Improving Farm ManagementPlan of Work

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Russell County CES

Title:
Improving Farm Management
MAP:
Improving Farm Management
Agents Involved:
Jonathan Oakes; L. Rogers (KSU)
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Farmer's Markets
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Home & Consumer Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
KSU Small Farm Program
Situation:

Land-use decisions are driving more acres from forage production into row crops as grain crops have become the most profitable alternative to landowners. Environmental issues and limited feed production for livestock are concerns for all Russell County residents. Fragile soils are now exposed to soil erosion and degradation of physical properties that lead to low productivity.


Livestock producers are reliant upon abundant hay and pasture bases to feed large herds of animals. Without increased forage yields on fewer acres, livestock numbers will plummet as feed costs escalate.


Fruit and vegetable production is becoming more and more popular in the county. With NRCS offering grants for high tunnels, the number of those structures is increasing year to year.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Marginal farmland returns to semi-permanent grassland and forage legumes are a part of every paddock. Adequate feed production allows livestock producers to maintain or expand numbers.

Grain farmers obtain economical yields by seeding cover crops and releasing control of marginal land. Increase sales of fruit and vegetables at local markets (direct sales to chains – Kroger). Producers follow recommendations on soil samples to reduce excess fertilizer application and reduce amount of runoff.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Use green manures and animal wastes to supply nitrogen to crops and recycle other nutrients. Investment in equipment and storage to capture and store livestock wastes.

Consumers start purchasing produce at local markets in the county.

Soil tests begin to show reduced amount of nutrients needed on yearly basis.

Initial Outcomes:

•Farmers identify the best soil series for row crops and designate fragile soils to permanent forage production or timber.

•Grain growers evaluate the costs of production for inputs, equipment, storage, and labor before leasing or renting land.

•Producers know the cost of production and land capability.

•Consumers identify local markets in the county to purchase produce from.

Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: : Better management practices adopted in grain, high tunnel, & fruit & vegetable production systems.
Indicator: Compare changes in production prior to and after meetings.
Method: Farm Visits & surveys.
Timeline: Yearly

Intermediate Outcome: Evaluate the changes in management practices from Master Grazer participants.
Indicator: Note changes Master Grazer participants adopted from attendance in class.
Method: Series of surveys of adopting practices.
Timeline: Three, six, nine, and twelve months after completion of the class.

Long-term Outcome: Smooth transition of farming operations from generation to generation, etc.
Indicator: Changes in recording keeping, budgeting, etc.
Method: Follow-up visits and evaluations.
Timeline: Yearly

Long-term Outcome: Recognizes the importance of all steps in producing your own food.
Indicator: Demonstrates the importance during the growing season.
Method: Visual evaluation.
Timeline: Growing Season

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Grain Producers (soybean, corn, & wheat)

Project or Activity: Farm Tour/Safety Training 

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs:

Date: Early Spring


Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity:Grain Marketing (featured program)

Content or Curriculum: Short-Course

Inputs:

Date: 2017


Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Transitioning a Farm

Content or Curriculum: Budgeting, Loans, Records, etc.

Inputs:

Date: Fall of 2017 (every other year)


Main Audience: Horticulture Producers

Activity: Production Systems

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Late Winter & Early Fall


Main Audience: Fruit Tree Producers

Activity: Pruning & Grafting Workshop

Content or Curriculum: How To’s & Hands-On

Date: Early Spring


Main Audience: Fruit & Vegetable Producers

Activity: Farmers’ Market Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Spring, Fall, & Winter


Main Audience: Farmers & Gardeners

Activity: Soil Testing

Content or Curriculum: UK Soil Lab

Date: Mainly Spring, but throughout the year


Main Audience: Community Members

Activity: Community Garden

Content or Curriculum: Seeding, Planting, Harvesting, & Preparing

Date: Spring – Fall


Main Audience: Producers

Activity: CAIP Trainings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: As Needed


Main Audience: Bee Keepers

Activity: Educational Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Spring, Fall, and Winter




Success Stories

Hidden Treasure

Author: Laura Rogers

Major Program: KSU Small Farm Program

Hidden Treasure

Through the Kentucky State University Small Farm Project and Beginning Farmer Grant and a collaborative program with the University of Kentucky Extension limited resource farmers learn the process of grape production and grape value added products.During the 20th century in Kentucky there was a great migration of people from family farms to areas of industry for economical reasons. At one time the knowledge of tending to and preserving grapes was commonplace of the family farm but over time this

Full Story
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