Production and Economic Challenges Facing Crop ProducersPlan of Work

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Montgomery County CES

Title:
Production and Economic Challenges Facing Crop Producers
MAP:
Crop Production Sustainability
Agents Involved:
Hamilton, Comer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Tobacco
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farmer's Markets
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:

Crop Production is vital to Montgomery County's Agricultural economy. As traditional crop production margins tighten, management strategies that enhance productivity and marketing opportunities will improve long-term viability of traditional crop systems in the county. Horticulture production and marketing opportunities are growing in interest as well.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Enhance profit margins for crop producers 
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of crop production systems
Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify weeds, Insects and diseases
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations 

Initial Outcomes:

Increased soil testing numbers

Increase awareness of Extension resources


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning crop production
Awareness of variety trial information
Enhance knowledge of crop production practices

Indicator: Increased activity in crop production

Method: Promotion of economics and benefits

Timeline: 2018-19

Intermediate Outcome: Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify weeds, insects and diseases
Increased openness to try alternative/improved crop production methods
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations 

Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research 

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations 

Timeline: 2018-19


Long-term Outcome: Enhance profit margins for crop producers 
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of crop production systems
Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research 

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations 

Timeline: 2020

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers, Agribusinesses, Managers 

Project or Activity: Traditional and Horticulture Crop Production Curriculum 

Content or Curriculum: Multiple timely sessions on crop and horticulture production 

Inputs: UK specialists, co-workers, ag agencies, successful producers 

Date: 2018-19


Audience:  4-H youth and Vo-Ag students

Project or Activity:  4-H Land Judging

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Land Judging resources; Natural Resource Conservation Service resources

Inputs:  Volunteer coach for team; travel funds to compete in state contest

Date:  Spring-Fall 2018


Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:



Success Stories

Farmers Market Shows Appreciation To Customers

Author: Gary Hamilton

Major Program: Farmer's Markets

The Farmers' Market provides an economic benefit and healthy nutritional role to the citizens of Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County. To help show it's customers how much they are appreciated, the Farmers Market Executive Board with the help of the Extension Service, organized a very successful Customer Appreciation Event. The event included: Food, Educational Demonstrations, Displays, Health Screenings and Door Prizes. 1000 plus customers attended this weekend event that spotlighted Mont

Full Story

Backyard Small Fruit Production Series

Author: Gary Hamilton

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Eastern Kentucky has the highest food insecurity in the United States.  In Montgomery County, 4,680 individuals (17.1% of county population) are not sure where their next meal will come from. There is a steady increase in interest from clientele wanting to know how they can become more self-sufficient by growing their own food. Agriculture and horticulture agents in Eastern Kentucky have observed an increase in requests from small backyard fruit growers for guidance. In order to reach a lar

Full Story
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