Hardin County CES

Title:

Agricultural Diversification and Marketing

MAP:

Best Management Practices for Safe Food, Farms & Families

Agents Involved:

Adams, Shepherd, Aldenderfer

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Sustainable Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Farm Management

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Ag Marketing

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Grain Crops

Situation:

Downturn in the Ag Economy beginning in 2014 has led to some tough economic times for the entire agricultural sector, even to the point of forcing some local farmers into bankruptcy. Through these tough times, producers rely on extension to help pull them through. Producers will rely on extension programs in the coming years to increase knowledge and ability in marketing their products, as well as leading research when it comes to alternate crops and enterprises.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers change marketing strategies for their crops by increasing on farm storage and adopting new marketing practices. Producers also diversify away from a single enterprise, and new crops such as Hemp and/or Canola are adopted and grown by producers.

Intermediate Outcomes:

New marketing practices are adopted and new markets and opportunities are explored.

Initial Outcomes:

Alternate crops such as Canola and Hemp are grown on a trial basis, to gain a better understanding of and explore opportunities associated with new crops.

Grain marketing "clubs" are formed, giving producers mentors and fellow farmers to discuss grain marketing options and opportunities with.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Grain Marketing Clubs are Formed

Indicator: Formation of Grain Marketing Clubs in Hardin County

Method: Visual Observation of those involved. Oversight of club formation.

Timeline: Spring 2017

Intermediate Outcome: New Market Opportunities are explored

Indicator: Farmers adopt new markets/niche markets for their crops and livestock

Method: Visual observation of farmers/ag industry

Timeline: On-going

Long-term Outcome: Producers (livestock and crop) adopt new marketing practices and new crops are grown

Indicator: Farmers increase market diversity and break through market barriers for new crops

Method: Visual observation of farmers/ag economy

Timeline: On-going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers, Ag Businesses

Project or Activity: Grain Marketing Programs

Content or Curriculum: UK Recommendations, Grain marketing newsletters/fact sheets

Inputs: UK Specialists, agents

Date: Spring 2017

Audience: Farmers, Ag Retailers, Crop Consultants

Project or Activity: New Crop Opportunities

Content or Curriculum: UK Research, Independent Research

Inputs: UK Specialists, Agents, Individuals involved in new crop development

Date: Summer 2017

Audience:  Beef Producers

Project or Activity:  Beef Retained Ownership Program

Content or Curriculum:  UK Research, Livestock Marketing Information Center

Inputs:  UK and ISU Specialists, Agents, Brokers

Date:  Fall and Winter 2018-19