Union County CES

Title:

Grain Crops

MAP:

Agriculture Production, Profit, and Management

Agents Involved:

ANR Agent

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Grains

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Soil testing

Situation:

The number of Union County farms has increased while the average farm size has increased according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture from the USDA. 93% of Union County farms are family businesses with 31% hiring labor. 93% of Union County farmers are between the age of 35 and older and 7% of Union County farmers are below 35. Union County  farms in cropland is 190,949 acres and pastureland 7,600 acres. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maintain family farms. Reduce risk in farming. Maintain or improve marketing opportunities for farmers.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Applied marketing techniques using futures or options to reduce risk levels for crops. Use of Extension diagnostic services. Implement on-farm trials for new grain variety production. Developed or implemented nutrient management plans. Adopt farm management practices based on UK research and recommendations.

Initial Outcomes:

Understand importance and frame work of on-farm trials. Improve or maintain record keeping practices. Incorporate technology to effectively manage farm operations. Understand the value in a variety of marketing techniques.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Land available to be put into UK trials from producers.

Indicator: 1071.9, 1071.10

Method: UK researchers, observations

Timeline: as needed

Intermediate Outcome: Implementation of advanced marketing plans and techniques.

Indicator: 1082.3, 1082.4, 1082.6

Method: Transactions used at local elevators

Timeline: as needed

Long-term Outcome: Increase profits per bushel or per acre.

Indicator: 1081.7, 1082.6

Method: UK specialists 

Timeline: as needed 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Grain Producers

Project or Activity: Marketing Assistance Program

Content or Curriculum: Agent developed

Inputs: UK specialists and publications, agribusinesses

Date: Winter

Project or Activity: Yield Survey and Contest

Content or Curriculum: UK publications

Inputs: UK specialists and publications

Date: June through October

Audience: Grain Producers, Agribusinesses

Project or Activity: Field Day and Demonstration

Content or Curriculum: UK specialists and publications, agent developed

Inputs: UK specialists and publications, agribusinesses

Date: Summer

Project or Activity: Grain Day

Content or Curriculum: Agent developed, UK specialists

Inputs: Agribusinesses, UK specialists and publications

Date: January/February