Anderson County CES

Title:

Farm Management

MAP:

Family/Farm Financial Management & Improved Agriculture Production Skills

Agents Involved:

S. Campbell, T. Yankey

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Farm Management

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Ag Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Situation:

Anderson County farmers are experiencing change in agriculture. Commodity prices are at or near all- time lows for corn, soybeans and wheat with domestic and export use at or near record levels. At the same time, all cost are up considerably for fuel, fertilizer, feed and chemicals.

Gross receipts for Kentucky’s vegetables/fruit industry has seen steady growth while the green industry, (greenhouses, sod operations, plant nurseries) along with the forestry sector are seeing an increased demand due to the robust housing market that is currently occurring.

Despite the strong fundamentals, feed prices, market volatility, and access to credit are creating challenges for many Kentucky producers. Hay supplies are at historically low levels. With corn and soybean use exceeding production and ending stocks for corn domestically projected to decrease by about 25% and soybeans projected to decrease 9% price volatility will make it important for farmers to be aware of production costs as well as have a marketing plan.  In addition, the 2018 Farm Bill is still not complete so that uncertainty remains along with the possibility of increased tariffs from China which will put further pressure on export markets thereby decreasing prices for corn and soybeans.

The Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement (Phase 1) continues to provide incentives for farmers to improve their farming practices by providing cost share dollars for approved practices.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Agricultural producers use best management practices and at the same time sustaining the farm family competitiveness of their farm operation

Intermediate Outcomes:

Agricultural producers adopt and utilize technology and production practices in beef, dairy, crops, forages and horticulture.

Farmers minimize the cost of production while maximizing the competitiveness.

Youth can apply their knowledge of animal care and/or agriculture related endeavors

Initial Outcomes:

Agricultural producers gain skills in management of farming operations.

Youth understand the importance of sustainable local agriculture to individual health and financial well-being

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Producers will develop more knowledge of marketing opportunities and learn to use risk management to protect their investments

Indicator: Number of producers reporting change and new knowledge

Method: Face-to-face interviews.

Timeline: Throughout the year

Intermediate Outcome: Farmers participating in Phase I programs

Indicator: Number of farmers submitting applications for Phase I funds

Method: Applications received

Timeline: Late summer - Fall

Long-Term Outcome: Farmers implement practices learned in Master Series Programming

Indicator: Practices adopted to improve farm profitability

Method: Surveys, oral feedback and on-farm demonstrations

Timeline: All year

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Local farmers, beef producers, Cattleman's Association

Project or Activity: Farmers will be made aware of opportunities available through the Ky Beef Network throughout the year

Content or Curriculum: Research based approved publications

Inputs: Publications, UK agriculture specialists, guest speakers

Date: All year

Audience: 4-H Livestock Club members; 4-H Horse Club members

Project or Activity: Livestock and Horse club meetings and competitions

Content or Curriculum: 4-H project materials

Inputs: Club meetings, competitions, training, field days

Method: Judging competitions, oral reasons, quiz and other events

Date: Sept. - August.

Success Stories