Harrison County CES

County Emphasis:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 1:

Plant Production and Management

Situation:

Optimizing plant, crop and forage production is paramount as Kentucky producers navigate the challenges of economics, climate variability, and evolving consumer demands. Key challenges and strategies to enhance sustainable practices across various agricultural domains include:  rising input costs (seeds, fertilizers, machinery), crop price fluctuations, knowledge of soil health, and water management to produce high yielding crops for long-term productivity.

Producers use data-driven approaches for efficient resource utilization while exploring new crop varieties for pest resistance and yield improvement. As technology advances, producers will need to adopt remote sensing technologies to monitor soil health, moisture, and other parameters to increase efficiency. Implementing conservation practices that protect soil and water resources will ensure the long-term sustainability of Kentucky farmland and improve resilience to climate variability.

Current and continuing practices involve cover crops to reduce erosion resulting in enhanced soil health as well as rotating crops to break pest cycles, improve soil fertility, and reduce disease pressure. Extension programming will encourage diverse crops and horticulture species to reduce risk and explore specialty crops, such as berries, herbs, and ornamental plants. Extension Specialists continue to educate farmers on forage species selection for hay production and livestock nutrition, advise on implementing integrated pest management and organic production practices (to minimize chemical inputs while still effectively managing pests), select climate-adapted crop varieties, and prepare for extreme weather events through adaptation and disaster readiness programs.

To meet the needs of producers, agents and specialists will continue to disseminate research-based information, offer workshops, field days, online resources, support local farmer’s markets, community gardens, community supported agriculture, and urban horticulture initiatives.

Educating youth about plant production and soil science is crucial for the future of agriculture, empowering them to innovate and address current and future agricultural challenges. The National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey revealed that 83% of youth enjoy science, 66% view it as a tool for problem-solving, and 62% are interested in science-related careers. The 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture highlights trends in Kentucky, such as a decrease in the number of farms, reduced agricultural land, an aging producer population, and larger farm sizes. Key priority issues identified by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) include youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, access to affordable, nutritious food, support for the local agriculture industry, and promoting youth agriculture literacy. 4-H projects in plant production and soil science can help young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about these fields through horticulture, plant science, and soil science projects and programs.

County Situation:

Harrison County has many home gardeners that use products grown for themselves and their families to eat raw or preserve.

Harrison County ranks 14^th in the state in vegetable, melons, potato, and sweet potato sells. 9^th in the state for fruits, tree nuts, and berries sold. 59^th in the state for nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Achieve long-term sustainability and resilience through the widespread adoption of practices that enhance soil productivity, conserve water, and optimize resource use, leading to resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding economic and environmental fluctuations.
• Strengthen local economies through improved farm sustainability and profitability, which are economic multipliers in local communities. Helping farm families successfully transition to subsequent generations. Helping new and beginning farmers enter farming operations.  
• Improved crop sustainability, increased farm profitability and reduced environmental impact using best disease management practices
• Strengthening local economies through improved farm sustainability and profitability, which are economic multipliers in local communities. Helping farm families successfully transition to subsequent generations. Helping new and beginning farmers enter farming operations. Helping to maintain or increase domestic markets and increase export markets for grain crops and tobacco by improving quality of commodities compared to that of foreign competitors.  
• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.
• Youth will advocate for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production in their communities.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Continue development and dissemination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by specialists and agents to educate producers and promote IPM practices and/or organic practices that reduce chemical inputs while maintaining crop health and productivity.
• Expansion of Extension programming by broadening the scope of extension services to include more comprehensive support for agronomic and horticultural crops and forages suited to Kentucky's changing climate and soil conditions.
• Increased number of stakeholders who scout for diseases, monitor disease risk factors, and use research-based information
• Early identification of potential disease outbreaks and awareness of disease trends
• Judicious use of pesticide-based disease management
• Expansion of Extension programming by broadening the scope of extension services to include more comprehensive support for grain crops, forages, tobacco, hemp, and turfgrass suited to Kentucky's changing climate and soil conditions.
• Adoption of improved pesticide application practices.  Improve understanding and compliance with state pesticide applicator regulations.
• Youth will practice skills gained from 4-H agricultural projects and clubs.
• Youth actively adopt and apply advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating a growing commitment to the agricultural community

Initial Outcomes:

• Increase adoption of data-driven practices through immediate trainings, workshops, and field visits to educate producers on the latest data-driven agricultural technologies, focusing on efficient resource utilization, pest resistance, and yield improvements.
• Enhanced soil and water management programs by rolling out targeted extension programs that focus on soil health and water management techniques to immediately improve crop yield potentials.
• Support for crop trials by initiating pilot projects that support the planting of diverse crops and horticultural species, such as vegetables, small fruit, tree fruit, herbs, and ornamental plants to assess short-term viability and consumer interest.
• Initial and continuing education opportunities for certified pesticide applicators
• Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and to understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation
• Stakeholders are more aware of current and new and/or emerging disease issues
• Stakeholders have access to timely diagnostics to avoid or reduce the impact of disease outbreaks
• Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research and resources
• Fulfillment of annual GAP Training requirements for GAP Certification of tobacco producers.
• Assisting farmers who need to document specific climate objectives and/or management practices of grain and tobacco buyers.

Evaluation:

Outcome	Improved production practices
Indicator	Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices. Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.
Method	Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations
Timeline	After program participation

 

Outcome	Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research
Indicator	Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders.
Method	Primarily surveys, records from consultations
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Early identification of potential disease outbreaks
Indicator	Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with disease identification and management. Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.
Method	Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs
Indicator	Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Plant Production and Management-related Extension programs.
Method	Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback
Timeline	Frequently to annual

 

Outcome	Improved production practices
Indicator	Number of producers who reported increased knowledge of crop and forage production, fertility management, varieties, pest control, and/or sustainable practices.
Method	Surveys
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Improved tobacco production practices, efficiency, and profitability
Indicator	Number of tobacco producers reporting increased economic returns, efficiency, or profitability after attending tobacco production meetings where improved production practices are presented at annual research update meetings.
Method	Surveys, views of research data published on Dark and Burley Tobacco Web pages, views of Dark Tobacco in Kentucky and Tennessee Facebook page, ANR agent feedback
Timeline	annual

 

Outcome	Identification of diseases and abiotic problems in crops and forages
Indicator	Number of plant diagnoses made annually with diagnosis and recommendation reports sent to ANR agent and grower.
Method	ANR agent feedback, grower feedback
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Improved tobacco production practices, efficiency, and crop traceability
Indicator	Number of tobacco producers participating in annual GAP Training. Number of tobacco producers reporting higher scores on annual third-party GAP Certification audits.
Method	GAP Training survey, Third-party GAP audit administered by GAP Connections, Views of research data published on Dark and Burley Tobacco Web pages, views of Dark Tobacco in Kentucky and Tennessee Facebook page
Timeline	annual

 

Outcome	Improving forage and livestock management
Indicator	Number of participants that indicate high likelihood of implementation of improved forage and livestock management practices
Method	Schools, workshops, conferences, and field days.  Information from these events will also be pushed out through KY Forages YouTube Channel and Master Grazer Facebook page.
Timeline	Programs are provided one or more times annually at multiple locations throughout Kentucky

Outcome	Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from weeds and understand the benefits of adopting best management practices for weed and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK weed science research
Indicator	Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based weed identification and/or weed management practices for crops grown in Kentucky.
Method	Primarily surveys, consultations
Timeline	Annual

Outcome	Change in behavior in home gardeners
Indicator	Number of home or community gardeners who reported that they implemented environmental stewardship (pollinator gardens, rain catchment, etc.) Number of non-commercial growers who reported adoption of improved management practices (soil sampling, reduced pesticide applications, integrated pest management, etc.) Number of community members using or participating in public or community gardens Amount of produce donated from community gardens
Method	surveys after each program
Timeline	ongoing

 

Outcome	Change in behavior in commercial growers
Indicator	Number of commercial growers who reported improved specialty crop production and/or management practices. Number of non-commercial home gardeners who reported improved planting and/or management practices.
Method	surveys, grower feedback
Timeline	ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Tobacco Producers
Project or Activity	Tobacco GAP Annual Training
Content or Curriculum	GAP Connections and UK Tobacco specialist resources and content
Inputs	ANR Agents, UK specialists, GAP Connections and Dept of Labor employees
Date(s)	Late Winter/ Early Spring

Audience	Grain Producers
Project or Activity	Area Grains Meeting
Content or Curriculum	Extension resources
Inputs	ANR Agents, UK specialists
Date(s)	Winter

Audience	Hay & Forage Producers and Buyers
Project or Activity	Master Haymaker
Content or Curriculum	UK Extension Resources and Industry experts
Inputs	ANR Agents, UK specialists, volunteers, and sponsors
Date(s)	Winter

Audience	Alfalfa Growers
Project or Activity	Alfalfa Growers Meeting
Content or Curriculum	Extension and industry resources
Inputs	ANR Agents, UK specialists, industry experts
Date(s)	Late Winter/ Early Spring

Audience	4-H youth
Project or Activity	4-H Horticulture Club
Content or Curriculum	Extension horticulture, 4-H, and Junior Master Gardener resources
Inputs	Extension staff, volunteers
Date(s)	October through August

Audience	Public
Project or Activity	Gardening classes, fruit production classes, how to grow classes
Content or Curriculum	Extension publications
Inputs	Horticulture Agents
Date(s)	All Year

 

Evaluation:

Outcome	Improved production practices
Indicator	Number of commercial participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices. Number of consumer participants who reported improving their plant production or management practices.
Method	Program evaluation tool/survey or records from individual consultations
Timeline	After program participation

 

Outcome	Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from diseases and understand the benefits of adopting best disease management practices and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK plant pathology research
Indicator	Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based disease identification and management practices for crops grown in Kentucky and/or share that information with other stakeholders.
Method	Primarily surveys, records from consultations
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Early identification of potential disease outbreaks
Indicator	Number of stakeholders contacting Extension for help with disease identification and management. Number of plant samples submitted to the PDDL.
Method	Sample diagnosis through the PDDL, direct communication with Extension Specialists
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Improved production practices and economic return of production inputs
Indicator	Number of participants who report increased economic return from improved production practices recommended in Plant Production and Management-related Extension programs.
Method	Surveys, participant feedback, CES agent feedback
Timeline	Frequently to annual

 

Outcome	Improved production practices
Indicator	Number of producers who reported increased knowledge of crop and forage production, fertility management, varieties, pest control, and/or sustainable practices.
Method	Surveys
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Improved tobacco production practices, efficiency, and profitability
Indicator	Number of tobacco producers reporting increased economic returns, efficiency, or profitability after attending tobacco production meetings where improved production practices are presented at annual research update meetings.
Method	Surveys, views of research data published on Dark and Burley Tobacco Web pages, views of Dark Tobacco in Kentucky and Tennessee Facebook page, ANR agent feedback
Timeline	annual

 

Outcome	Identification of diseases and abiotic problems in crops and forages
Indicator	Number of plant diagnoses made annually with diagnosis and recommendation reports sent to ANR agent and grower.
Method	ANR agent feedback, grower feedback
Timeline	Annual

 

Outcome	Improved tobacco production practices, efficiency, and crop traceability
Indicator	Number of tobacco producers participating in annual GAP Training. Number of tobacco producers reporting higher scores on annual third-party GAP Certification audits.
Method	GAP Training survey, Third-party GAP audit administered by GAP Connections, Views of research data published on Dark and Burley Tobacco Web pages, views of Dark Tobacco in Kentucky and Tennessee Facebook page
Timeline	annual

 

Outcome	Improving forage and livestock management
Indicator	Number of participants that indicate high likelihood of implementation of improved forage and livestock management practices
Method	Schools, workshops, conferences, and field days.  Information from these events will also be pushed out through KY Forages YouTube Channel and Master Grazer Facebook page.
Timeline	Programs are provided one or more times annually at multiple locations throughout Kentucky

Outcome	Stakeholders have knowledge and tools needed to better protect crops from weeds and understand the benefits of adopting best management practices for weed and resistance mitigation. Stakeholders are more aware of UK weed science research
Indicator	Number of stakeholders who reported increased knowledge of research-based weed identification and/or weed management practices for crops grown in Kentucky.
Method	Primarily surveys, consultations
Timeline	Annual

Outcome	Change in behavior in home gardeners
Indicator	Number of home or community gardeners who reported that they implemented environmental stewardship (pollinator gardens, rain catchment, etc.) Number of non-commercial growers who reported adoption of improved management practices (soil sampling, reduced pesticide applications, integrated pest management, etc.) Number of community members using or participating in public or community gardens Amount of produce donated from community gardens
Method	surveys after each program
Timeline	ongoing

 

Outcome	Change in behavior in commercial growers
Indicator	Number of commercial growers who reported improved specialty crop production and/or management practices. Number of non-commercial home gardeners who reported improved planting and/or management practices.
Method	surveys, grower feedback
Timeline	ongoing