Extension
It Starts With Us
Agricultural Practices
Agricultural and Science Needs
Lambert
Grain Crops
Forages
Integrated Plant Pest Management
Beef
There are many agricultural commodities in Henderson County. In 2014, Henderson County was in the top grain producing counties in the state, and has been for many years. Grain crop production is facing a downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for the foreseeable future. Cattle production in Henderson County is another major area of production. There are over 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky and over one million head of beef cows. Kentucky is the eighth largest beef state in the U.S. and has the largest herd east of the Mississippi River; Kentucky ranks third for beef cattle density (cows per square mile) in the US. Cash receipts for beef cattle in Kentucky are approaching a billion dollars and may reach that level in 2014 with record high beef prices. Even with high prices it is important to educate beef producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. These educational programs are targeted to assist our local Agriculture and Natural Resource agents to provide Kentucky beef producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.
Maximize profits for commercial ag producer
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems
Significant percentage of producers implementing IPM practices
Increase positive opinion of GMO/Conventional production of non-farm individuals
Adopt usage of new technology for crop production
Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production
Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds
Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations
Implementation of on-farm trials
Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production
Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production
Increase understanding of production regulations
Understanding BioTech traits
Understanding importance of and frame work of on-farm trials
Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production
Increase non-farm public understanding of BioTechnology/Organic/ Conventional grains crop production
Identify active ingredients in crop related ag products
Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests
Initial Outcome: Understanding more about agricultural related topics
Indicator: Deeper understanding about various agriculture practices
Method: Survey
Timeline: Winter 2018
Intermediate Outcome: Adopt use of practices learned, use of UK's services, implement on-farm trials
Indicator: Behavior change
Method: Demonstration
Timeline: Spring 2019
Long-term Outcome: Maximize profits while minimizing environmental impact, increased positive opinion of GMOs
Indicator: Producer Testimonials, citizens indicate positive outlook on farming practices
Method: survey throughout county
Timeline: Spring 2019
Audience: Farm Managers and/or Owners
Project or Activity: Hay Day
Content or Curriculum: KDA hay testing day, pasture renovations, weed control
Inputs: Extension Agent, Extension Specialists, Farmers, Land Owners, KDA
Date: July 2018
Audience: Farm Workers, Farm Managers, Ag Retailers, Certified Crop Advisors, Agronomists, Master Gardeners, Industry Representatives
Project or Activity: Pesticide Applicator Training
Content or Curriculum: Video, Hands-On Demonstrations, Teaching
Inputs: Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Ag Businesses
Date: Dec 2018, February 2019
Audience: Henderson County People
Project or Activity: Media
Content or Curriculum: AgLife tv show, weekly radio show, weekly newspaper column, social media, newsletters
Inputs: Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Ag Businesses
Date: Weekly
Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Certified Preconditioned for Health (CPH-45)
Content of Curriculum: Information, CPH45 Sale
Inputs: Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Beef Network and the Kentucky Dept. of Ag
Date: August, December, February, April
Audience: Grain producers
Project or Activity: Henderson Grain Day
Content or Curriculum: grain hauling decision tool, pesticide certification, farm data collection
Inputs: Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Ag businesses
Date: January 2019
Audience: Farmers using chemicals
Project or Activity: Chemical Jug Rinse and Return Day
Content or Curriculum: water quality handout
Inputs: Extension Agent, KDA, Ag businesses
Date: August 1, 2018
Audience: Soybean Farmers, Agribusinesses
Project or Activity: Soybean Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Specialist, publications
Input: State Variety plot
Date: August 2018
Author: Camille Lambert
Major Program: Beef
The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock often takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. The need to cull typically coincides with the conclusion of this period, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understanding genetic traits, the basics of
Author: Camille Lambert
Major Program: Grain Crops
There are many agricultural commodities in Henderson County. In 2017, Henderson County was in the top grain producing counties in the state, and has been for many years. Grain crop production is facing a downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for at least the next 3-4 years. With the downward pressure on the agriculture economy, planning details out for the next growing season is essential. The Henderson
Author: Camille Lambert
Major Program: Beef
When you think about Kentucky cattle, Henderson County may not always be the first county you think of. Although not too many, Henderson County has several cattle operations. A problem that all cattle farmers face year after year is herd health. The importance of using balanced diets in a beef cattle feeding program is well documented, however convincing some cattle producers how important it is to provide a balanced diet to their animals can sometimes be quite challenging. Most c
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management
Commercial Pesticide Training In Henderson CountyCommercial pesticide application has many risks; both to the public and to the applicator. Legal risks are also a major concern to enterprises engaged in applying control products as well as environmental concerns with improperly used or over used pesticides.Holding a commercial applicator's license requires continuing education or retesting on a three year cycle. Although CEUs can be obtained from attending numerous trainings across the state
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Kentucky Master Logger WebTV- Live Program Provides Training Closer to HomeOn February 6th, 2018 UK Forestry Extension broadcast a live Logger Web TV Program to 25 counties strategically distributed around the state, from the Webcast studio in the Forestry Extension Office. Assistance from the county agents and supporting staff was critical to the success of this program. Counties opened their offices up, assisted with registration, answering and conveying questions, and much more. By hosting th
Author: Jeremiah Johnson
Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
For many living within the counties of Union, Webster, McLean, Ohio, Hancock, Daviess, and Henderson, the equine industry has a large impact. According to the most recent Kentucky Equine Survey, there are approximately 5600 horses within those counties and an annual income from services at just above $5,000,000. Established in 2003, the District 6 North (Green River Area) Horse Camp, was designed to develop additional educational opportunities for youth participating in equestrian programs.
