Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Michelle Simon, Jerry Brown
Equine
Forages
Farm Management
Grain Crops
Boone County has experienced exponential growth of industry and population over the last ten years which significantly increased the value of land. This increase has made it difficult for young or beginner farmers to purchase property and equipment because of the increased difficulty in obtaining operating loans due to the volatility of the markets with agricultural commodities. Input and normal operating expenses have increased but profits have not which makes farming a high risk venture.
Provide educational, research based information by field days, programs, and research demonstrations to help farmers in Boone County to thrive and be a viable part of the economic community and be able to continue careers in the agriculture industry.
- Farmers utilize soil testing to make wise financial decisions when applying fertilizer and lime.
- Farmers utilizing economic budgets when making farm management decisions to prevent over-spending.
- Horse owners learn pasture management techniques to reduce hay needs.
Describe the best management practices for raising livestock and horses and providing for their well-being.
Gain knowledge on genetic, nutrition, and reproductive factors associated with animal welfare.
Initial Outcome: improved management decisions on farms
Indicator: increased knowledge of livestock and horse management techniques to improve profitability
Method: Horse College Series
Timeline: November 2019
Intermediate Outcome: improved profitability in relation to farm income and business
Indicator: utilization of farm budgets, farm tax preparation, and utilization of extension programs
Method: Farm Start Series, Ag Economics Classes
Timeline: December 2019
Long-term Outcome: Utilizing soil testing and fertilizer recommendations, following recommended crop guidelines and recommendations
Indicator: Improved farm profitability and sustainability
Method: Commodity Updates and Soil testing program
Timeline: May 2020
Audience: Horse Owners
Project or Activity: Equine Conference, Pastures Please, Horse College
Content or Curriculum: Nutrition, Management, Health, Reproduction, Safety
Inputs: UK Equine Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: November 2019
Audience: Young and Beginner Farmers
Project or Activity: Farm Start, Ag Economics Classes
Content or Curriculum: Economics, Enterprise selection, Farm management
Inputs: UK Ag Economic Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: December 2020
Audience: Small and/or hobby farmers and enthusiasts
Project or Activity: Small Farms Series
Content or Curriculum: Poultry, Rabbits, Small Ruminants, Beekeeping Management and Information
Inputs: UK Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: May 2020
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Grain Crops
Over the period of the last ten years grain production in Kentucky has been volatile; farmer’s experienced record market highs and many new faces took up grain production while other enterprises expanded and invested into more land or upgraded equipment. The last two years of downturn have significantly affected farmers’ profit margins. Northern Kentucky has a small number of grain producers; many of which entered when the market was in an upturn and economically profitable but
Author: David Koester
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture - Crop Marketing
This is the second year of the Northern Kentucky Specialty Crop Production and Marketing Conference. Topics for the December 2019 conference were selected from recommendations of previous attendees and a planning committee. Holding the conference at the Boone County Enrichment Center enabled us to present two tracts of five presentations per tract. One tract featured specialty crops; mushrooms, blueberries, blackberries, etc. The other tract featured traditional crops and high tunnel production.
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Farm Management
Boone County has continued to experience an increase in land values over the last five years as a result of the increased urban development and a decrease in available farm land. This elevation in prices has made it difficult for young and beginning farmers to firstly, obtain land, and secondly, make their farming operations profitable. The Boone County Agriculture Advisory Committee identified the need for a program providing business related information for new and beginning farmers as a top p
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Farm Management
The spring of 2020 created challenges for farmers, consumers and communities alike due to the unexpected consequences of Covid-19. During this time businesses and offices were required to operate under much different circumstances than normal which created a ripple effect in production agriculture therefore affecting food supply and availability to consumers. As a result, Boone County Extension and other Extension offices were required to limit access to the public and were not able to host educ
