Improving Resource Utilization, Production Efficiency and Marketing in AgriculturePlan of Work

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Graves County CES

Title:
Improving Resource Utilization, Production Efficiency and Marketing in Agriculture
MAP:
Agricultural Profitability
Agents Involved:
Anderson
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Ag Marketing
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Farm Management
Situation:
Situation: Agriculture is a major economic force in Graves County, producing over $300 million in income for farmers each year. It is the largest industry in the county and typically ranks in the top 3 counties in the state for total gross ag receipts. Poultry, grain crops, tobacco, and cattle are the major sectors of income production for the county. Agricultural producers must continue to improve their efficiency and resource utilization if the county’s economy is to flourish.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Long-term Outcomes: Crop producers will focus on production efficiency and adopt new technology to improve overall profit. Tobacco producers will diversify their operations to sustain them in the long-term. Grain and tobacco producers will continue to rely on Extension for production information. Grain farmers will utilize best management practices while operating a sustainable enterprise, taking into account both economic and environmental inputs which add to the economic well-being of Graves County agriculture.
Intermediate Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes: Grain farmers will adopt new technology to avoid over and misapplication of pesticides and reduce over seeding. They will also adopt best management practices in regards to pest control, soil testing, tillage, soil drainage methods and reducing crop depredation by wildlife. Tobacco producers will utilize soil testing, nutrient and pest control recommendations from UK Extension. Some will also seek alternatives to tobacco production to diversify and grow their operations. Farmers will instigate marketing strategies allowing them to take advantage of price premiums and giving them marketing alternatives rather than being locked in to local situations. Help farmers know and begin to utilize ideas that will aid in the transitions of farms from one generation to the next.
Initial Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes: Participants will demonstrate an increased knowledge and understanding of: Basic plant growth, interactions between plants and soils, how management affects soil and plant properties, use of budgets and other management tools in decision making and labor regulations and requirements. Some will also evaluate and begin new enterprises. They will also will also see the need for new technology and incorporate it into their operations as capitol improvements are feasible.
Evaluation:
Outcome:Participants will use extension resources for decision making
Indicator: Number of producers using UK recommendations
Method: Personal contact
Timeline: Varies

Outcome: Farmers will adopt new technology
Indicator: Number of farmers using new technology
Method: Evaluation Survey
Timeline: 3 months after Marketing Exercise
Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Graves County Tobacco Producers

Activity: Tobacco twilight Tour

Content or Curriculum: Varies

Date: Late Summer


Audience: Livestock Producers

Activity: PACA Meeting

Content: Improved Management and Marketing for Cattle

Date: Spring


Audience: Grain Farmers

Activity: Winter Ag Conference

Content: Improving Efficiency, Adopting New Technology, or bringing new knowledge to the producers.

Date: Winter 


Audience: Graves County Farmers

Activity: Farm transitions program

Content: Terms, Programs, and connections for making farm transition smooth

Date: Winter 



Success Stories

Beef Quality Assurance Certification

Author: Samantha Anderson

Major Program: Beef

The modern agriculture industry faces scrutiny from consumers at all stages of production. The Beef Quality Assurance certification program is a valuable resource to educate consumers on modern agricultural practices. The Beef Quality Assurance program is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how common-sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under

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Home Orchard Education

Author: Samantha Anderson

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Sustainable food production practices have increased in popularity in recent years. The resurgence of gardens and backyard orchards have increased the demand for experiential learning that the Cooperative Extension Service provides. As a result of Cooperative Extension Service publications and consultations with producers, homeowners in Graves County were able to increase future fruit production through best pruning management practices. All producers expressed interest in furthering their invol

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Pecan Grafting Workship

Author: Samantha Anderson

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

Non traditional and hobby agriculture is a vibrant component of our local Kentucky communities. The Jackson Purchase area of western Kentucky has a long history of successful and profitable pecan production. In order to best serve the educational needs of the area, a day long grafting workshop was held at a commercial pecan operation in Graves County. Graves and Marshall County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents worked with Kentucky Proud producers, Jenni and Skip Shearouse, to host a hand

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