Trigg County CES

Title:

Crop and Tobacco Production Systems

MAP:

Crop Production

Agents Involved:

Graham Cofield

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Grains

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Tobacco

Situation:

In Trigg County over 80% of the revenue generated from the sale of Agricultural commodities comes from the sale of grain crops and tobacco. producers today are facing lower commodity prices, input costs that are not shrinking proportionally to the fall in commodities, and increasing concerns over regulation on the farm. These issues along with new disease and insect pests puts pressure on a producer's bottom lines for the foreseeable future making it all the more important to accurately identify issues and respond appropriately.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems

Significant percentage of producers implementing IPM practices

Increase positive opinion of GMO/Conventional production of non-farm individuals

Intermediate Outcomes:

Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production

Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds

Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations

Implementation of on-farm trials

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production

Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production

Understanding BioTech traits

Increase non-farm public understanding of BioTechnology/Organic/ Conventional grains crop production

Identify active ingredients in crop related ag products

Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Producers will improve knowledge of Herbicide resistant weeds, conservation practices, biotech traits, and herbicide selection.

Indicator: number of producers utilizing UK research information and publications, improved understanding of how to Identify active ingredients and efficacy, increased ability to identify problem weeds in fields early.

Method: Observations, Meeting evaluations, Follow up visits/interviews

Timeline: pre/post program

Intermediate Outcome: Producers will use UK extension recommendations to

Indicator: number of samples submitted to diagnostic lab, number of soil tests submitted, producers better understand Biotech traits and how to use them effectively.

Method: Observations, Meeting evaluations, Follow up visits/interviews,

Timeline: pre/post program

Long-term Outcome: Producers will adopt new practices to improve environmental quality and profitability.

Indicator: IPM strategies, implement recommended conservation practices, improve public opinion of GMO/conventional cropping systems

Method: Observations, Meeting evaluations, Follow up visits/interviews

Timeline: pre/post program

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Morning Ag Report

Content or Curriculum: UK recommendations, UK specialists

Inputs: UK research, publications, Specialists, agent.

Date: weekly

Audience: Tobacco Producers

Project or Activity: Tobacco Production Meeting

Content or Curriculum: UK specialists, Publications

Inputs: UK research, publications, Specialists

Date: winter yearly

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Farm Tour

Content or Curriculum: UK specialists, Publication, Local Producers.

Inputs: UK specialists, Volunteers, agent,

Date: July yearly

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: AG Appreciation Dinner

Content or Curriculum: UK specialists, Publications

Inputs: UK specialists, Volunteers, Agent, local Officials

Date: March Yearly

Success Stories