Bath County CES

Title:

Improved Efficiencies in Livestock, Tobacco, Forages and Grain Production

MAP:

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Gary Hamilton

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Grain Crops

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Forages

Situation:

The Bath County Agricultural Development Council and other Agricultural Commodity Groups have identified that the dramatic increases in energy and input prices have placed a heavy burden on producers and agribusinesses. These higher inputs continue to lower the farm family’s annual net income.

Long-Term Outcomes:

A productive, profitable, competitive, and sustainable agriculture production and market system will be viable in Bath County.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will begin to employ efficiency practices in all aspects of their farming operations. Farmers will assess new income generating practices for their farms and proceed with those that reflect the potential for profitability.

Initial Outcomes:

Farmers will acquire new knowledge and skills from Extension sponsored programs. Management of farms will improve in the areas of production efficiencies, energy conservation, marketing, and adding value to their commodities.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:
Indicator:
Method:
Timeline:

Intermediate Outcome: Increase production & management of crops and livestock
Indicator: Yield data, extended grazing vs. feeding hay , livestock numbers and animal condition
Method: Producer meetings, demonstrations, & mass media
Timeline: Throughout year

Long-term Outcome: Stability of net farm income.
Indicator:Net farm income
Method: Survey, interview, NASS data, and an assessment of the total farm income.
Timeline: Fall, 2016; assess the production year to see where efficiencies have been utilized; conduct educational program throughout the winter months on new enterprise opportunities and marketing strategies

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farm Families
Project or Activity: County Agricultural Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Forage, Grain and Livestock Production
Inputs: Producer, Volunteers, Farm Organizations, Commodity Groups and UK Specialists
Date: August

Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Production Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Health, Nutrition, Handling Facilities, Legislation, Environmental, Financial
Inputs: UK Specialists and Ag Business
Date: August, October, January, April, June

Audience: Tobacco, Grain and Forage Producers
Project or Activity: Agricultural Commodity Night
Content or Curriculum: Production Update
Inputs: UK and USDA, MSU, Private Industry
Date: January

Success Stories