Crop ProductionPlan of Work

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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:


Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
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

2021 Huge Fall Armyworm Outbreak Devastates Fields, Other Pests Monitored

Author: Susan Fox

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

Fall armyworms took Lyon County by surprise this year with numbers not seen since the 70’s. The high numbers caused complete losses in tefft hay, and many soybean and alfalfa acres. Areas as large as 60 acres were eaten down to stems. Outbreaks on lawns were reported also. Upon receiving a call about a tefft field wipeout from a local farmer, the agent began contacting other local farmers by text and phone, advising them to begin scouting. The local UK Extension Entomologist, Dr. Raul Vill

Full Story
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