Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm ManagementPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Boone County CES

Title:
Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management
MAP:
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Agents Involved:
Michelle Simon
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Equine
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Grains
Situation:

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. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

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. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

- 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. 

Initial Outcomes:

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.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: improved management decisions on farms 

Indicator:  increased knowledge of livestock and horse management techniques to improve profitability

Method: Master Horseman Series

Timeline: November 2021


Intermediate Outcome: improved profitability in relation to farm income and business 

Indicator: utilization of farm budgets, farm tax preparation, insurance, ag law and utilization of extension programs 

Method: Farm Start Series, Ag Economics Classes

Timeline: December 2021


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: February 2021

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Horse Owners

Project or Activity: Equine Conference, Pastures Please, Master Horseman

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition, Management, Health, Reproduction, Safety

Inputs: UK Equine Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material

Date: November 2021


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 2021


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 2021


Audience: All ages of farmers and producers

Project or Activity: Farm Dinner Theater

Content or Curriculum: Farm Safety

Inputs: UK specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material

Date: February 2021


Audience: Elementary School students (second grade)

Project or Activity: Farm Frenzy

Content or Curriculum: Ag education and awareness for consumers

Inputs: UK specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material

Date: September 2022




Success Stories

Saddle & Tack Fitting Clinic Teaches Efficient Measurement Methods for Riders

Author: Michelle Simon

Major Program: Equine

Saddle fitting sessions and measurement gauges are a costly part to owning a horse but properly fitting tack is extremely important for horse health and rider safety. Improper fitting saddles and tack can cause severe pain and discomfort to horses and result in accidents and injuries to riders.  Most riders and horse owners do not have their horses or tack measured due to the high cost and inconvenience since tack stores do not have “fitting rooms” for horses. In response to thi

Full Story

Set Your Sights to End Hunger in Boone County: Deer Donations Feed Local Families, Increase Road Safety and Decrease Crop Damage

Author: Michelle Simon

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

Boone County, Kentucky has a population of 133,581; 9.9% of which is considered food insecure and 7.11% considered at or below the poverty level for the state of Kentucky.  Couple this with the Northern Kentucky Tribune statistic of being ranked the top third county in Kentucky for the likelihood of being in a motor vehicle accident caused by deer, ignited the idea for a deer donation program in the county. Boone County Agriculture Agent and Environmental Agent partnered with the Kentucky D

Full Story

Freezer Beef Bootcamp Prepares Producers to Market Beef Locally in response to pandemic

Author: Michelle Simon

Major Program: Beef

In March of 2020 the covid 19 pandemic caused major market disruptions halting production in the meat packing plants which led to food shortages and empty grocery store shelves. This drove consumers to purchase meats and produce locally and even purchase freezers to store food. This increase in demand for local meats provided a window of opportunity for beef producers to capture a higher profit by finishing beef and selling it as a locally grown product. Due to the numerous challenges facing pro

Full Story

Boone County Farmers Improve Forage Yield and Quality as a Result of Production Programs

Author: Michelle Simon

Major Program: Forages

Forage production is a key component to every livestock and horse farm whether it be in the form of pasture or hay and whether it’s purchased or grown. The forage quality is the determining factor in many different aspects dictating growth rate, operating expenses and ultimately profit or loss. Boone County ANR Agent collaborated with other northern Kentucky agents and provided programs including Spring Renovations of Pastures and Hayfields, Forages 101, Building a Year Round Grazing Syste

Full Story

Boone County Horticulture Demonstration Plot

Author: David Koester

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

The Boone County Horticulture Demonstration Plot is in its fifth year of production. For growing season 2021 the plot was divided into plasticulture tomatoes, beans, cut flowers, squash and peppers. Varieties are evaluated on each of these commodities and the plot is open to commercial as well as the public. All are welcome to view the plot and make their own evaluations. 6 commercial farm market vendors have adopted and are growing one or more of the varieties highlighted at the demonstration p

Full Story

Northern Kentucky Modern Homesteading Series Teaches Sustainable Living Virtually

Author: Michelle Simon

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

The corona virus pandemic forced many families into disarray when the food supply chain was disrupted and many grocery stores had empty shelves. This situation drove these families to Boone County Extension seeking knowledge in raising their own food and living more sustainably without relying on big box stores. In response to this situation, Boone County ANR Agent partnered with the other northern Kentucky agriculture agents to offer the Modern Homesteading Series. This five session virtual ser

Full Story
Back to Plans for the County