Extension
It Starts With Us
Production and Economic Challenges Facing Crop Producers
Crop Production Sustainability
Hamilton & Comer
Grains
Tobacco
Hemp
Crop Production is vital to Montgomery County's Agricultural economy. As traditional crop production margins tighten, management strategies that enhance productivity and marketing opportunities will improve long-term viability of traditional crop systems in the county. Horticulture production and marketing opportunities are growing in interest as well.
Enhance profit margins for crop producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of crop production systems
Improved soil health and reduced erosion
Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify weeds, Insects and diseases
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations
Increased soil testing numbers
Increase awareness of Extension resources
Increase awareness of land use capabilities.
Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning crop production
Awareness of variety trial information
Enhance knowledge of crop production practicesIndicator: Increased activity in crop production
Method: Promotion of economics and benefits
Timeline: 2022-24
Intermediate Outcome: Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify weeds, insects and diseases
Increased openness to try alternative/improved crop production methods
Implementation of on-farm demonstrationsIndicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research
Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations
Timeline: 2022-24
Long-term Outcome: Enhance profit margins for crop producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of crop production systems
Improved soil health and reduced erosionIndicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research
Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations
Timeline: 2023-2024
Audience: Farmers, Agribusinesses, Managers
Project or Activity: Traditional and Horticulture Crop Production Curriculum
Content or Curriculum: Multiple timely sessions on crop and horticulture production
Inputs: UK specialists, co-workers, ag agencies, successful producers
Date: 2023-2024
Audience: 4-H youth and Ag education students
Project or Activity: 4-H Land Judging
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Land Judging resources; Natural Resource Conservation Service resources
Inputs: Volunteer coach for team; travel funds to compete in state contest
Date: 2023-2024
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Small Farm Diversification
Two years ago this agent was contacted by a young couple requesting assistance in starting farm market or roadside stand. They had a plan to renovate an existing tobacco barn into a storefront for their market. The barn was located on a busy state highway and was an ideal location for such a business. They requested help in designing the market layout and for help in determining the size and type of coolers needed. An on site visit was arranged where 2 specialist from the UK Horticulture Departm
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Meeting the needs of and attracting new clientele to Extension programming is an on going task. In an effort to do so the total Montgomery County Extension staff has deveped a new and very successful Extension program series entitled Modern Homesteading. The sessions planned and conducted in this series have included: Fruit Tree Grafting, Bread Making, Gardening in Small Spaces, Food Preservation and Composting/Wild Edibles. The response to this program series has been overwelming. All
