Extension
It Starts With Us
2024 Agronomic Solutions
Production Agriculture
M. Chadwick
Grains
Integrated Pest Management
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Crop production is facing a downward pressure with severe economic distress (high inputs, low commodity prices, high land rent, and flooded machinery market) for the foreseeable future. Tobacco production, while still profitable for most, is slowly decreasing in profit on a per acre basis. In addition increased regulation by government organizations has further muddied the water for the average producer. The average producer in Calloway County generally identifies with one major area of production. For example, they are a Tobacco Producer, Grain Producer, Cow-Calf Producer etc. Therefore, there is a great need to increase the diversification of practices on these farms. Further more, we have a generation of young people that in returning to the farm find themselves unable to grow the existing operation to accommodate the needs of their family in-addition to the needs of their parents/grandparents.
-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 producers implementing IPM practices
-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
-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
-Identify active ingredients in crop related ag products
-Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests
Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production
Indicator:Increased request for publications on variety trials, chemical trials, etc.
Method: Comparative count of publications handed out over the timeline vs. prior years.
Timeline: 2024-2026
Intermediate Outcome: Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations
Indicator: Request for AGR-1 recommendations.
Method: Record of fertilizer recommendation request
Timeline: 2024-2026
Long-term Outcome: Maximize profits for commercial ag producer
Indicator: Increased profit margins.
Method: One on one conversations
Timeline: 2024-2026
Audience: Tobacco Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps.
Project or Activity: Tobacco Twilight Tour
Content or Curriculum: Presentation of ongoing seasonal tobacco field research
Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information.
Date: Annual
Audience: Grain Crop Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps. Custon Applicators
Project or Activity: Winter Ag Conference
Content or Curriculum: Sustainable Fertilizer and Chemical Use
Inputs:UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, UK weather center, Commodity Associations, State and Federal Agencies
Date: Annual
Audience: Tobacco Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps.
Project or Activity: Tobacco GAP Training
Content or Curriculum: Program designed by GAP Connections
Inputs: GAP Connections, UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, State and Federal Organizations
Date: On-Going
Audience: Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps. General Public, Point of Sale Employees
Project or Activity: Private Applicator Training
Content or Curriculum: Private Applicator Curriculum
Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, State and Federal Organizations
Date: On-Going
Audience: Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps. General Public, Point of Sale Employees
Project or Activity: Quarterly Newsletter, Monthly Newspaper Articles
Content or Curriculum: Timely Information
Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, State and Federal Organizations
Date: On-Going
Audience: Producers, Farm Managers, Certified Crop Advisors, Private Agronomist, County Agents, Ag Retailers, Farm Workers, Industry Reps. General Public, Point of Sale Employees
Project or Activity: Grain Marketing Series
Content or Curriculum: Risk Management
Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research information, State and Federal Organizations
Date: Fall 2024
