Extension
It Starts With Us
Enhancement of Crop Profitability
Crop Production
A. Thomas
Grains
Forages
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
According to the Kentucky Agricultural Statistics Service LaRue County ranks 25th in grain crops production. Grain acreage has continued to increase and is concentrating with fewer, larger farmers. Rental competition is high. Lower grain prices indicate some tough years ahead.
Tobacco production has dropped below 600 acres and is concentrating in larger acreage growers. There is a continued interest in commercial horticulture production and a growing market for locally produced products. We have several commercial fruit and vegetable producers and many smaller growers who are looking to grow more produce to meet the demand for locally grown products.
All crop producers continue to seek higher profits through reduced costs of inputs and better marketing.
Produce optimal utilization and income from crop production through improved production practices that are environmentally sound and sustainable. Enhance market value of crops, with direct sales when possible.
Producers will adopt one or more of recommended practices: soil sampling and following recommendations; grow varieties based on test plot information and accepted practices; timely identification, control and /or prevention of pests; improved storage and marketing.
Farmers will adopt Extension recommendations, utilize best management practices and marketing strategies
Farmers will apply new technologies to their production practices
Crop producers will recognize the need for soil testing and following recommendations and take advantage of free soil testing service.
Crop producers will understand the principles of pest control and proper control methods
Farmers will learn recommended production practices and aspire to implement them in their farming operation to improve profitability
Crop farmers will gain knowledge in recommended production and marketing practices for grain crops.
Individuals will learn benefits of recycling, responsible use of pesticides, conservation practices, nonpoint source pollution and energy & natural resource conservation
Intermediate Outcomes: Individuals implement production practices learned during educational activities to increase profitability
Indicator: Number of practices adopted and implemented
Method: Post evaluations and follow up surveys
Timeline: 6-8 weeks after educational activity
Long-term Outcomes: Farmers will be more profitable by applying learned marketing strategies and production practices
Indicator: Number of participants who adopt recommended practices and impact increased profitability
Method: Evaluations, follow up surveys and testimony
Timeline: On going
Outcome: Recognize the Need for Soil Testing and Recommendations
Indicator: Number of Soil Tests Submitted
Evaluation Method: County Office Records
When: End of Testing Year
Outcome: Plant Proven Varieties
Indicator: Number of Test Results Distributed
Evaluation Method: Office Records
When: November-June
Outcome: Improved Pest Control
Indicator: Private Applicators Trained
Evaluation Method: Attendance at Meetings
When: December and June
Outcome: Improved Marketing
Indicator: Additional Markets Developed
Evaluation Method: Personal Evaluation
When: Quarterly
Outcome: Improved Yields
Indicator: State yield contest entries
Evaluation method: Producer survey and personal evaluation.
When: July-December
Outcome: Increased Horticulture Profitability
Indicator: Farmers Market Members, Vegetable and Fruit acres, Ag. Market Day events
Evaluation Method:Vendor and Producer Survey
When: August and November
Audience: Grain Producers
Activity: Grain Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Improving Yields
Inputs: Dealer funding, farmer provides location, pork producers prepare meal, Extension Specialists and dealers
When: Mid-September
Audience: Grain Producers
Activity: Winter Grain Meeting
Content or Curriculum: Production and Management Recommendations
Inputs: Extension Specialists
When: December-January
Audience: Grain Producers
Activity: Grain Yield Contests
Content or Curriculum: Yield Improvement
Inputs: Volunteers, Grain facilities
When: June through November
Audience: Crop Producers
Activity: Soil Testing Promotion
Content or Curriculum: Improved Profits through Soil Testing
Inputs: Office funds, Media
When: Fall and Spring
Audience: Tobacco Producers
Content or Curriculum: Tobacco Production, Tobacco GAP training
Inputs: Tobacco Meeting, Media, Specialists, Personnel
When: Fall and winter
Audience: Commercial Horticulture Producers
Content or Curriculum: Vegetable and Fruit Production, Sweet Potato Co-op
Inputs: Extension Specialists, Volunteers, Conferences
When: Summer and Winter
Audience: Farmer Certification
Content or Curriculum: GAP Training, Applicator Training etc
Inputs: Training Materials
When: at least 4 times per year
Audience: Home Horticulture Producers
Content or Curriculum: Seasonal "Hort Shorts" Gardening Series
Inputs: Agent, media, UK specialists
When: Spring, summer, and fall
Audience: FFA Crop Scouting Team
Content or Curriculum: Field walks, classroom lessons
Inputs: Agent, Publications, Extension Specialists
When: summer
