Enhancement of Crop ProfitabilityPlan of Work

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LaRue County CES

Title:
Enhancement of Crop Profitability
MAP:
Crop Production
Agents Involved:
Carpenter
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Home & Consumer Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Commercial Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Farm Management
Situation:

According to the Kentucky Agricultural Statistics Service LaRue County ranks 21st in corn production,26th in soybean production, and 28th in burley tobacco production. LaRue County has the most corn and soybean production of all counties west of I-65. Grain acreage has increase by 50% over the last five years and is concentrating with fewer, larger farmers. Prices are excellent and rental competition is high. Extension Service annually conducts county corn and soybean variety trials and a grain field day. Lower grain prices indicate some tough years ahead.


Tobacco production seems to have stabilized at 1,000 acres and is concentrating in larger acreage growers. There is a continued interest in commercial horticulture production.


Approximately 20% of county’s 44,000 grain acres are soil sampled annually through the Extension Office. Producers continue to seek higher profits through reduced costs of inputs and better marketing.

We have several commercial fruit and vegetable producers and many smaller growers who are looking to grow more produce to meet the demand for locally grown products. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Produce optimal utilization and income from crop production through improved production practices that are environmentally sound and sustainable. Enhance marketing of crops, with direct sales when possible. 

Intermediate Outcomes:
Producers will adopt one or more of recommended practices: soil sampling and following recommendations; grow varieties based on test plot information and accepted practices; timely identification, control and /or prevention of pests; improved storage and marketing
Initial Outcomes:
Crop producers will recognize the need for soil testing and following recommendations and take advantage of free soil testing service.

Crop producers will appreciate the value of using variety test results when selecting varieties to plant.

Crop producers will understand the principles of pest control and proper control methods

Crop producers will appreciate the need for increase marketing alternatives.
Evaluation:

Outcome: Recognize the Need for Soil Testing and Recommendations

Indicator: Number of Soil Tests Submitted

Evaluation Method: County Office Records

When: End of Testing Year


Outcome: Plant Proven Varieties

Indicator: Number of Test Results Distributed

Evaluation Method: Office Records

When: November-June


Outcome: Improved Pest Control

Indicator: Private Applicators Trained

Evaluation Method: Attendance at Meetings

When: December and June


Outcome: Improved Marketing

Indicator: Additional Markets Developed

Evaluation Method: Personal Evaluation

When: Quarterly


Outcome: Increased Horticulture Profitability

Indicator: Farmers Market Members, Vegetable and Fruit acres, Ag. Market Day events

Evaluation Method:Vendor and Producer Survey

When: August and November

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Grain Producers

Activity: County Corn and Soybean Variety Trial

Content or Curriculum: Yield Improvement

Inputs: Dealers supply seed county plots,and assist in variety plot planting and harvest; companies pay entry fee; Local farmer permits use of his land for plots and provides equipment

When: May-October


Audience: Grain Producers

Activity: Grain Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Improving Yields

Inputs: Dealers fund event, farmer provides location, pork producers prepare meal, Extension Specialists and dealers

When: Mid-September


Audience: Grain Producers

Activity: Winter Grain Meeting

Content or Curriculum: Production and Management Recommendations

Inputs: Extension Specialists

When: December-January


Audience: Grain Producers

Activity: Grain Yield Contests

Content or Curriculum: Yield Improvement

Inputs: Volunteers, Grain facilities

When: June through November


Audience: Crop Producers

Activity: Soil Testing Promotion

Content or Curriculum: Improved Profits through Soil Testing

Inputs: Office funds, Media

When: Fall and Spring


Audience: Tobacco Producers

Content or Curriculum: Tobacco Production, Tobacco GAP training

Inputs: Tobacco Meeting, Media, Specialists, Personnel

When: Fall and winter


Audience: Commercial Horticulture Producers

Content or Curriculum: Vegetable and Fruit Production, Sweet Potato Co-op

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Volunteers, Conferences

When: Summer and Winter


Audience: Farmer Certification

Content or Curriculum: GAP Training, Applicator Training etc

Inputs: Training Materials

When: at least 4 times per year


Audience: Home Horticulture Producers

Content or Curriculum: Seasonal "Hort Shorts" Gardening Series

Inputs: Agent, media, UK specialists

When: Spring, summer, and fall 



Success Stories

High Moisture Hay Bale Wrapping

Author: Daniel Carpenter

Major Program: Forages

Two years ago, our local Conservation District utilized Ag Development Funds to purchase two in-line hay bale wrappers for LaRue County farmers to use. There was interest in them at the time but still a lot of questions. LaRue County Agricultural agent went out and sampled 45 different lots of wrapped hay to show some local numbers on the importance of hay quality, especially in regards to wrapped hay. UK forage specialist Jimmy Henning came to present to a crowd of 50 producers and share local

Full Story
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