Garrard County CES

Title:

Improving Agricultural Income

MAP:

Agriculture Production, Diversity, and Marketing

Agents Involved:

Hettmansperger, Hixson, Comley

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Tobacco

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Bees/Beekeeping

Situation:

Garrard County farmers have experienced a large decline in their dependence upon tobacco as their main income source. Farmers have increased their beef cow herds to try and make up the short fall. Cattle prices continue to fluctuate, narrowing profit margins and farmers need to become more efficient in forage and feed production. They will explore non-traditional ways of farming to remain profitable. Interest in hemp production has increased. Through surveys and conversations with farmers,they have put an importance on new forage and beef production methods and learning about hemp production. Youth livestock programs can teach young farmers best management practices and give them the chance to continue the family farm.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Farmers will become more efficient and profitable through adopting new methods learned from Extension programs. More youth will return to the family farm.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers will become better forage producers and will look at alternatives to traditional ways of feeding their livestock. They will become better marketers by utilizing CPH-45 calf sales and other forms of value added marketing. Grain producers will chose yield increasing hybrids from test plots. Farmers will become efficient at growing hemp. Youth will choose careers in agriculture.

Initial Outcomes:

Farmers will use new and improved varieties of forages to increase production. Beef producers will adopt new practices such as rotational grazing and controlled calving seasons to increase production. Farmers will utilize new marketing strategies for their calves through CPH-45 and direct marketing. Farmers will gain knowledge on hemp production.

Youth will increase their knowledge of new farming practices and choose careers in Agriculture.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Farmer adoption of new practices
Indicator: Personal contacts and surveys. Youth choosing Ag careers.
Method: Farm visits and observations. Monitor participation in educational meetings and special Extension programs.
Timeline: Throughout the year and do surveys during winter farmer meetings

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Garrard County Farmers and other interested parties. 4-H, FFA and other youth.
Activity: Phase – 1 Educational programs (all year)
BQA, Hay storage, Fencing
Private Applicators Pesticide Certification (winter)
Applying Pesticides Correctly (Spring)
CPH-45 calf sales (fall, winter, spring)
Garrard Co. Cattleman’s Assoc. Meetings (fall and winter)
Economic Update, Beef and Forage Production (Winter)
Soil Testing (all year)
4-H Livestock Club meetings (monthly)
Extension material
ANR Programs through 4-H School programs (fall-spring)
ANR projects
Work with local Commodity Groups (All Year)
Fall Field Day
Forage improvement, Beef production techniques (Spring & Summer)
Farmers Market Development (Spring – Summer)
Commercial Vegetable Update (Winter)
Tobacco Cutting Contest (fall)
Gardening Programs for Housing Authority (spring)
Joint programing with KSU
ANR programs at the High School Ag Department (School year)
Extension specialist and Agents

Success Stories