Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Farm Management
Improving Farm Management
Jonathan Oakes; L. Rogers (KSU)
Grain Crops
Farmer's Markets
Home & Consumer Horticulture
KSU Small Farm Program
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.
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.
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.
•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.
- Producers take soil samples of property on a yearly basis.
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 Haymaker participants.
Indicator: Note changes Master Haymaker 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
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: Transitioning a Farm
Content or Curriculum: Budgeting, Loans, Records, etc.
Inputs:
Date: Fall of 2018 (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
