Crop ProductionPlan of Work

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McLean County CES

Title:
Crop Production
MAP:
Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County
Agents Involved:
Gabby Seymour
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Ag Marketing
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Integrated Plant Pest Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
ANR Biotechnology
Situation:
Grain crop production is facing a downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for the the foreseeable future. Grain crop producers are also facing negative feedback from the general public concerning usage of conventional practices and use of GMO's.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Maximize profits for crop producers.

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil or living area.

Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems.

Significant percentage of producers implementing IMP practices.

Increase positive opinion of GMO/conventional production of non-farm individuals.

Increase number of farmers more knowledgeable about/comfortable with grain marketing and marketing trends.

Intermediate Outcomes:
Adopt usage of new technology for crop production.

Utilize social media and/or other outlets to increase awareness of GMO & organic production vs conventional crop production.

Use diagnostic services to identify insect, disease and weed issues.

Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations.

Implementation of on-farm trials.

Identify one or more cost that can be cut or decreased in production cost.

Increase number of farmers utilizing UK Extension enterprise budgets.
Initial Outcomes:
Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production.

Identification of IMP practices for grain crop production.

Increase understanding of production regulations.

Understanding BioTech traits.

Understanding importance of on-farm trials.

Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production.

Identify herbicide resistant pest and strategies to overcome these pest.

Understanding of value of social media in promoting production agriculture.

Awareness of UK Extension enterprise budgets/marketing tools.

Increase knowledge of land management practices for erosion control and soil health.

Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: Farmers will be able to identify new strategies in crop production.
Indicator: Number of farmers reporting an increase in knowledge of new crop production strategies.
Method: Written Evaluation, Verbal Evaluation
Timeline: 6-12 months

Intermediate Outcome: Farmers will implement one or more practice that was learned at an Extension program.
Indicator: Farmers report implementing one or more new practice.
Method: Pre/Post Evaluation, Observation
Timeline: 9-18 months

Long-term Outcome: Farmers are able to minimize cost and maximize profits utilizing Extension research, publications and services.
Indicator: Farmers will report decrease in input cost and increase in profits.
Method: Written Evaluation, Farm Business Analysis Reports
Timeline: 2-3 years
Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Crop Producers

Project or Activity: Annual Grain Day Program

Content or Curriculum: Research Plot Data, Specialist Talks/Presentations

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, On-Farm Research Trials, Publications

Date: 2018


Audience: Crop Producers

Project or Activity: Grain Marketing/Farm Management Programs

Content or Curriculum: Grain Marketing Strategies, Ag Marketing Clubs, Farm Management

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extension Pubs, Farm Analysis Group,

Date: 2018


Audience: Crop Producers

Project or Activity: Crop Related Field Days/Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: On-Farm Research Trials, Specialist Talks/Presentations, Agent Presentations,

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extensions Pubs, On-Farm Research Trials, Commodity Associations,

Date: 2018


Audience: Grain Producers/Young Farmers

Project or Activity: KY Farm Start Program

Content or Curriculum: Production & Management

Inputs: University Specialists

Date: Winter 2017 - Spring 2018

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