McCracken County CES

Title:

Grain Crops and Produce

MAP:

Agriculture/Horticulture

Agents Involved:

Wimberley, ANR

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Grain Crops

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Ag Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Ag Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Commercial Horticulture - Crop Marketing

Situation:

Situation 1: Grain crop production is facing a downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for the foreseeable future.

Situation 2: Consumers and Producers lack accurate knowledge in status of their soil nutrients and pH.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems

Significant percentage of consumers and producers implementing IPM practices

Increase positive opinion of GMO/Conventional production of non-farm individuals

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adopt usage of new technology for crop production

Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production

Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds

Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations

Implementation of on-farm trials

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production

Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production

Increase understanding of production regulations

Understanding BioTech traits

Understanding importance of and frame work of on-farm trials

Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production

Increase non-farm public understanding of BioTechnology/Organic/ Conventional grains crop production

Identify active ingredients in crop related ag products

Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests

Knowledge of UK Soil Test program

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production

Indicator: Number of producers reporting an understanding of IPM practices increase.

Method: survey, formative assessment

Timeline: ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Adopt usage of new technology for crop production

Indicator: Producers report using at least one new use of technology in their operation.

Method: survey, formative assessment

Timeline: ongoing

Long-term Outcome: Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

Indicator: Number of producers report an increase in profit margin

Method: survey, formative assessment

Timeline: ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Home owners, farmers, Paducah/McCracken County Schools (non-commercial)

Project or Activity: “Cheaper than Dirt” program and soil test program, including soil testing coupons

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications, Demonstrations, Soil Analysis reports

Inputs: Agents, UK/KSU Specialists, Soil sampling coupons, soil sample analysis, UK/KSU publications, UK/KSU Specialists,UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals (agents, specialists, Publications Research Information, Diagnostic Centers, UK Weather Center Commodity Associations, (ex: Soybean Board, Corn Growers, Small Grain Growers),State and Federal Agencies(ex: KDA, NRCS, EPA), Ag Advisory Councils, Farmers/Producers

Date: Ongoing

Audience: residents

Project or Activity: Commodity Breakfast

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers, volunteers, agents

Date: fall

Audience: Producers and landlords

Project or Activity: Lease Agreement program

Content or Curriculum: publications, lease agreements

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers, volunteers, agents

Date: ongoing

Success Stories