Crops
Ag Awareness, Production and Marketing
Bell
Grain Crops
Forages
In recent years, grain production has significantly increased in Metcalfe County. Many producers have made substantial investments in land, equipment and other long term inputs. The recent downturn in price has presented them with many challenges. Metcalfe County also remains heavily dependent on tobacco. Many challenges exist with both commodities and producers must maximize yields, manage costs and make wise marketing decisions in order to stay in business.
Grain and Tobacco producers will be able to sustain their operations because of increased profitability. This profitability is a result of increased yields, decreased input costs and successful marketing.
Grain and Tobacco Producers will implement practices that will allow them to increase yields, manage input costs and market their product in a manner that will allow them to remain profitable.
Grain and Tobacco Producers will increase their knowledge about production, cost management and marketing that will allow them to implement changes that will lead to long term profitability.
Outcome: Initial
Indicator: Knowledge Gained
Method: Survey
Timeline: Winter/Spring
Audience: Tobacco Producers
Project or Activity: Tobacco GAP/Production meeting
Content or Curriculum: UK/GAP Connections Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, GAP Connections
Date: Spring 2020
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Forages
Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction (Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties) has become an annual event that both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on. Less than desirable weather conditions for 2 consecutive years brought about a forage supply shortage. The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurately drive the market. In fact, the Tri County Hay & S
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Tobacco
Barren and Metcalfe counties are two of the top tobacco producing counties in Kentucky. Although, total production is down compared to previous years, tobacco still maintains it's spot as one of the top agricultural commodities in the region. Since 2014 all major tobacco companies have required producers to be trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in order to market tobacco. This is due to an increasing concern for consumer health as well as the health and safety of those that work in