Improved Management and ProfitabilityPlan of Work

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Bath County CES

Title:
Improved Management and Profitability
MAP:
Agriculture and Environment
Agents Involved:
Amburgey, Clemons
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Grains
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Situation:

Bath County's 4 major commodities are Beef Cattle, Forages, Tobacco and Grain. Other minor commodities include vegetables, fruit, chickens, eggs, horses and goats. According the the latest census of agriculture, Bath County has 728 farms in the county which encompasses 127,159 acres making the average size farm 175 acres. In 2017 the total cash receipts for Bath County's agricultural products was $18,317,000 compared to $19,261,000 in 2012,. Total crop sales made a value of $8,994,000 with Tobacco accounting for 14%, Soybeans 26%, Corn 16% and all other crops including hay 44%. Total livestock sales made a value of $12,668,000 with Cattle & Calves accounting for nearly 90% of total livestock sales with the remainder coming from Poultry and Eggs, Sheep&Goats and All Other including breed/stud fees.


Comparing statistics from 2012 to 2017. The total Cattle & Calve numbers have increased 5.5% to 30,373 head. Corn acreage has decreased by 986 acres. Soybean acreage has increased by 391 acres producing an additional value of $130,203.00. Tobacco acreage has decreased by 640 acres from 2012 to 2017 to only 205 acres.


Hesitation of farmer to try different crops because of past experiences, profitability, lack of available market and resources have been a detriment to the expansion of ag in the county.  Age of farmers and the lack youth interested in production agriculture have also had a negative effect.

Labor Issues (Dependability and Scarcity) continue to plague agriculture in this community.


Long-Term Outcomes:
Intermediate Outcomes:
Initial Outcomes:
Evaluation:

Outcome:  Farmer’s take advantage of marketing opportunities

Indicator:  more participation in local markets and auctions

Method:      increase in total participation and total sales

Timeline:   June through October


Outcome:  Improved efficiency in beef production

Indicator:  participation in learning opportunities and adoption of better management practices

Method: surveys and total participation, overall improvement in cattle income for the county

Timeline: April through December


Outcome:  Better utilization of available resources

Indicator:  increase in soil testing, crop yield data, total acreage

Method:   ag census, crop reports, marketing data, surveys

Timeline:  July through October

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farm Families

Project or Activity: County Agricultural Field Day, online learning opportunities

Content or Curriculum: Forage, Grain and Livestock Production

Inputs: Producer, Volunteers, Farm Organizations, Commodity Groups and UK Specialists

Date: August, September, October


Audience: Beef Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Production Meetings, BQCA, Demonstrations, Beef Association, online learning opportunities

Content or Curriculum: Health, Nutrition, Handling Facilities, Legislation, Environmental, Financial

Inputs: UK Specialists and Ag Business

Date: August, October, January, April, June


Audience: Tobacco, Grain and Forage Producers

Project or Activity: Agricultural Commodity Night, field days, online learning opportunities

Content or Curriculum: Production Updates, UK videos and publications

Inputs: UK and USDA, MSU, Private Industry

Date: January, February


Audience: vegetable and value added producers

Project or Activity:  Regional growers meeting, PBPT, production.  Farmer’s market and produce auction, marketing updates, hemp updates, online learning opportunities, online certifications

Content or Curriculum: production updates, variety improvements, soil testing information, market availability, value added opportunities, SrFMNP, WIC, PBPT training opportunities

 Inputs: UK specialists, agent visits, trainings, regional events

 Date: May – December


Audience: Youth and Teens

Project or Activity: Bath County Youth Cattle Program

Content and Curriculum: Beef Resource Handbook, online programs

Inputs: Bath County Cattleman's Association, U. K. Publications, U. K. Trainings



Success Stories

agriculture production and diagnostics for limited resource group

Author: Robert Amburgey

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

Describe the Issue or Situation.The Amish community are major producers of horticulture, tobacco and crops in Bath County.  Over the years, the extension office has steadily increased its visibility and educational efforts with this group in the county.  It takes some time to develop a trust with this group and once this trust is established, it must be maintained.  This group has a major economic impact on the community and as their numbers continue to increase, that impact also

Full Story

2024 Ag field day

Author: Robert Amburgey

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Describe the Issue or Situation.As margins continue to tighten on farm enterprises, it becomes even more important to adopt new technologies and participate in programs that help farmers improve efficiency and improve on-farm profitability.  Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Extension and NRCS provide technical expertise to assist farmers to become more efficient in their farm enterprises which can lead to an increase in overall profitabilit

Full Story
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