CropsPlan of Work

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Metcalfe County CES

Title:
Crops
MAP:
Ag Awareness, Production and Marketing
Agents Involved:
Bell, Blankenship, Branstetter
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Tobacco
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
Situation:

Although tobacco production had declined in recent years, it is still a major source of income for many farm families. With its decline, many producers have increased forage production.  It is marketed through local sales and the Tri County Hay and Straw Auction.   Many forage producers utilize their products to feed their own livestock herds as well.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Tobacco and Forage producers will be able to sustain their operations because of increased profitability. This profitability is a result of increased yields, decreased input costs and successful marketing.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Tobacco and Forage producers will implement practices that will allow them to increase yields, manage input costs and market their product in a manner that will allow them to remain profitable.

Initial Outcomes:

Tobacco and Forage producers will increase their knowledge about production, cost management and marketing that will allow them to implement changes that will lead to long term profitability.

Evaluation:

Outcome:  Initial

Indicator:  Knowledge Gained

Method:  Survey

Timeline: Winter/Spring   


Outcome: Intermediate 

Indicator: Practices Changed

Method:  Survey

Timeline: Spring Summer


Outcome:  Long Term

Indicator:  Sales and Profitability

Method:  Survey

Timeline:  Winter

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Tobacco Producers


Project or Activity:  Tobacco Gap Trainings 

Content or Curriculum: UK, GAP Connections

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, GAP Connections

Date: Winter/Spring


Audience: Livestock and Forage Producers


Project or Activity:  Tri County Hay and Straw Auction

Content or Curriculum: UK Pubs, KDA Hay Testing

Inputs: ANR and 4-H Agents, KDA Employees, Volunteers

Date: January




Success Stories

Hay Fields to Hay Rings

Author: Gary Bell

Major Program: Forages

Agriculture agents of Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8) joined forces to present a hands on program concerning forage just ahead of winter feeding.   The skyrocketing cost of inputs, coupled with very poor growing conditions prompted W8 Agents to develop a hands on forage program.  The program was hosted by the Metcalfe Co Cooperative Extension Service at the Metcalfe Co Farmer’s Market facility.  Producers participated in mini sessions on optimal har

Full Story

Grain Production

Author: Gary Bell

Major Program: Grains

 Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties have traditionally been some, if not, Kentucky’s largest burley tobacco producing counties.  However over the past 15 years the amount of tobacco grown has rapidly decreased.  Traditional burley farmers have switched to the production of grain, specially corn, wheat, and soybeans.  Agriculture agents from Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8)

Full Story

Tri County Hay and Straw Auction

Author: Gary Bell

Major Program: Forages

Tri-County Hay & Straw Auction started as only Metcalfe, Monroe & Barren Counties.  Today the cooperating counties are Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe.   The anticipated annual event is something both buyers and sellers of hay and straw have come to depend on.  Seemingly each year presents undesirable weather conditions that brings about a forage supply shortage for some producers.  The auction system of selling hay allows the supply and demand to accurate

Full Story
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