Extension
It Starts With Us
Crops
Ag Awareness, Production and Marketing
Bell, Blankenship, Branstetter
Tobacco
Forages
Although tobacco production had declined in recent years, it is still a major source of income for many farm families. With its decline, many producers have increased forage production. It is marketed through local sales and the Tri County Hay and Straw Auction. Many forage producers utilize their products to feed their own livestock herds as well.
Tobacco and Forage producers will be able to sustain their operations because of increased profitability. This profitability is a result of increased yields, decreased input costs and successful marketing.
Tobacco and Forage producers will implement practices that will allow them to increase yields, manage input costs and market their product in a manner that will allow them to remain profitable.
Tobacco and Forage producers will increase their knowledge about production, cost management and marketing that will allow them to implement changes that will lead to long term profitability.
Outcome: Initial
Indicator: Knowledge Gained
Method: Survey
Timeline: Winter/Spring
Outcome: Intermediate
Indicator: Practices Changed
Method: Survey
Timeline: Spring Summer
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Sales and Profitability
Method: Survey
Timeline: Winter
Audience: Tobacco Producers
Project or Activity: Tobacco Gap Trainings
Content or Curriculum: UK, GAP Connections
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, GAP Connections
Date: Winter/Spring
Audience: Livestock and Forage Producers
Project or Activity: Tri County Hay and Straw Auction
Content or Curriculum: UK Pubs, KDA Hay Testing
Inputs: ANR and 4-H Agents, KDA Employees, Volunteers
Date: January
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Forages
Agriculture agents of Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8) joined forces to present a hands on program concerning forage just ahead of winter feeding. The skyrocketing cost of inputs, coupled with very poor growing conditions prompted W8 Agents to develop a hands on forage program. The program was hosted by the Metcalfe Co Cooperative Extension Service at the Metcalfe Co Farmer’s Market facility. Producers participated in mini sessions on optimal har
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Grains
Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties have traditionally been some, if not, Kentucky’s largest burley tobacco producing counties. However over the past 15 years the amount of tobacco grown has rapidly decreased. Traditional burley farmers have switched to the production of grain, specially corn, wheat, and soybeans. Agriculture agents from Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8)
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Forages
Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction started as only Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties. Today the cooperating counties are Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe. The anticipated annual event is something both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on. Seemingly each year presents undesirable weather conditions that brings about a forage supply shortage for some producers. The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurate
