Planning for the Family and Farm
Improving Production and Management
Darrell Simpson
Beef
Forages
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
All agricultural commodities are facing an uncertain future in terms of obtaining and sustaining a profit margin. Based on survey results from Kentucky Extension Community Assessment conducted in Muhlenberg County, 20.19% of of the respondents said that sustainability of family farms was a priority. Lack of profitability could result in unintended consequences on a personal and professional level. Commodity Councils and County Extension Council members provided suggested programming input so as to try and reduce or alleviate potential hardships or economic catastrophes.
Clientele will assess business decisions and gain management and production skills that will help sustain their farm businesses.
Clientele participate in educational programs and utilize information gained.
Agricultural producers will start a dialogue within their business regarding enhanced production and management practices.
Agricultural producers will adopt production practices.
One to One visits, phone and or written surveys will be used following educational programs. This will be used throughout the four year plan of work.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Improved production practices will be utilized.
Method: One to one visits
Timeline: Annually- 2021-2022
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Improved planning for production and management will be utilized.
Method: One to one visits and post program surveys will be utilized.
Timeline: After programs and on an annual basis.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Improved production practices will be utilized.
Method: One to one visits
Timeline: Annually
Audience: Agricultural Producers
Project or activity: Monthly beef, forage and vegetable production meetings, field trips, and or demonstrations.
Content or curriculum: Educational programs UK specialist and local ANR agent
Inputs: Agent, specialist, and volunteer time, office space
Date: Monthly on an annual basis
Audience: Agriculture producers and their family members
Project or Activity: Financial Awareness
Content or Curriculum: CAFE budgets and Farm Analysis reports
Inputs: Specialists, Farm analysis specialists and ANR agents, volunteer time, Program Support funds
Date: Program year 2021-2022
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Economic Development
The Muhlenberg County Farmers Market Pavilion and Honey Kitchen had its grand opening in 2014. The Kentucky Agriculture Development Board provided some of the funding thus required an annual receipts report for five years. Although that report is no longer required, this agent has continued to utilize a vendor survey to collect that information. Nine vendors responded to the 2021 survey as compared to five responses in 2020.The 2020 combined annual receipts totaled $41,104.19 as compared to the