienced and beginning farmers alike. The Madison County Horticulture Agent and ANR Agent partnered on a series called “T
Author: Megan McCoun
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Agriculture economics has been of significant interest to the farmers of Henry County. My first program as a new agent was a basic record-keeping class. I had very positive feedback on that program, which encouraged me to offer more advanced programming in agriculture economics. A pre-survey of the clientele indicated only a basic understanding of farm taxes. Even after a date and location change for the class, I had 37 in attendance. Jonathan Sheppard, UK Business Management Specialist taught t
Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
On December 18, 2022, Tom Miller Ballard County ANR Agent joined the creators of the KY Ag Matter Podcast Jay Stone, Hopkins Country ANR, Vickie Shadrick, Webster County ANR and David Fourqurean McClean County ANR agents for a discussion on the Farm Bill and producer elections that needed to be determined before the March 15 2023 deadline. Due to vacancies in the Ag Economic Department (vacancy now filled) Tom Miller determined to help with Agent and Producer Education across the sta
Author: Jay Hettmansperger
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
To meet educational needs for farmers of certain agricultural commodities, ANR agents in Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln and Mercer counties collaborate to host a series of winter educational meetings annually. This year they conducted meetings for forages, grain crops, backgrounder and tobacco producers. Topics for the meetings are selected based off surveys conducted by the individual county agents, surveys from past meetings and current issues. Surveys found these meetings were attended by producers
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
With the easing of the meeting restrictions, we were able to once again have our Ag Appreciation Breakfast. This is held, usually, on an annual basis in the spring right before life gets very busy on the farm. It is open to the public, but specifically is targeted at local farmers and their families and local businesses that they would do business with. This year we had 94 people in attendance. In addition to a large traditional breakfast, the highlight of the event is usuall
Author: Linda McClanahan
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
As the percent of the population involved in agriculture continues to decline, there is a great need to share accurate information on food production and provide opportunities across the rural/urban divide. This year the Mercer County Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Bureau Federation, Soil Conservation District and Chamber of Commerce commemorated the 20th anniversary of the annual Farm/City Celebration. This event provides the opportunity to showcase both agriculture and business in our cou
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
According to the 2017 Ag Census, Clark County have over 800 farms and around $34,028,000 in agricultural sales with livestock sales equaling 55% of total sales. Also Clark county has 14,576 households according to the 2019 census. With this knowledge, the Clark County Extension Office worked to hold the 2023 Winter School. The purpose of the 2023 Winter School was to hold a three day series covering beef mineral needs, heavy-use feeding pads, agricultural drones, building structures while mainta
Author: Camille Dant
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In March, the SDBII team hosted a digital marketing training with Amanda Kelly (SKED) and Sarah Cornelisse (Penn State.) We had a large number of registrants and attendees. Our guest speakers spoke on the importance of digital marketing and how to implement tools into producers' everyday lives. The goal of this training was to help show individuals that digital marketing can be as easy as they want it to be. Sometimes Social Media can be seen as this large task, however, the goal was for us
Author: Grant Gardner
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Since starting my role in January, I have been striving to build a commodity marketing extension program. As commodity marketing extension programming has been absent from the University of Kentucky extension system for 3+ years, I created my current programs through trial and error. In each presentation, I have to find things I could do better and ways to improve my programming. As I give more and more meetings, I am moving closer to building a more complete program. Although it is not easy, I
Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Ballard County CAIP Program had a deadline of May 26th to return invoices and complete all paperwork and educational components. Seventy Eight of the eligible Eighty participants completed their projects. The Ballard County Ag Development Fund paid out $352,107 as part of a 50% cost share. Producers actually spent $1,411,430 to complete their projects. When you subtract the cost share, that means that producers in Ballard County spent $1,059,323 of their ow
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Over the past three years, we have all learned new ways to connect with people. Even during a global pandemic, businesses found ways to continue to meet the needs of their clientele and families found ways to stay connected without gathering in person. Stepping out of our comfort zones to learn new skills quickly became the new normal. The pandemic is over, but learning and adapting to new ways to connect to our clientele is still a priority. Agriculture and Natural Resources E
Author: Jordan Shockley
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
A successful extension effort I would like to highlight is my involvement with the multi-state extension project Southern Ag Today (website here). Southern Ag Today is a new digital platform that provides timely, concise, and insightful analysis on issues facing southern agriculture. Southern Ag Today is a collective effort among all 13 Southern Land Grant Universities led by the Southern Extension Economics Committee, the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M
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.Warren County Extension Agents have produced, edited, and shared daily educational shows on a myr
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Over the past three years, we have all learned new ways to connect with people. Even during a global pandemic, businesses found ways to continue to meet the needs of their clientele and families found ways to stay connected without gathering in person. Stepping out of our comfort zones to learn new skills quickly became the new normal. The pandemic is over, but learning and adapting to new ways to connect to our clientele is still a priority. Agriculture and Natural Resources E
Author: Deborah Stumbo
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The problem-- Multiple new farmers need assistance to develope & expand multiple enterprises on the home farm.The educational program response-- Assisted local farmers to apply for CAIP grants. Provide both training and asssistance on filling out the CAIP applications. Going over and assisting each farmers with the applications form.The participants/target audience-- 12 new and existing farmers who wish to use the grants to expand their enterprises, by expanding and bringing on n
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In the heart of Northern Kentucky, eleven farmers gathered at the Pendleton County Extension Office for a practical farm marketing workshop. With the goal of expanding their off-farm sales and reaching a wider customer base, these farmers were eager to learn effective marketing strategies and enhance their business operations. Led by Lindie County Agent, the workshop provided an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Through a series of interactive sessions and practical e
Author: Robert Smith
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
For more than twenty years the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund has been a staple of Nelson County agriculture advancement. To date over $3,500,000 has been distributed to farmers and farm businesses in our county. Entities like Boones Butcher Shop and McIntyres Winery were early beneficiaries of the funds and that helped rebuild and develop these Nelson County staples. The fund has helped make farms safer by revamping countless cattle handling facilities, increasing saf
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The District 1 ANR/Hort agents met in the Fall of 2021 to determine a program that would benefit the farmers in Eastern Kentucky. After much discussion the group identified Farm Succession Planning as need for the clientele in the region. Several agents mentioned receiving an increase in questions concerning Estate Planning from farmers as well as from heirs. The group determined the program should be eight sessions long split between Winter and Fall of 2022, and the name would
Author: Kenneth Burdine
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
After delivering the Backgrounding / Stocker Profitability Conference in a virtual format in March of 2022, it was determined that there was sufficient demand to offer the program in an in-person format across Kentucky during the winter of 2022 / 2023. Programs were held in Bowling Green, Lexington, Columbia, and Elizabethtown between November of 2022 and March of 2023. The program was modified from the virtual format and also updated such that examples and illustrations would be current and foc
Author: Kenneth Burdine
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In 2020, I began partnering with colleagues at Mississippi State University and the University of Arkansas to produce a weekly cattle market update / analysis entitled Cattle Market Notes Weekly. This publication includes a relatively short article focused on a cattle-related marketing or management topic each week, along with related graphics, price tables, and the most recent drought monitor. The three of us write articles on a rotating basis such that each of us writes once every three weeks.
Author: Kenneth Burdine
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance has been available for many years to Kentucky producers. LRP is a USDA-Risk Management Agency insurance product that allows livestock producers to protect themselves from declining values for cattle, hogs, and other livestock species. Over the last few years, significant changes were made to this insurance program including an increase in the premium subsidy levels and a more producer-friendly premium payment timeline. These changes have made LRP much mo
Author: April Wilhoit
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The District 1 ANR/Hort agents met in the Fall of 2021 to determine a program that would benefit the farmers in Eastern Kentucky. After much discussion the group identified Farm Succession Planning as need for the clientele in the region. Several agents mentioned receiving an increase in questions concerning Estate Planning from farmers as well as from heirs. The group determined the program should be eight sessions long split between Winter and Fall of 2022, and the name would
Author: Robert Amburgey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The District 1 ANR/Hort agents met in the Fall of 2021 to determine a program that would benefit the farmers in Eastern Kentucky. After much discussion the group identified Farm Succession Planning as need for the clientele in the region. Several agents mentioned receiving an increase in questions concerning Estate Planning from farmers as well as from heirs. The group determined the program should be eight sessions long split between Winter and Fall of 2022, and the name would
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 related at the time
Author: Jessica Barnes
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Hinkston Creek has been identified as a high nutrient-yielding watershed by Kentucky’s 2021 Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Many farmers in the watershed are part-time operators with limited time and resources, and some are new to utilizing conservation practices. University of Kentucky Extension specialists partnered with the Harrison County Extension ANR agent and Bluegrass Greensource to deliver a farmer-led watershed leadership training to promote farmer engagement in the watershed. The T
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The problemFarmers and landowners need to continually be shown proven land management practices for the health of livestock, forages, other plants, and the soil. New innovative technology and practices that research has shown to work needs to be presented in an unbiased manner so that individuals can make good proper decisions. The educational program responseUniversity of Kentucky specialist were secured for presentations after the cooperating farming and the Field Day Committee agreed upo
Author: Brittany Brewer
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Scott and Franklin Counties have seen an influx of questions from clientele about starting/beginning farming. Agents do their best to answer the initial questions, however it seems like they can never give them enough information, or the client needs to talk to another entity or person. In the preprogram survey 70% of participants wanted to make a living farming, while an additional 50% what to be self-sufficient from their farm. However, nearly 40% of them where brand new to farming. In respons
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Tri-County Ag Extension Group Educational Series Tri-County Ag Extension Group consists of Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents in Webster, McLean and Hopkins Counties. The counties are not only alike geographically, but also agriculturally. Many producers in the tri-county area farm in all three counties. With specialist demand during the “winter meeting season” coupled with travel constraints, moving toward multi-county educational opportunities just make
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Crop production is a major part of the agriculture economies in Western Kentucky, with Corn, Soybeans, and wheat being the major crops produced in most counties. To meet the needs of producers, Ag agents in Hopkins, McLean, and Webster Counties have worked together to identify the educational needs of Grain Producers and develop programs to meet those needs. In addition to the Tri-County plot work that has been done in the past, agents have worked to provide additional opportunities and del
Author: Chuck Flowers
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Crop Guidance–Winter Ag Conference 2023This year our Winter Ag Conference focused on grain markets, sulfur in crop use, disease of crops, and the power of a handshake. 81% of the land in Carlisle County is in row crop production along with 91% in Hickman and 63% in Fulton County. Farmers must make decisions in time for high yield results. Crop sales just in Carlisle County is $34,054,000. The need for new information to share is necessary to our producers. We
Author: Gregory Halich
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
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 farms 11 years ago to figure out how it
Author: Gregory Halich
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Fertilizer prices more than doubled between 2020 and 2022. Grain farmers had more than offsetting increases in commodity prices, but cattle prices increased only slightly, leaving cattle farmers in a precarious situation going into 2022. With conventional management, the total fertilizer cost would be close to $300 per cow at spring 2022 prices. Consequently, I started developing programming that highlighted strategies to reduce or eliminate fertilizer use on cattle farms
Author: Gregory Halich
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
After delivering the Backgrounding / Stocker Profitability Conference in a virtual format in March of 2022, it was determined that there was sufficient demand to offer the program in an in-person format across Kentucky during the winter of 2022 / 2023. Programs were held in Bowling Green, Lexington, Columbia, and Elizabethtown between November of 2022 and March of 2023. The program was modified from the virtual format and also updated such that examples and illustrations would be current and foc
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Perhaps someone bought a 5-10 acre home lot on which they are dreaming of homesteading and selling produce from a large garden. Maybe, they are retiring from work, inherited land, and suddenly became the steward of a much larger property. Possibly they are a young farmer leasing land for the first time and looking for a farm to purchase while they establish their business. Beginning farmers, market gardeners, and landowners come with many different situations; but, they tend to have similar inte
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Tri-County Ag Extension Group Educational Series Tri-County Ag Extension Group consists of Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents in Webster, McLean and Hopkins Counties. The counties are not only alike geographically, but also agriculturally. Many producers in the tri-county area farm in all three counties. With specialist demand during the “winter meeting season” coupled with travel constraints, moving toward multi-county educational opportunities just make
Author: Steven Musen
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Kentucky Ag. Development Fund,s County Ag. Investment Program (CAIP) cost-share program has been used to assist in the restructuring of Jessamine County Agriculture, helping to alleviate financial challenges caused by the loss of tobacco income and diversify the agriculture production base. The nine members of the Jessamine County Agriculture Development Board, in cooperation with the Jessamine County Extension ANR Agent, have worked hard to maximize the use of the KADF cost-share funds
Author: Joseph Ray
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The cooperative extension service is one thing that all 120 Kentucky counties have in common. In counties across the state extension offices are looked to as a place of information for everything happening in the county and a source of unbiased, researched based information on soil amendments and pesticide information to animal nutrient requirements. To better help meet the needs of Boyle County producers and landowners while answering their questions. The ANR Agent implemented a testing pr
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The FDA has changed the laws regarding antibiotics used on livestock/consumption animals. Some of these antibiotics have always been availbe over-the-counter (OTC). Starting in June they were no longer available OTC and all of them had to be prescribed by veterinarian. This presented a logistical challenge and many questions from livestock producers of all kinds (cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, etc.). The purpose of this program was to utilize local veterinarians and educate
Author: Megan McCoun
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Fencing Field DayHenry County’s largest agriculture commodity is cattle, with over $10,991,000 in sales according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Because of this fact, a large part of my programming as a new agent has been centered on the industry. I work closely with the local Cattlemen’s Association chapter. I plan and facilitate the educational portion of their meetings, bringing in specialists to speak about various subjects. Many farmers have indicated to me their preference
Author: David Hull
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Gallatin County ANR Agent emphasizes the word "service" in our organization's name. He feels there is no better way than hands-on, face-to-face interaction to show the community his dedication to the people who reside here. He is also very cognizant of the fact that it's local taxpayers who pay Extension's bills! This very fact helps to motivate him to be the best public servant he can be.Farm and garden visits are excellent examples of this hands-on type of service. Du
Author: Megan McCoun
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
As a new agent, I found it very important to promote myself to the community through a variety of outlets. Not only am I a regular participant in almost every agricultural club in the county, but I am also prolific in posting on our county Facebook page, sending emails to my subscription list, writing weekly local paper articles, and creating a quarterly agriculture print/digital newsletter. The farmers of Henry County are accustomed to receiving their information from each source; NRCS, Conserv
Author: Timothy Stombaugh
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
An important part of agricultural equipment development and innovation is standardization. Equipment manufacturers rely heavily on national and international standards to develop machines that are safe, reliable, and compatible with other machines developed by different manufacturers. A new national standard was developed to prescribe methods to test the accuracy of granular application machinery. This work has a direct impact on anyone who purchases agricultural granular appli
Author: Morgan Hayes
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In November 2022, faculty from the BAE department including Morgan Hayes, Josh Jackson, Sam McNeill, Doug Overhults, Tyler Barzee and Mike Montross put together an initial agent in-service training in Clark County to educate on energy usage and the opportunity for alternative energy sources including solar on farms. The training included a half day of classroom presentations from both faculty and local energy cooperatives as well as a tour of a site which highlighted some of the concepts d
Author: Amanda Potter
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In May of 2023 the Regional Farmers Market Meeting was held at the Derrikson Agricultural Facility at Morehead State University. This was a multi county effort geared towards vendors participating in Farmers Markets in Rowan, Fleming, Bath, Menifee, Lewis, Carter, Morgan, and Elliot county. Speakers for this event spoke to clients about non cash payments and innovative ways to market their products. Vendors had the option to purchase their Kentucky Proud products. This allowed clients to have a
Author: Savannah Columbia
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
This year, the MarketReady program expanded its programming to include Buyer Tours. This will be the first set of in-person events for the MarketReady Training Program, post-Covid. Each Buyer Tour gives local food producers an opportunity to meet and chat with real buyers in the grocery, restaurant, and wholesale marketplace(s). The Louisville and Lexington tours took place on August 12th and 19th, respectively. We had a
