Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Michelle Simon, Jerry Brown
Equine
Small Ruminants
Farm Management
Grain Crops
Boone County has experienced exponential growth of industry and population over the last ten years which significantly increased the value of land. This increase has made it difficult for young or beginner farmers to purchase property and equipment because of the increased difficulty in obtaining operating loans due to the volatility of the markets with agricultural commodities. Input and normal operating expenses have increased but profits have not which makes farming a high risk venture.
Provide educational, research based information by field days, programs, and research demonstrations to help farmers in Boone County to thrive and be a viable part of the economic community and be able to continue careers in the agriculture industry.
- Farmers utilize soil testing to make wise financial decisions when applying fertilizer and lime.
- Farmers utilizing economic budgets when making farm management decisions to prevent over-spending.
- Horse owners learn pasture management techniques to reduce hay needs.
Describe the best management practices for raising livestock and horses and providing for their well-being.
Gain knowledge on genetic, nutrition, and reproductive factors associated with animal welfare.
Initial Outcome: improved management decisions on farms
Indicator: increased knowledge of livestock and horse management techniques to improve profitability
Method: Horse College Series
Timeline: November 2018
Intermediate Outcome: improved profitability in relation to farm income and business
Indicator: utilization of farm budgets, farm tax preparation, and utilization of extension programs
Method: Farm Start Series, Ag Economics Classes
Timeline: December 2018
Long-term Outcome: Utilizing soil testing and fertilizer recommendations, following recommended crop guidelines and recommendations
Indicator: Improved farm profitability and sustainability
Method: Commodity Updates and Soil testing program
Timeline: May 2019
Audience: Horse Owners
Project or Activity: Equine Conference, Pastures Please, Horse College
Content or Curriculum: Nutrition, Management, Health, Reproduction, Safety
Inputs: UK Equine Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: November 2018
Audience: Young and Beginner Farmers
Project or Activity: Farm Start, Ag Economics Classes
Content or Curriculum: Economics, Enterprise selection, Farm management
Inputs: UK Ag Economic Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: December 2018
Audience: Small and/or hobby farmers and enthusiasts
Project or Activity: Small Farms Series
Content or Curriculum: Poultry, Rabbits, Small Ruminants, Beekeeping Management and Information
Inputs: UK Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: May 2019
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Farm Management
Farming is known as one of the most dangerous occupations worldwide. In Boone County this statistic is the same, there have been multiple accidents to date in the county involving farm and garden related equipment, chainsaws, chemicals and livestock that have caused serious, and sometimes fatal, injuries. The majority of the agricultural community in Boone County are part- time farmers trying to do “full-time” farm work after working a full-time job off the farm. This leads to increa
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Farm Management
The current trend for agriculture in Kentucky and the U.S. is “get big, or get out”. Our dairy farmers have continued to take hits from this trend and the number of dairy farms in Kentucky is at an all-time low. Other commodity areas are quickly following suit including the poultry and hog industries. In response to this trend, Boone County Extension worked to provide another option for producers that don’t have the option to “get big”… instead, “specia
Author: David Koester
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture - Landscape Ecosystems
The 2019 Tri State Green Industry Conference st a new record with 759 participants representing 4 states. This was a 17% increase in number attending from 2018. The Tri State Green Industry conference is truly a collaborative effort between the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University, Purdue University, Cinn State Technical college, The Boone County Arboretum, The Cinn.Zoo and Botanical Garden,and Spring Grove Cemetery.This one day event featured 7 teaching tracks with 27 speakers making 3
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Ag Policy
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, volunteerism of Americans peaked around 30% in 2004. Today, that number is 25 percent. This leadership decline is also apparent in the agriculture community. This loss of leaders coupled with the great diversity of agriculture operations here in northern Kentucky, highlight the importance of having engaged farmers in organizations, and part of the conversations around public policy that affect the farming community.UK Agriculture Extension Agents from
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Ag Marketing
Boone County, Kentucky is best described as unique in many different aspects. This county has a rich and diverse history of agriculture despite the spread of industrial and suburban growth. 65% of Boone County is thriving farmland which shows that agriculture has adapted to survive in the changing landscape of Boone County. Honoring a request from the Boone County Historical Society, Boone County ANR Agent developed a presentation discussing the evolution of agriculture over the last 100 years a
