Hardin County CES

Title:

Agricultural Diversification and Marketing

MAP:

Utilizing Technology in Everyday Life

Agents Involved:

Adams, Shepherd, Aldenderfer

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Horticulture, Commercial

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Grains

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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)

Intermediate Outcomes:

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

Initial Outcomes:

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

Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

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