Lyon County CES

Title:

Crop Production

MAP:

Crop Production

Agents Involved:

Susan Fox

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Grains

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Integrated Pest Management

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Chemical Management

Situation:

There were 219 Lyon County farms in 2012. Crop sales make up 78% of the market value of agriculture products sold. Grain crop farmers face challenges from climate change, from diseases and insects, high input costs, wildlife damage. Technology changes offer opportunities and increase efficiencies.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Farmers will follow pesticide labels and maintain application records for 3 years. 
• Improved soybean/corn yields or no soybeans planted in high SCN fields.
• Resistant weeds, diseases and insects managed. Resistance delayed.
• Maximize profits for commercial ag producer.
• Minimize environmental impact of air, soil or living area.
• Improve sustainability of crop production systems.
• Producers implementing IPM practices.
• Increase positive opinion of GMO/Conventional production of non-farm individuals.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Farmers will make soybean/corn field management decisions for nematodes when soil nematode samples are high. 
• Farmers rotate chemicals and utilize best practices.
• Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds.
• Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production.
• Adopt use of new technology for crop production.

Initial Outcomes:

• Awarenness of SCN or corn nematode levels in specific fields.
• Awareness of record keeping requirements and pesticide label information. Identify active ingreients in crop related ag products.
• Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production.
• Increase non-farm awareness of bio-technology, organic and conventional grain crop production.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Fields tested and results to farmers

Indicator: Test results

Method: Soil sampling protocol as designed by specialists.

Timeline: fall and spring

Intermediate Outcome: Farmers changing field management for nematodes

Indicator: Rotation change, resistant crop planted or seed treatments.

Method: Discussions with farmer

Timeline: Spring

Long-term Outcome: Yield improvement in high nematode fields

Indicator: Change from previous years

Method: Farmer records

Timeline: Fall harvest discussions with farmers

Initial Outcome:Non-farm clients learning about GMO's, Organic, Conventional

Indicator: Number of views, likes, participants in webinars.

Method: News articles, webinars, workshops.

Timeline: Summer, winter meetings

Intermediate Outcome: Understanding of GMO's and chemicals

Indicator: Survey results, responses to Facebook postings.

Method: Webinar, articles

Timeline: Summer, winter meetings.

Long-term Outcome: Support of GMO's

Indicator: Client responses

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Summer, winter meetings.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Private Applicator's Training, Specific Chemical Training

Content or Curriculum :KDA/UK curriculum and videos

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals (agents, specialists), Publications, Research Information, Diagnostic Centers, UK Weather Center, Commodity Associations (ex: Soybean Board, Corn Growers, Small Grain Growers, State and Federal Agencies (ex: KDA, NRCS, EPA), Ag Advisory Councils, Farmers/Producers,

Date: Winter and early spring, as needed.

Audience: Grain Crop Updates

Project or Activity: Production Updates and Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: Latest research and information provided by Grain Crops Team. Updates through the year as needed by farmers.

Inputs: Webinars and evening meetings, UK publications, survey, newsletters, Facebook postings, text messages.

Date: Annual winter trainings. Information as it is available.

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Research Assistance

Content or Curriculum: Entomology, Diseases, Soils, Fertility, Nematodes

Inputs: Farm approvals, assist with sites

Date: Spring, Fall as programs dictate or requested by specialists

Success Stories