Planning for the Family and Farm
Improving Production and Management
Darrell Simpson
Beef
Forages
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
All agricultural commodities are facing an uncertain future in terms of obtaining and sustaining a profit margin. Based on survey results from Kentucky Extension Community Assessment conducted in Muhlenberg County, 20.19% of of the respondents said that sustainability of family farms was a priority. Lack of profitability could result in unintended consequences on a personal and professional level. Commodity Councils and County Extension Council members provided suggested programming input so as to try and reduce or alleviate potential hardships or economic catastrophes.
Clientele will assess business decisions and gain management and production skills that will help sustain their farm businesses.
Clientele participate in educational programs and utilize information gained.
Agricultural producers will start a dialogue within their business regarding enhanced production and management practices.
Agricultural producers will adopt production practices.
One to One visits, phone and or written surveys will be used following educational programs. This will be used throughout the four year plan of work.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Improved production practices will be utilized.
Method: One to one visits
Timeline: Annually- 2023-2024
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Improved planning for production and management will be utilized.
Method: One to one visits and post program surveys will be utilized.
Timeline: After programs and on an annual basis.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Improved production practices will be utilized.
Method: One to one visits
Timeline: Annually
Audience: Agricultural Producers
Project or activity: Monthly beef, forage and vegetable production meetings, field trips, and or demonstrations.
Content or curriculum: Educational programs UK specialist and local ANR agent
Inputs: Agent, specialist, and volunteer time, office space
Date: Monthly on an annual basis
Audience: Agriculture producers and their family members
Project or Activity: Financial Awareness
Content or Curriculum: CAFE budgets and Farm Analysis reports
Inputs: Specialists, Farm analysis specialists and ANR agents, volunteer time, Program Support funds
Date: Program year 2023-2024
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The problem: Agriculture producers need resources to grow their businesses.The educational program response: Different educational programs for nearly all agriculture commodities/enterprises were provided for producers.The participants/target audience: Agriculture ProducersOther partners (if applicable): Muhlenberg County Cattlemen's Association and the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy.Program impact or participant response: Producers participating in the County Agriculture Inves
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The problem: New and tenured ANR agents are being asked to provide input on agricultural land rental rate surveyThe educational program response: This Agent was asked to chair a committee of new and tenured agents regarding the question of whether or not to conduct an agricultural land rental rate survey.The participants/target audience: New and tenured agents, landowners and tenantsOther partners (if applicable) Seven other ANR Agents with varying years of experience from across the
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problem: Food producers are responsible for producing safe and wholesome produce. The educational program response: Five Produce Best Practice Trainings were held to educate producers on food safety.The participants/target audience: Farmers Market vendors .Other partners (if applicable) NAProgram impact or participant response. Sixteen Farmers Market vendors completed the Produce Best Practices certification training, passed the test and received their PBPT diploma.