Extension
It Starts With Us
Enhancement of Crop Profitability
Crop Production
Carpenter
Grain Crops
Home & Consumer Horticulture
Commercial Horticulture
Farm Management
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
