Extension
It Starts With Us
Agricultural Diversification and Marketing
Best Management Practices for Safe Food, Farms & Families
Adams, Shepherd, Aldenderfer
Sustainable Agriculture
Farm Management
Ag Marketing
Grain Crops
Downturn in the Ag Economy beginning in 2014 has led to some tough economic times for the entire agricultural sector, even to the point of forcing some local farmers into bankruptcy. Through these tough times, producers rely on extension to help pull them through. Producers will rely on extension programs in the coming years to increase knowledge and ability in marketing their products, as well as leading research when it comes to alternate crops and enterprises.
Producers change marketing strategies for their crops by increasing on farm storage and adopting new marketing practices. Producers also diversify away from a single enterprise, and new crops such as Hemp and/or Canola are adopted and grown by producers.
New marketing practices are adopted and new markets and opportunities are explored.
Alternate crops such as Canola and Hemp are grown on a trial basis, to gain a better understanding of and explore opportunities associated with new crops.
Grain marketing "clubs" are formed, giving producers mentors and fellow farmers to discuss grain marketing options and opportunities with.
Initial Outcome: Grain Marketing Clubs are Formed
Indicator: Formation of Grain Marketing Clubs in Hardin County
Method: Visual Observation of those involved. Oversight of club formation.
Timeline: Spring 2017
Intermediate Outcome: New Market Opportunities are explored
Indicator: Farmers adopt new markets/niche markets for their crops
Method: Visual observation of farmers/ag industry
Timeline: On-going
Long-term Outcome: Producers (livestock and crop) adopt new marketing practices and new crops are grown
Indicator: Farmers increase market diversity and break through market barriers for new crops
Method: Visual observation of farmers/ag economy
Timeline: On-going
Audience: Farmers, Ag Businesses
Project or Activity: Grain Marketing Programs
Content or Curriculum: UK Recommendations, Grain marketing newsletters/fact sheets
Inputs: UK Specialists, agents
Date: Spring 2017
Audience: Farmers, Ag Retailers, Crop Consultants
Project or Activity: New Crop Opportunities
Content or Curriculum: UK Research, Independent Research
Inputs: UK Specialists, Agents, Individuals involved in new crop development
Date: Summer 2017
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Retained Ownership Program
Content or Curriculum: UK Research, Livestock Marketing Information Center
Inputs: UK and ISU Specialists, Agents, Brokers
Date: Fall and Winter 2017-18
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
In 2017, Hardin County 4-H Agents and the 4-H Program Assistant worked with the Hardin County 4-H Council to offer the 1st annual 4-H Festival & Extension Expo. The purpose of the event was to increase awareness of 4-H clubs and Extension programs to the communities of Hardin County. The event was well-attended with just over 300 people in attendance. Current members and leaders from each club in the county were present and provided club information as well as hands-on activities for visitin
Author: Matthew Adams
Major Program: Beef
With the recent downturn in cattle markets, many producers are left wondering what they can do to increase profit in the cow herd. With favorable and not so favorable markets alike, good marketing strategies always make a positive impact on net farm income. Hardin County has long had participation in the Tri County Steer Carcass Futurity program, which partners with Iowa State University to retain ownership on home raised feeder calves through the finishing phase, while collecting perf
