Pulaski County CES

Title:

Farm Systems Management

MAP:

Natural Resources Conservation

Agents Involved:

Harper, Adkins

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Grain Crops

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management

Situation:

Th Pulaski County livestock industry is heavily concentrated by cattle and calve operations which generates 85% of all animals sales while crop production is dominated by soybean at 33% and corn at 34% of all crops sales (CEDIK, 2015). To support these commodity groups attention to, livestock, forage, and grain systems is important to ensure ideal outcomes for producers. 

In addition to production agricultural, focus on small business management is critical for the success of farmers. According to the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (2008) it is projected that by 2028 70% of all U.S. farmland will change hands. Of further concern, according to the the USDA Census of Agriculture for decades the average age of farmers has steadily increased and the 2012 census indicated that  57.6 is the average age of principle farm operators in Kentucky. It is crucial for farms and small family businesses to be exposed to succession planning in order to prevent loss of businesses and  farming operations within Pulaski County.   

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Improved sustainability of forage-based livestock systems. 
• Use of better varieties of forage crops.
• Maximize profits for grain producers. 
• Improved genetic quality and end product for enhanced consumer confidence in the industry.
• Assess family/financial situation, determine tools available for management, potential income, and  transferring assets.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Develop a grazing plan for each operation. 
• Implement on farm trials of grain crops. 
• Improvement of weed management. 
• Use proper handling techniques for livestock. 
• Gain awareness of resources for farm succession planning. 

Initial Outcomes:

• Gain awareness of forage variety trial information. 
• Recognize need for succession planning  
• Identify herbicide resistant pests in grain crops. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:Improvement in overall livestock management and handling from livestock producers. 

Indicator: Management changes on the farm. 

Method:Surveys and site visits. 

Timeline:Year around at various times. 

Intermediate Outcome:Participation in county programming increases.  producers. 

Indicator:Attendance numbers. 

Method:Rosters.

Timeline: Fall, Winter, Spring

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline:

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Cattle Producers 

Project or Activity: Pulaski County Cattleman's Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs:UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Summer, Fall, Spring

Audience: Cattle Producers 

Project or Activity: BQA Trainings

Content or Curriculum: BQA Materials

Inputs:UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Quarterly 

Audience: Forage Producers 

Project or Activity: Production Meetings

Content or Curriculum:Various Topics 

Inputs:UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Summer, Fall, Spring

Audience: All Producers, Small Family Businesses

Project or Activity: Production Meetings

Content or Curriculum:Various Topics 

Inputs:Farm Credit, Industry Professionals 

Date: Winter

Audience:4-H Youth 

Project or Activity:Livestock Club

Content or Curriculum:Various Topics

Inputs:UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Quarterly 

Audience:All Producers

Project or Activity: CAIP Training

Content or Curriculum:Various Topics

Inputs:UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Fall