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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024


McCracken County Commercial Agricultural Enterprises Plan of Work

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