Mason County CES

Title:

Crop Production

MAP:

Sustainable Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Tad Campbell, Macy Fawns

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Sustainable Agriculture

Situation:

With the agriculture diversity in Mason County coupled with a desired heritage tobacco production in the county, focusing on crop sustainability and enhancements to continue to generate farm income will offset any one major income producing sector. Forages for pasture/hay and cash hay become more prevalent with the economics of other commodities. Grain and tobacco production continue to generate farm income, but at a lesser scale than years past. Building a strong forage management mentality will work hand in hand with the large livestock production sector in the county. Producers in the community look for efficient productive means for forage development and sustainability as well as other possible alternative such as Hemp and bio-mass for forms of education pilots and income generating avenues.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers utilize technology to become more efficient with production expenses to lower volume input costs while maintaining environmentally sound conservation practices.
Management of forages allow for increased carrying capacities, higher yields, and higher quality for operational use or cash sales.
Markets and production opportunities become available for new crops such as Hemp and other non-traditional crops to provide added income to Mason County farm operations.

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Producers adapt technology such as GPS monitoring for chemical and fertilizer applications to become more efficient.
-Producers soil test farms to add the proper amount of fertilization needed for a specific crop.
-Tobacco producers utilize proper varieties to help reduce disease pressure during production.
-Rotational grazing is adapted to provide adequate rest times for each field.
-Producers follow pesticide safety protocols gained during certification and from the label instructions to reduce risk of exposure.

Initial Outcomes:

-Producers gain knowledge of crop varieties to enhance production efficiencies.
-Storage capabilities can add value to crops.
-Dividing pasture fields for rotational grazing improves forage quantity and quality.
-Pesticide safety is important to all on the operation.
-Learn about using better varieties to improve forage quality and yield

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Producers learn more efficient production methods
Indicator: More frost seeding clover/ No-till forages
Method: Questionnaire
Timeline: Following educational meetings

Intermediate Outcome: Farmers utilize new management methods and increase soil testing
Indicator: More performed soil tests/ increase rotational fields
Method: Questionnaire/ Farm Visits to layout rotational systems
Timeline: Spring and Fall

Long-term Outcome: Producers increase yields in crops
Indicator: More bushels/ac produced or sold; More hay production (tons); More days grazing
Method: Survey/ personal contact (phone/email)
Timeline: Winter

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Corn Silage Variety Test Plot

Content or Curriculum: UK based information

Inputs: local farm, extension office/personnel, materials, meals, volunteer leaders

Date: Spring/Fall

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Agronomy Day

Content or Curriculum: UK based info (Grain, Forages, Tobacco)

Inputs: UK Specialist, Extension Office, food, handouts, sponsors

Date: February

Audience: Tobacco Farmers

Project or Activity: Tobacco Production/GAP

Content or Curriculum: UK based materials

Inputs: Extension Office, materials, volunteer leaders

Date: Early Spring

Success Stories