Butler County CES

Title:

Crop Production Systems

MAP:

Improving Farm Practices

Agents Involved:

Drake

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Grains

Situation:

Grain crop production is Butler County's largest agriculture enterprise with over $23 million in crop sales each year. The majority of the county's full-time farmers are grain producers. Around 40,000 acres are now planted each year in the county. Extension's unbiased research-based info is needed now more than ever.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Farmers crop yields increase through management, making farms sustainable.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers will adopt improved practices to increase yield or profitability. Farmers will use the best seed varieties for their farm.

Initial Outcomes:

Farmers learn about improved farm practices. Farmers learn best seed varieties for Kentucky.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers learn about improved practices and varieties

Indicator: Evaluation results

Method: Paper evaluation

Timeline: September 2024

Intermediate Outcome: Farmers use best seed varieties

Indicator: Farmers using UK Variety trials to make seed decisions

Method: Interview

Timeline: May 2025

Long-term Outcome: Yield increases

Indicator: County average yield

Method: Get county average yield info from Farm Service Agency

Timeline: October 2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Grain Farmers

Project or Activity: Promote UK Variety Trial information

Content or Curriculum: UK Variety Progress Reports

Inputs: Agent time, local media, newsletters

Date: November 2024

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