2024 Agronomic Solutions Plan of Work

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Calloway County CES

Title:
2024 Agronomic Solutions
MAP:
Production Agriculture
Agents Involved:
M. Chadwick
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Grains
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Integrated Pest Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Situation:

Crop production is facing a downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, and flooded machinery market) for the foreseeable future. Tobacco production, while still profitable for most, is slowly decreasing in profit on a per acre basis. In addition increased regulation by government organizations has further muddied the water for the average producer. The average producer in Calloway County generally identifies with one major area of production. For example, they are a Tobacco Producer, Grain Producer, Cow-Calf Producer etc. Therefore, there is a great need to increase the diversification of practices on these farms. Further more, we have a generation of young people that in returning to the farm find themselves unable to grow the existing operation to accommodate the needs of their family in-addition to the needs of their parents/grandparents.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

-Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

-Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

-Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems

-Significant percentage of producers implementing IPM practices


Intermediate Outcomes:

-Adopt usage of new technology for crop production

-Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production

-Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds

-Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations

-Implementation of on-farm trials

Initial Outcomes:

-Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production

-Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production

-Increase understanding of production regulations

-Understanding BioTech traits

-Understanding importance of and frame work of on-farm trials

-Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production

-Identify active ingredients in crop related ag products

-Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production

Indicator:Increased request for publications on variety trials, chemical trials, etc.

Method: Comparative count of publications handed out over the timeline vs. prior years.

Timeline: 2024-2026


Intermediate Outcome: Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations

Indicator: Request for AGR-1 recommendations.

Method: Record of fertilizer recommendation request

Timeline: 2024-2026


Long-term Outcome: Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

Indicator: Increased profit margins.

Method: One on one conversations

Timeline: 2024-2026

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Tobacco Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps.

Project or Activity: Tobacco Twilight Tour

Content or Curriculum: Presentation of ongoing seasonal tobacco field research

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information.

Date: Annual 


Audience: Grain Crop Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps. Custon Applicators

Project or Activity: Winter Ag Conference

Content or Curriculum: Sustainable Fertilizer and Chemical Use

Inputs:UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, UK weather center, Commodity Associations, State and Federal Agencies

Date: Annual 


Audience: Tobacco Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps.

Project or Activity: Tobacco GAP Training

Content or Curriculum: Program designed by GAP Connections

Inputs: GAP Connections, UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, State and Federal Organizations

Date: On-Going 


Audience: Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps. General Public, Point of Sale Employees

Project or Activity: Private Applicator Training

Content or Curriculum: Private Applicator Curriculum

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, State and Federal Organizations

Date: On-Going 



Audience: Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps. General Public, Point of Sale Employees

Project or Activity: Quarterly Newsletter, Monthly Newspaper Articles

Content or Curriculum: Timely Information

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, State and Federal Organizations

Date: On-Going 



Audience: Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps. General Public, Point of Sale Employees

Project or Activity: Grain Marketing Series

Content or Curriculum: Risk Management

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, State and Federal Organizations

Date: Fall 2024




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