McCracken County CES

Title:

McCracken County Commercial Agricultural Enterprises

MAP:

Agriculture and Natural Resources Education

Agents Involved:

Anderson

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Grains

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Horticulture, Commercial

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Hemp

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Plant Disease ID

Situation:

Situation 1: Grain crop production is facing a downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, flooded machinery market) for the foreseeable future.

Situation 2: Consumers and Producers lack accurate knowledge in status of their soil nutrients and pH.

Situation 3:  Producers need information or production of forages.

Situation 4:  Producers need information on production of hemp.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Maximize profits for commercial ag producer
• Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
• Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems
• Significant percentage of consumers and producers implementing IPM practices
• Increase positive opinion of GMO/Conventional production of non-farm individuals

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Adopt usage of new technology for crop production
• Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production
• Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds
• Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations
• Implementation of on-farm trials

Initial Outcomes:

• Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production
• Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production
• Increase understanding of production regulations
• Understanding BioTech traits
• Understanding importance of and frame work of on-farm trials
• Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production
• Increase non-farm public understanding of BioTechnology/Organic/ Conventional grains crop production
• Identify active ingredients in crop related ag products
• Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests
• Knowledge of UK Soil Test program

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production

Indicator: Number of producers reporting an understanding of IPM practices increase.

Method: survey, formative assessment

Timeline: ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Adopt usage of new technology for crop production

Indicator: Producers report using at least one new use of technology in their operation.

Method: survey, formative assessment

Timeline: ongoing

Long-term Outcome: Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

Indicator: Number of producers report an increase in profit margin

Method: survey, formative assessment

Timeline: ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Home owners, farmers, Paducah/McCracken County Schools (non-commercial)

Project or Activity: “Cheaper than Dirt” program and soil test program, including soil testing coupons

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications, Demonstrations, Soil Analysis reports

Inputs: Agents, UK/KSU Specialists, Soil sampling coupons, soil sample analysis, UK/KSU publications, UK/KSU Specialists,UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals (agents, specialists, Publications Research Information, Diagnostic Centers, UK Weather Center Commodity Associations, (ex: Soybean Board, Corn Growers, Small Grain Growers),State and Federal Agencies(ex: KDA, NRCS, EPA), Ag Advisory Councils, Farmers/Producers

Date: Ongoing

Audience: residents

Project or Activity: Commodity Breakfast

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers, volunteers, agents

Date: fall

Audience: Producers and landlords

Project or Activity: Lease Agreement program

Content or Curriculum: publications, lease agreements

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers, volunteers, agents

Date: ongoing

Success Stories

2022 Kentucky Soybean Variety Performance Tests

Author: Samantha Anderson

Major Program: Grains

The Kentucky Soybean Variety Performance Tests are conducted annually across the Commonwealth. During the 2022 growing season, McCracken County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Samantha Anderson, collaborated with the University of Kentucky Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and local producer, Josh Goodwin, to conduct this high value research in McCracken County. These tests provide an unbiased and objective estimate of the relative performance of soybean varieties commercia

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Garrett Farms Blackberry Production Field Day

Author: Samantha Anderson

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

The University of Kentucky Center for Crop Diversification shows a favorable market outlook for production of blackberries within the state of Kentucky. Specifically, in relation to producers located near population centers, such as Paducah, an added marketing edge may be realized. Indicated by a 2011 study, Kentucky consumers show willingness to pay a premium for a product designated as locally produced. In response to this burgeoning market opportunity, McCracken County Cooperative Extension S

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From Forages to Feet - West KY Small Ruminant Field Day

Author: Samantha Anderson

Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

The West KY Small Ruminant Field Day, hosted by the Marshall, McCracken, Graves, and Calloway County Cooperative Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents. The program, sponsored by the Sheep and Goat Development Check-off, was a jam-packed afternoon teeming with opportunities for producers to learn. Participants were enthralled with the on-farm speeches and demonstrations relating to profitable small ruminant production.There were three sessions which included a presentation on

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