Casey County CES

Title:

Improve Management and Marketing Skills

MAP:

Row Crop Sustainability

Agents Involved:

ANR Agent

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Grain Crops

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Ag Water Quality Program

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Tobacco

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Soils

Situation:

Over the last several years Casey County farmers have taken advantage of generous commodity prices to increase the acres of row crops. In 2015 there was reported 8,300 acres of corn and 7,900 acres of soybeans planted. Commodity markets are ever changing and many times volatile. Input costs don’t seem to follow the changing commodity market as quickly as producers need causing producers to explore ways to become more efficient and many times cut corners in attempt to reduce cost. Through surveys, conversations with farmers, the County Extension Council, and the Agriculture Advisory Council they have put an emphasis on new farming practices from forage and livestock production, grain production, and horticulture production.

Youth livestock programs can teach young farmers best management practices and give them the chance to continue the family farm.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers who are able to compete with higher costs of production will stay in business. Become economically viable farm producers. Utilize new markets and alternative marketing techniques.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will consider changing practices in order to become more efficient. Some of these practices include: rotational grazing, ration balancing, forage utilization and testing, soil testing, time management, record keeping, and trying different marketing strategies to sell their product.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will gain knowledge and skills about improving efficiency in agriculture production by participating in Extension programs.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased Farmer participation

Indicator: Number of farmers attending program

Method: Farm visits, increase mailing list, personal contacts

Timeline: Winter

Intermediate Outcome: Farmer adoption of new practices

Indicator: Personal contacts and surveys. Youth choosing ag careers.

Method: Farm visits and observations. Monitor participation in educational meetings and extension programs.

Timeline: Summer/Winter

Long-term Outcome: Producers using land in a sustainable manner.

Indicator: Increase in soil health and crop yield.

Method: Reported yields thru survey and conversation with producers.

Timeline: Spring/Fall

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Casey County producers, youth and other interested parties.

Project or Activity: Private Applicators Pesticide Certification

Content or Curriculum: Applying Pesticides Correctly

Inputs: extension specialist/agent

Date: winter

Audience: Casey County producers, youth and other interested parties.

Project or Activity: Winter crop update

Content or Curriculum: Crop update, soils information, new research developments

Inputs: extension specialist/agent

Date: winter

Audience: Casey County producers, youth and other interested parties.

Project or Activity: Field trial demonstration

Content or Curriculum: Various on-farm demonstrations throughout the community

Inputs: producer volunteers, extension specialist

Date: spring, summer, fall