Agricultural Diversification and MarketingPlan of Work

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Hardin County CES

Title:
Agricultural Diversification and Marketing
MAP:
Utilizing Technology in Everyday Life
Agents Involved:
Adams, Shepherd, Aldenderfer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Horticulture, Commercial
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Grains
Situation:

Downturn in the Ag Economy beginning in 2014, and continuing in 2020 along with the impact of COVID-19, 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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.

Economic: Increase sales/ profits, reduce expenses, or reduce risk. Maintain or expand access to local food (i.e. farmers markets)

Intermediate Outcomes:

New marketing practices are adopted and new markets and opportunities are explored.

Growers will: Establish new markets, Create or update online presence and marketing, Develop or update business plan, Improve management strategies that reduce labor and/or improve yield and fruit quality

Initial Outcomes:

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.

Growers will increase knowledge about: Crop diversification, Growing practices/methods to extend season, Integrated pest management, Utilizing different testing and diagnostic services in order to improve management and production, Use of technology as a marketing tool, including website creation, newsletters, blogs, Facebook, and other social media

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome: New Market Opportunities are explored

Indicator: Farmers adopt new markets/niche markets for their crops and livestock

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


Intermediate Outcome: Farmer's Markets improve management strategies that reduce labor and/or improve yield and fruit quality 

Indicator: Service usage by the grower

Method: https://anr.ca.uky.edu/files/sample_commercial_horticulture_evaluation.pdf

Timeline: On-going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers, Ag Businesses

Project or Activity: Grain Marketing Programs & Field Demonstations

Content or Curriculum: UK Recommendations, Grain marketing newsletters/fact sheets

Inputs: UK Specialists, agents

Date: Spring 2021


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 2021


Audience:  Beef Producers

Project or Activity:  Beef Retained Ownership Program

Content or Curriculum:  UK Research, Livestock Marketing Information Center, TCSCF Coop

Inputs:  UK and ISU Specialists, Agents, Brokers

Date:  Fall and Winter 2020-21



Success Stories

Pasture-to-Plate

Author: Douglas Shepherd

Major Program: Beef

The Pasture-to-Plate, beef retained ownership program conducted with Iowa State's Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Coop had another productive year in spite of the pandemic.  Loads were shipped in August and February involving 130 head, from 19 operations, seven of which were first time participants.  Had our first producer to send calves from Garrard County, as a result of hearing about the program during the UK Beef IRM Summit.  The program was discussed during the Summit a

Full Story

PVAP Brings Added Value Down to the Farm

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 performance an

Full Story
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