Production and Economic Challenges Facing Crop ProducersPlan of Work
Montgomery County CES
Title:
Production and Economic Challenges Facing Crop Producers
MAP:
Crop Production Sustainability
Agents Involved:
Hamilton, Comer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Tobacco
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farmer's Markets
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:
Crop Production is vital to Montgomery County's Agricultural economy. As traditional crop production margins tighten, management strategies that enhance productivity and marketing opportunities will improve long-term viability of traditional crop systems in the county. Horticulture production and marketing opportunities are growing in interest as well.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Enhance profit margins for crop producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of crop production systems
Improved soil health and reduced erosion
Intermediate Outcomes:
Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify weeds, Insects and diseases
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations
Initial Outcomes:
Increased soil testing numbers
Increase awareness of Extension resources
Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning crop production
Awareness of variety trial information
Enhance knowledge of crop production practicesIndicator: Increased activity in crop production
Method: Promotion of economics and benefits
Timeline: 2018-19
Intermediate Outcome: Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify weeds, insects and diseases
Increased openness to try alternative/improved crop production methods
Implementation of on-farm demonstrationsIndicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research
Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations
Timeline: 2018-19
Long-term Outcome: Enhance profit margins for crop producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of crop production systems
Improved soil health and reduced erosionIndicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research
Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations
Timeline: 2020
Learning Opportunities:
Audience: Farmers, Agribusinesses, Managers
Project or Activity: Traditional and Horticulture Crop Production Curriculum
Content or Curriculum: Multiple timely sessions on crop and horticulture production
Inputs: UK specialists, co-workers, ag agencies, successful producers
Date: 2018-19
Audience: 4-H youth and Vo-Ag students
Project or Activity: 4-H Land Judging
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Land Judging resources; Natural Resource Conservation Service resources
Inputs: Volunteer coach for team; travel funds to compete in state contest
Date: Spring-Fall 2018
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Success Stories
Farmers Market Shows Appreciation To Customers
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Farmer's Markets
The Farmers' Market provides an economic benefit and healthy nutritional role to the citizens of Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County. To help show it's customers how much they are appreciated, the Farmers Market Executive Board with the help of the Extension Service, organized a very successful Customer Appreciation Event. The event included: Food, Educational Demonstrations, Displays, Health Screenings and Door Prizes. 1000 plus customers attended this weekend event that spotlighted Mont
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Backyard Small Fruit Production Series
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
Eastern Kentucky has the highest food insecurity in the United States. In Montgomery County, 4,680 individuals (17.1% of county population) are not sure where their next meal will come from. There is a steady increase in interest from clientele wanting to know how they can become more self-sufficient by growing their own food. Agriculture and horticulture agents in Eastern Kentucky have observed an increase in requests from small backyard fruit growers for guidance. In order to reach a lar
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