Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving the Productivity, Profitability and Sustainability of Agriculture Operations
Agriculture Productivity, Profitability and Sustainability
Don Sorrell
Beef
Forages
Sustainable Agriculture
Farm Management
According to KY Agriculture Statistics and USDA Farm Census data, Campbell County has approximately 500 farms, averaging 84 acres. Approximately 75% of all Campbell County farming operations are livestock (mostly beef) and forages. Annual gross receipts is just over 8 million dollars while net farm income averages less than $5,000 per farm. With these thoughts in mind, Agriculture and Community leaders representing the CEC, Agriculture Council, Conservation District, Farm Bureau, County Cattle Association and Beef Association have identified a continued need to improve the sustainability and profitability of farming operations in Campbell County. Producers need to implement best management practices that will help them manage inputs, improve production and increase net farm profitability while improving the natural resources of the farm.
Campbell County farmers will show improved farm production and profitability after implementing recommended production, marketing and natural resource management practices. Farmers will become more sustainable through the implementation of these practices.
Campbell County farmers will begin to improve farm production and profitability after implementing recommended production, marketing and natural resource management practices. Farmers will become more sustainable through the implementation of these practices.
Farmers will learn how to improve their production, marketing and natural resource management practices that will help to enhance farm production, profitability and sustainability. Through the participation of education programs and hands-on learning opportunities, farmers will gain knowledge needed to implement these management practices.
Initial Outcome:
Individuals indicate that they gained knowledge and aspire to implement practices on their farm. Farmers will increase knowledge in improved management practices by participating in programs and field days.
Indicator: Gain evidence through program evaluations, observations and testimonies with producers that indicated increased knowledge gained on recommended production, marketing and natural resource management practices. Increase participation by farmers in educational programs addressing production and natural resources management practices.
Method: Program surveys, testimonials, observations, participation numbers
Timeline: All year, after programs
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Number of farmers indicating implementation of the best management and natural resources practices needed to increase farm productivity and profitability.
Method: Farm Visits, testimonials, mailed surveys
Timeline: all year, 3 to 6 months after programs
Long-term Outcome: Farmers will become more productive, and profitable after implementing the best management production and natural resources practices needed to increase farm efficiency, productivity and profitability.
Indicator: Number of farmers indicating increased productive, efficiency and profitability after implementing the best management production and natural resources practices.
Method: Post program surveys, farm visits, testimonials, number of implemented practices
Timeline: all year, surveys 6 to 12 months after programs
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Demonstration Farms, Natural Resources Management
Content or Curriculum: Farm Field Day, Conservation Projects
Inputs: NRCS, UK Specialists Halich and Smith and NKY Agents
Date: Summer and Fall of 2019
Audience: Beef/Forage Producers
Project or Activity: Mud Control and Winter Feeding Facilities Tour
Content or Curriculum: Filter Fabric Pad Demonstration, Fence Line Feeder Demonstrations
Inputs: Host farms, Cattle Association Board, Agent, Farmers
Date: October 2019
Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality and Care/Beef Cattle Vaccine Program
Content: Health care program for selecting and using implants, fly control and de-worming products
Inputs: Ag agent, specialist(s)
Date: August 2019
Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Understanding and Using EPD’s for Bull Selection
Content or Curriculum: Beef Genetics
Inputs: UK Specialists, Agents
Date: November 2019
Audience: Agriculture and Horticulture Producers
Project or Activity: Soil Health
Content or Curriculum: Soil Health
Inputs: Soils Specialist, Agent
Date: December 2019
Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Crossbreeding Basics
Content or Curriculum: Crossbreeding
Inputs: agents, specialists
Date: February 2020
Audience: Livestock/Forage Producers
Project or Activity: Endophyte Testing Program
Content or Curriculum: Pasture Evaluation Team
Inputs: UK specialists, agents
Date: July and August 2019
Audience: Campbell County Farmers
Project or Activity: Forage Testing & Ration Balancing Program
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications, Dairy One Forage Testing/UK Ration Balancing Program
Inputs: Forage samples, UK publications specialists, agent
Date: November/December 2019
Audience: Campbell County Young Farmers
Project or Activity: Beginning Farmer Cost Share Programs
Content or Curriculum: Beginning Farmer Grant Programs
Inputs: CAIP Guidelines
Date: August 2019 - June 2020
Audience: Campbell County Farmers
Activity: Soil Testing Program
Content or Curriculum: UK Soil Testing Program
Inputs: UK soil lab, soil test recommendations, agent
Date: July 2019 - June 2020
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Bull Breeding Soundness Exam
Content or Curriculum: Bull BSE
Inputs: Producers, Veterinarians, Agent
Date: April 2020
Audience: Agriculture Council
Project or Activity: Ag Issues meetings
Content or Curriculum: program planning
Inputs: Ag leaders and Ag agent
Date: November, December 2019
Audience: Campbell County Cattle Association Board of Directors/general membership
Project or Activity: Board meetings and annual membership meeting
Content or Curriculum: Program planning and prioritization
Inputs: CCCA leaders, agriculture agent and CCCA members
Date: Monthly meetings, Second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
Author: Don Sorrell
Major Program: Beef
2019 was a year of ever changing weather events that have impacted the livestock industry in Northern KY in a very negative way. Winter /spring rains led to mud, poor nutrition, loss of body condition of animals and even death of livestock. Rain continued through the month of June delaying hay harvest that resulted in late cutting hay as well as reduced yields and forage quality. The summer heat of July and August reduced second cutting yields. This was followed by excessive heat and dry w
Author: Don Sorrell
Major Program: Beef
During the winter and early spring of 2019, beef cattle health and nutrition became a major concern. This was primarily due to poor hay quality and weather related issues such as excessive rain and mud. To address the nutritional needs of beef cattle (going into the winter of 2019-2020) the Extension Service developed two programs: Feeding the Cow Herd During the Winter and Forage Testing and Ration Balancing. The ANR agent worked with Dr. Jimmy Henning and local beef pr
Author: Don Sorrell
Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture
The Extension Service traditional ways of communicating with clients changed dramatically (not as much with ANR agents) with the onset of COVID -19 pandemic. The following are ways that I have reached out to the agriculture community during the pandemic. Sent out a letter and then a newsletter to farmers letting them know that I was still very much available to serve their needs. This information included my home and cell phone numbers and e-mail address. This information also
