Agricultural Diversification and MarketingPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Hardin County CES

Title:
Agricultural Diversification and Marketing
MAP:
Best Management Practices for Safe Food, Farms & Families
Agents Involved:
Adams, Shepherd, Aldenderfer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Sustainable Agriculture
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Farm Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Ag Marketing
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Grain Crops
Situation:
Downturn in the Ag Economy beginning in 2014 has led to some tough economic times for the entire agricultural sector, even to the point of forcing some local farmers into bankruptcy. Through these tough times, producers rely on extension to help pull them through. Producers will rely on extension programs in the coming years to increase knowledge and ability in marketing their products, as well as leading research when it comes to alternate crops and enterprises.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Producers change marketing strategies for their crops by increasing on farm storage and adopting new marketing practices. Producers also diversify away from a single enterprise, and new crops such as Hemp and/or Canola are adopted and grown by producers.
Intermediate Outcomes:
New marketing practices are adopted and new markets and opportunities are explored.
Initial Outcomes:
Alternate crops such as Canola and Hemp are grown on a trial basis, to gain a better understanding of and explore opportunities associated with new crops.

Grain marketing "clubs" are formed, giving producers mentors and fellow farmers to discuss grain marketing options and opportunities with.
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Grain Marketing Clubs are Formed

Indicator: Formation of Grain Marketing Clubs in Hardin County

Method: Visual Observation of those involved. Oversight of club formation.

Timeline: Spring 2017


Intermediate Outcome: New Market Opportunities are explored

Indicator: Farmers adopt new markets/niche markets for their crops

Method: Visual observation of farmers/ag industry

Timeline: On-going


Long-term Outcome: Producers (livestock and crop) adopt new marketing practices and new crops are grown

Indicator: Farmers increase market diversity and break through market barriers for new crops

Method: Visual observation of farmers/ag economy

Timeline: On-going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers, Ag Businesses

Project or Activity: Grain Marketing Programs

Content or Curriculum: UK Recommendations, Grain marketing newsletters/fact sheets

Inputs: UK Specialists, agents

Date: Spring 2017


Audience: Farmers, Ag Retailers, Crop Consultants

Project or Activity: New Crop Opportunities

Content or Curriculum: UK Research, Independent Research

Inputs: UK Specialists, Agents, Individuals involved in new crop development

Date: Summer 2017


Audience:  Beef Producers

Project or Activity:  Beef Retained Ownership Program

Content or Curriculum:  UK Research, Livestock Marketing Information Center

Inputs:  UK and ISU Specialists, Agents, Brokers

Date:  Fall and Winter 2017-18



Success Stories

1st Annual 4-H Festival and Extension Expo

Author: Marla Stillwell

Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming

In 2017, Hardin County 4-H Agents and the 4-H Program Assistant worked with the Hardin County 4-H Council to offer the 1st annual 4-H Festival & Extension Expo. The purpose of the event was to increase awareness of 4-H clubs and Extension programs to the communities of Hardin County. The event was well-attended with just over 300 people in attendance. Current members and leaders from each club in the county were present and provided club information as well as hands-on activities for visitin

Full Story

Marketing Opportunities Through Beef Retained Ownership

Author: Matthew Adams

Major Program: Beef

With the recent downturn in cattle markets, many producers are left wondering what they can do to increase profit in the cow herd. With favorable and not so favorable markets alike, good marketing strategies always make a positive impact on net farm income. Hardin County has long had participation in the Tri County Steer Carcass Futurity program, which partners with Iowa State University to retain ownership on home raised feeder calves through the finishing phase, while collecting perf

Full Story
Back to Plans for the County