LaRue County CES

Title:

Enhancement of Crop Profitability

MAP:

Crop Production

Agents Involved:

Carpenter

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Grains

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Horticulture, Consumer and Home

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

According to the Kentucky Agricultural Statistics Service LaRue County ranks 25th in grain crops production. Grain acreage has continued to increase and is concentrating with fewer, larger farmers. Rental competition is high. Lower grain prices indicate some tough years ahead. 

Tobacco production has dropped below 600 acres and is concentrating in larger acreage growers. There is a continued interest in commercial horticulture production and a growing market for locally produced products. We have several commercial fruit and vegetable producers and many smaller growers who are looking to grow more produce to meet the demand for locally grown products. 

All crop producers continue to seek higher profits through reduced costs of inputs and better marketing.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Produce optimal utilization and income from crop production through improved production practices that are environmentally sound and sustainable. Enhance market value of crops, with direct sales when possible. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will adopt one or more of recommended practices: soil sampling and following recommendations; grow varieties based on test plot information and accepted practices; timely identification, control and /or prevention of pests; improved storage and marketing.

Farmers will adopt Extension recommendations, utilize best management practices and marketing strategies

Farmers will apply new technologies to their production practices

Initial Outcomes:

Crop producers will recognize the need for soil testing and following recommendations and take advantage of free soil testing service.

Crop producers will understand the principles of pest control and proper control methods

Farmers will learn recommended production practices and aspire to implement them in their farming operation to improve profitability

Crop farmers will gain knowledge in recommended production and marketing practices for grain crops.

Individuals will learn benefits of recycling, responsible use of pesticides, conservation practices, nonpoint source pollution and energy & natural resource conservation

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcomes: Individuals implement production practices learned during educational activities to increase profitability

Indicator: Number of practices adopted and implemented

Method: Post evaluations and follow up surveys

Timeline: 6-8 weeks after educational activity

Long-term Outcomes: Farmers will be more profitable by applying learned marketing strategies and production practices

Indicator: Number of participants who adopt recommended practices and impact increased profitability

Method: Evaluations, follow up surveys and testimony

Timeline: On going

Outcome: Recognize the Need for Soil Testing and Recommendations

Indicator: Number of Soil Tests Submitted

Evaluation Method: County Office Records

When: End of Testing Year

Outcome: Plant Proven Varieties

Indicator: Number of Test Results Distributed

Evaluation Method: Office Records

When: November-June

Outcome: Improved Pest Control

Indicator: Private Applicators Trained

Evaluation Method: Attendance at Meetings

When: December and June

Outcome: Improved Marketing

Indicator: Additional Markets Developed

Evaluation Method: Personal Evaluation

When: Quarterly

Outcome: Improved Yields

Indicator: State yield contest entries

Evaluation method: Producer survey and personal evaluation.

When: July-December

Outcome: Increased Horticulture Profitability

Indicator: Farmers Market Members, Vegetable and Fruit acres, Ag. Market Day events

Evaluation Method:Vendor and Producer Survey

When: August and November

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Grain Producers

Activity: Grain Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Improving Yields

Inputs: Dealer funding, farmer provides location, pork producers prepare meal, Extension Specialists and dealers

When: Mid-September

Audience: Grain Producers

Activity: Winter Grain Meeting

Content or Curriculum: Production and Management Recommendations

Inputs: Extension Specialists

When: December-January

Audience: Grain Producers

Activity: Grain Yield Contests

Content or Curriculum: Yield Improvement

Inputs: Volunteers, Grain facilities

When: June through November

Audience: Crop Producers

Activity: Soil Testing Promotion

Content or Curriculum: Improved Profits through Soil Testing

Inputs: Office funds, Media

When: Fall and Spring

Audience: Tobacco Producers

Content or Curriculum: Tobacco Production, Tobacco GAP training

Inputs: Tobacco Meeting, Media, Specialists, Personnel

When: Fall and winter

Audience: Commercial Horticulture Producers

Content or Curriculum: Vegetable and Fruit Production, Sweet Potato Co-op

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Volunteers, Conferences

When: Summer and Winter

Audience: Farmer Certification

Content or Curriculum: GAP Training, Applicator Training etc

Inputs: Training Materials

When: at least 4 times per year

Audience: Home Horticulture Producers

Content or Curriculum: Seasonal "Hort Shorts" Gardening Series

Inputs: Agent, media, UK specialists

When: Spring, summer, and fall 

Success Stories