Extension
It Starts With Us
Agricultural Diversification and Marketing
Utilizing Technology in Everyday Life
Adams, Shepherd, Aldenderfer
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Horticulture, Commercial
Local Food Systems
Grains
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.
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)
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
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
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
Audience: Farmers, Ag Businesses
Project or Activity: Grain Marketing Programs & Field Demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: UK Recommendations, Grain marketing newsletters/fact sheets
Inputs: UK Specialists, agents
Date: Summer 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/Fall 2022
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: ongoing
Author: Jocelyn Kemp
Major Program: Natural Resources
Youth in Hardin County have many advantages to being exposed to natural resources locally. Most youth are not educated in the natural resources education or get to experience the outdoors or build social skills outside of school or home. Hardin County 4-H hosted a two day Environmental Day Camp where youth were able to come together and meet multiple experts of various aspects and learn more about the natural resources that surround them locally. On the first day youth met at Saunders Sprin
