Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm ManagementPlan of Work
Boone County CES
Title:
Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management
MAP:
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Agents Involved:
Michelle Simon
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Equine
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Grains
Situation:
Boone County has experienced exponential growth of industry and population over the last ten years which significantly increased the value of land. This increase has made it difficult for young or beginner farmers to purchase property and equipment because of the increased difficulty in obtaining operating loans due to the volatility of the markets with agricultural commodities. Input and normal operating expenses have increased but profits have not which makes farming a high risk venture.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Provide educational, research based information by field days, programs, and research demonstrations to help farmers in Boone County to thrive and be a viable part of the economic community and be able to continue careers in the agriculture industry.
Intermediate Outcomes:
- Farmers utilize soil testing to make wise financial decisions when applying fertilizer and lime.
- Farmers utilizing economic budgets when making farm management decisions to prevent over-spending.
- Horse owners learn pasture management techniques to reduce hay needs.
Initial Outcomes:
Describe the best management practices for raising livestock and horses and providing for their well-being.
Gain knowledge on genetic, nutrition, and reproductive factors associated with animal welfare.
Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: improved management decisions on farms
Indicator: increased knowledge of livestock and horse management techniques to improve profitability
Method: Master Horseman Series
Timeline: November 2022
Intermediate Outcome: improved profitability in relation to farm income and business
Indicator: utilization of farm budgets, farm tax preparation, insurance, ag law and utilization of extension programs
Method: Farm Start Series, Ag Economics Classes
Timeline: December 2022
Long-term Outcome: Utilizing soil testing and fertilizer recommendations, following recommended crop guidelines and recommendations
Indicator: Improved farm profitability and sustainability
Method: Commodity Updates and Soil testing program
Timeline: February 2022
Learning Opportunities:
Audience: Horse Owners
Project or Activity: Equine Conference, Pastures Please, Master Horseman
Content or Curriculum: Nutrition, Management, Health, Reproduction, Safety
Inputs: UK Equine Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: November 2021
Audience: Young and Beginner Farmers
Project or Activity: Farm Start, Ag Economics Classes
Content or Curriculum: Economics, Enterprise selection, Farm management
Inputs: UK Ag Economic Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: December 2021
Audience: Small and/or hobby farmers and enthusiasts
Project or Activity: Small Farms Series
Content or Curriculum: Poultry, Rabbits, Small Ruminants, Beekeeping Management and Information
Inputs: UK Specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: May 2022
Audience: All ages of farmers and producers
Project or Activity: Farm Safety Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Farm Safety
Inputs: UK specialists, County Agents, Program materials, handouts/ presentation material
Date: September 2021
Success Stories
Boone County Forage Field Day Provides Tips and Tools for Farmers to Sell Higher Quality Hay
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Forages
Currently, Boone County is experiencing an influx of beginning farmers struggling to select crops suitable for their land, operation and, in some cases, a market to sell their product. In Boone County there is a multitude of small, hobby farms and also large commercial farms that all require hay for their livestock and horses. A large majority of these farms cannot produce their own or cannot produce enough to meet their needs. For these beginner farmers, this need for hay has become a window of
Full Story
Organic Farming In Kentucky
Author: David Koester
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Organic Farming continues to be gaining in numbers of producers and in numbers of acres in production. The public continues to drive the need for more organic choices. This trend is especially noticeable in urban areas.To meet the need of potential growers and to facilitate attaining more growers in urban areas The 2022 Organic Association Conference was held in Boone County Kentucky in April. This conference was planned by the OAK staff, Oak board members and the Boone County Horticulture Agent
Full Story
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