Crop Production/ Litter UtilizationPlan of Work

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McLean County CES

Title:
Crop Production/ Litter Utilization
MAP:
Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County
Agents Involved:
David Fourqurean
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Ag Marketing
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Ag Marketing
Situation:

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 the foreseeable future. Grain crop producers are also facing factors not related to agriculture that affect the markets, exports and their profitability.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maximize profits for crop producers.


Minimize environmental impact of air, soil or living area.


Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems.


Significant percentage of producers implementing safety and responsibility concerning pesticide use.


Increase positive impact of chicken litter to producers operations.


Increase number of farmers more knowledgeable about/comfortable with grain marketing and marketing trends.


Intermediate Outcomes:

Adopt usage of new technology for crop production.


Utilize social media and/or other outlets to increase awareness of pesticide safety and management practices.


Use diagnostic services to identify insect, disease and weed issues.


Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations.


Implementation of on-farm trials.


Identify reasons why litter utilization is being mismanaged.


Increase number of farmers utilizing UK Extension enterprise budgets.

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production.


Increase understanding of production regulations.


Understanding chemical safety and hazards.


Understanding importance of on-farm trials.


Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production.


Identify herbicide resistant pest and strategies to overcome these pest.


Understanding of value of social media in promoting production agriculture.


Awareness of UK Extension enterprise budgets/marketing tools.


Increase production due to better utilization of chicken litter.


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers will be able to identify new strategies in crop production.

Indicator: Number of farmers reporting an increase in knowledge of new crop production strategies.

Method: Written Evaluation, Verbal Evaluation

Timeline: 6-12 months


Intermediate Outcome: Farmers will implement one or more practice that was learned at an Extension program.

Indicator: Farmers report implementing one or more new practice.

Method: Pre/Post Evaluation, Observation

Timeline: 9-18 months


Long-term Outcome: Farmers are able to minimize cost and maximize profits utilizing Extension research, publications and services.

Indicator: Farmers will report decrease in input cost and increase in profits.

Method: Written Evaluation, Farm Business Analysis Reports

Timeline: 2-3 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Crop Producers

Project or Activity: Annual Grain Day Program

Content or Curriculum: Research Plot Data, Specialist Talks/Presentations

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, On-Farm Research Trials, Publications

Date: 2019


Audience: Crop Producers

Project or Activity: Grain Marketing/Farm Management Programs

Content or Curriculum: Grain Marketing Strategies, Ag Marketing Clubs, Farm Management

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extension Pubs, Farm Analysis Group,

Date: 2019


Audience: Crop Producers

Project or Activity: Crop Related Field Days/Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: On-Farm Research Trials, Specialist Talks/Presentations, Agent Presentations,

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extensions Pubs, On-Farm Research Trials, Commodity Associations,

Date: 2018-19


Audience: poultry and grain producers

Project or Activity: Litter Management Program

Content or Curriculum: Litter analysis, management strategies, Budgets and research publication

Inputs: University Specialists

Date: Winter 2018 - Spring 2019

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