Agricultural PracticesPlan of Work

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Henderson County CES

Title:
Agricultural Practices
MAP:
Agricultural and Science Needs
Agents Involved:
Lambert
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Integrated Plant Pest Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Beef
Situation:

There are many agricultural commodities in Henderson County. In 2014, Henderson County was in the top grain producing counties in the state, and has been for many years. 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. Cattle production in Henderson County is another major area of production. There are over 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky and over one million head of beef cows. Kentucky is the eighth largest beef state in the U.S. and has the largest herd east of the Mississippi River; Kentucky ranks third for beef cattle density (cows per square mile) in the US. Cash receipts for beef cattle in Kentucky are approaching a billion dollars and may reach that level in 2014 with record high beef prices. Even with high prices it is important to educate beef producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. These educational programs are targeted to assist our local Agriculture and Natural Resource agents to provide Kentucky beef producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.

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 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

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Understanding more about agricultural related topics

Indicator: Deeper understanding about various agriculture practices

Method: Survey

Timeline: Winter 2018


Intermediate Outcome: Adopt use of practices learned, use of UK's services, implement on-farm trials

Indicator: Behavior change

Method: Demonstration

Timeline: Spring 2019


Long-term Outcome: Maximize profits while minimizing environmental impact, increased positive opinion of GMOs

Indicator: Producer Testimonials, citizens indicate positive outlook on farming practices

Method: survey throughout county

Timeline: Spring 2019

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farm Managers and/or Owners

Project or Activity: Hay Day

Content or Curriculum: KDA hay testing day, pasture renovations, weed control

Inputs: Extension Agent, Extension Specialists, Farmers, Land Owners, KDA

Date: July 2018



Audience: Farm Workers, Farm Managers, Ag Retailers, Certified Crop Advisors, Agronomists, Master Gardeners, Industry Representatives

Project or Activity: Pesticide Applicator Training

Content or Curriculum: Video, Hands-On Demonstrations, Teaching

Inputs: Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Ag Businesses

Date: Dec 2018, February 2019 


Audience: Henderson County People

Project or Activity: Media

Content or Curriculum: AgLife tv show, weekly radio show, weekly newspaper column, social media, newsletters

Inputs: Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Ag Businesses

Date: Weekly


Audience: Beef Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Certified Preconditioned for Health (CPH-45)

Content of Curriculum: Information, CPH45 Sale

Inputs: Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Beef Network and the Kentucky Dept. of Ag

Date: August, December, February, April


Audience: Grain producers

Project or Activity: Henderson Grain Day

Content or Curriculum: grain hauling decision tool, pesticide certification, farm data collection

Inputs: Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Ag businesses

Date: January 2019


Audience: Farmers using chemicals

Project or Activity: Chemical Jug Rinse and Return Day

Content or Curriculum: water quality handout

Inputs: Extension Agent, KDA, Ag businesses

Date: August 1, 2018


Audience: Soybean Farmers, Agribusinesses 

Project or Activity: Soybean Field Day 

Content or Curriculum: Specialist, publications 

Input: State Variety plot 

Date: August 2018 




Success Stories

Midwest Beef Summit

Author: Camille Lambert

Major Program: Beef

The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock often takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. The need to cull typically coincides with the conclusion of this period, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understanding genetic traits, the basics of

Full Story

Henderson County Grain Day

Author: Camille Lambert

Major Program: Grain Crops

There are many agricultural commodities in Henderson County. In 2017, Henderson County was in the top grain producing counties in the state, and has been for many years. Grain crop production is facing a downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for at least the next 3-4 years. With the downward pressure on the agriculture economy, planning details out for the next growing season is essential. The Henderson

Full Story

Henderson Herd Health

Author: Camille Lambert

Major Program: Beef

When you think about Kentucky cattle, Henderson County may not always be the first county you think of. Although not too many, Henderson County has several cattle operations. A problem that all cattle farmers face year after year is herd health. The importance of using balanced diets in a beef cattle feeding program is well documented, however convincing some cattle producers how important it is to provide a balanced diet to their animals can sometimes be quite challenging. Most c

Full Story

Local Training Important to Commercial Applicators

Author: Paul Andrew Rideout

Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management

Commercial Pesticide Training In Henderson CountyCommercial pesticide application has many risks; both to the public and to the applicator. Legal risks are also a major concern to enterprises engaged in applying control products as well as environmental concerns with improperly used or over used pesticides.Holding a commercial applicator's license requires continuing education or retesting on a three year cycle. Although CEUs can be obtained from attending numerous trainings across the state

Full Story

Kentucky Master Logger WebTV- Live Program Provides Training Closer to Home

Author: Paul Andrew Rideout

Major Program: Commercial Horticulture

Kentucky Master Logger WebTV- Live Program Provides Training Closer to HomeOn February 6th, 2018 UK Forestry Extension broadcast a live Logger Web TV Program to 25 counties strategically distributed around the state, from the Webcast studio in the Forestry Extension Office. Assistance from the county agents and supporting staff was critical to the success of this program. Counties opened their offices up, assisted with registration, answering and conveying questions, and much more. By hosting th

Full Story

District 6 North (Green River Area) Horse Camp

Author: Jeremiah Johnson

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

For many living within the counties of Union, Webster, McLean, Ohio, Hancock, Daviess, and Henderson, the equine industry has a large impact. According to the most recent Kentucky Equine Survey, there are approximately 5600 horses within those counties and an annual income from services at just above $5,000,000. Established in 2003, the District 6 North (Green River Area) Horse Camp, was designed to develop additional educational opportunities for youth participating in equestrian programs.

Full Story
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