Hardin County CES

Title:

Agriculture Technology

MAP:

Utilizing Technology in Everyday Life

Agents Involved:

Norton, Aldenderfer, Carpenter

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Grains

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Local Food Systems

Situation:

The nation's agricultural sector is going to face enormous challenges in the future in order to feed 9.6 billion people the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations predicts are going to inhabit the planet by 2050. This will have to be achieved in spite of limited availability of land, increased demand for fresh water, and adapting to climate change. One way to address these issues and increase the quality and quantity of agricultural production is using sensing technology to make farms "smarter". Modern farms and ag operations work much differently than those of a few decades ago, primarily because of advancements in technology, including sensors, devices, machines and information technology. Today's agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, yield monitors, aerial images, and GPS technology. These advanced devices, precision agriculture, and robotic systems allow farm businesses to collect vast amounts of information in order to be more profitable, efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly. Helpful and sought after, "smart farming" still has many hurdles to overcome before it becomes widespread. One is that the ag sector operates on low margins, so investment in innovation is difficult. Advanced age of many of our farmers also impedes their acceptance and use of available technologies. Cost is high except for larger operations. There are concerns as to who owns the data generated, the company providing the data or the farmer.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Rural county residents have increased access to high speed internet.

Improved farm economic status.

Sustainability of farms.

Farm expenses are reduced through improved efficiencies.

Minimize environmental impact of agricultural practices on air, soil, and water.

Improved soil health and reduced erosion.

Maximize profits for commercial ag producer.

Reduction in rate of pesticide resistance development in pests, pathogens.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Utilize new means to reach clientele.

Use diagnostic services to identify insects, livestock diseases, weeds, etc.

Increased records of chemical use, frequency, and timing by farmers

Use diagnostic, agent and specialist recommendations

Adopt recommended application techniques

Learn to properly calibrate and use specialized equipment, seeders, etc.

Implementation of on-farm demonstration practices

Make informed decisions on daily activities and actions that affect water quality.

Initial Outcomes:

Demonstrate proper use of pesticides, seed spacing, fertilizer

Proper identification of livestock and use of premise ID's

Awareness of current land grant research concerning new ag technologies.

Demonstrate proper use of sprayers and equipment related to application.

Understanding drift mitigation methods.

Operate an app to balance rations.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased use of ag apps for smartphones.

Indicator: Participants

Method: Surveys

Timeline: 2024

Intermediate Outcome: Learn how to calibrate and use specialized equipment.

Indicator: Number of participants in demonstrations

Method: Count

Timeline: Spring 2025

Long-term Outcome: Expenses are reduced.

Indicator: Lower seed cost.

Method: Survey

Timeline: Spring 2025

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Kentucky food producers, Agriculture producers, Farmers Market vendors, Produce Auction and Farm Market managers, Wholesale buyer 

Project or Activity: Food safety certification training (i.e. PBPT, GAP, FSMA), 

Content or Curriculum: PBPT Curriculum

Inputs: Extension specialists from: Animal and Food Science, Crop Diversification, Horticulture, Food Systems Innovation Center, Ag Economic, Family and Consumer Sciences, Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture, Kentucky Dept. of Health and Family Services (Food Safety Branch) 

Date: Spring of Odd Years or as needed

Audience: Rural residents

Project or Activity: Solar on the Farm Demonstration

Content or Curriculum: Extension publications

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Ag Extension Agents, demonstration model solar barn

Date: Summer 2024