Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm ManagementPlan of Work

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Boone County CES

Title:
Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management
MAP:
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Agents Involved:
Michelle Simon, Jerry Brown
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Equine
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Grain Crops
Situation:

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. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

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. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

- 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. 

Initial Outcomes:

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.

Evaluation:

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 2019


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 2019


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 2020

Learning Opportunities:

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 2019


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 2020


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 2020



Success Stories

Strategies to Mitigate the Farm Financial Crisis for Grain Growers in Northern Kentucky

Author: Michelle Simon

Major Program: Grain Crops

Over the period of the last ten years grain production in Kentucky has been volatile; farmer’s experienced record market highs and many new faces took up grain production while other enterprises expanded and invested into more land or upgraded equipment. The last two years of downturn have significantly affected farmers’ profit margins.  Northern Kentucky has a small number of grain producers; many of which entered when the market was in an upturn and economically profitable but

Full Story

Northern Kentucky Specialty Crop Production and Marketing Workshop

Author: David Koester

Major Program: Commercial Horticulture - Crop Marketing

This is the second year of the Northern Kentucky Specialty Crop Production and Marketing Conference. Topics for the December 2019 conference were selected from recommendations of previous attendees and a planning committee. Holding the conference at the Boone County Enrichment Center enabled us to present two tracts of five presentations per tract. One tract featured specialty crops; mushrooms, blueberries, blackberries, etc. The other tract featured traditional crops and high tunnel production.

Full Story

Beginner Farmers Improve Ag Business Operations as a Result of the Virtual Boone County Farm Business Management School

Author: Michelle Simon

Major Program: Farm Management

Boone County has continued to experience an increase in land values over the last five years as a result of the increased urban development and a decrease in available farm land. This elevation in prices has made it difficult for young and beginning farmers to firstly, obtain land, and secondly, make their farming operations profitable. The Boone County Agriculture Advisory Committee identified the need for a program providing business related information for new and beginning farmers as a top p

Full Story

Boone County: Between the Rows & Demonstration Videos Reach Clientele Virtually During Covid-19

Author: Michelle Simon

Major Program: Farm Management

The spring of 2020 created challenges for farmers, consumers and communities alike due to the unexpected consequences of Covid-19. During this time businesses and offices were required to operate under much different circumstances than normal which created a ripple effect in production agriculture therefore affecting food supply and availability to consumers. As a result, Boone County Extension and other Extension offices were required to limit access to the public and were not able to host educ

Full Story
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