Extension
It Starts With Us
Crop Production
Develop Economic Sustainability
Steve Osborne
Commercial Horticulture
Forages
Sustainable Agriculture
Forages
Hay and pastures are well suited to Allen County's rolling topography. In 2014, 63,000 tons of hay and haylage was produced on 28,000 acres with an average yield of 2.25 ton per acre.
Tobacco continues to play a large role in the agriculture economy of Allen County. In 2014, 3,500 acres of tobacco produced 6.9 million pounds of burley tobacco.
Commercial vegetable production is maintaining a major role on Allen County's farms. One hundred sixty three acres are under irrigation for vegetable production. Sales from these crops totaled 1.9 million dollars for 2012 with continued expansion occurring yearly.
(all data from USDA National Agricultural Statistic Service)
Consultation with Allen County Agriculture Council, Agriculture Development Council and visits with commercial vegetable producers provided input in this program.
* County producers increase yield, returns and/or profits due to the adoption of Extension recommended production and/or marketing sources.
* Tobacco producers maintain a positive working relationship with industry production partners and increase returns from their enterprises.
* Commercial vegetable producers adopt research proven production practices obtained from Extension educational sources.
* Tobacco producers adopt research proven production practices obtained from Extension educational sources
* Due to participation at Extension events, producers increase their knowledge on recommended commercial vegetable production practices.
* Tobacco producers increase their knowledge of current recommended production, environmental and labor requirements.
Initial Outcome: Producers increase their knowledge on recommended production practices.
Indicator: Number of producers that indicate an increase in knowledge of recommended production practices.
Method: "Show of Hands" survey, post meeting survey.
Timeline: At the conclusion of educational event, up to 6 months following the event.
Intermediate Outcome: Producers adopt research proven production practices obtained form Extension educational sources or events.
Indicator: Number of producers indicating changes to their production practices by adopting Extension recommendations.
Method: Personal farm visits or surveys
Timeline: Periodically throughout the year.
Long-term Outcome: Allen County producers increase acreage, yields, returns and/or profits from their commercial horticulture enterprises.
Indicator: Assessment of acreage, yields and returns from commercial horticulture crops.
Method: Personal visits, surveys, Kentucky Ag Statistics
Timeline: Yearly
Audience: Commercial Vegetable Producers
Project or Activity: Winter Commercial Vegetable Production Meeting
Content or Curriculum: Production, insect, disease control topics of commercial vegetable production.
Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, County Extension Personnel, Extension educational publications and other assets.
Date: Feb/March 2018
Audience: Tobacco Producers
Project or Activity: Tobacco GAP/ Production Meeting
Content or Curriculum: Environmental, production and labor topics.
Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, Industry Personnel, County Extension Personnel, Extension Educational Resources
Date: February 2018
Audience: CAIP participants
Project or Activity: CAIP Educational Sessions
Content or Curriculum: Agricultural production and/or Management
Inputs: UK Extension educational Resources, County Extension Personnel, Industry Personnel
Date: July 2017 - June 2018
Audience: Agricultural Producers
Project or Activity: Allen County Agricultural Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Crop Production Topics
Inputs: County Extension Personnel, Industry Personnel, Allen County Conservation District Personnel, Local Media, UK Extension Personnel
Date: Fall 2017 to June 2018
Audience: Horticulture and Tobacco Greenhouse/High Tunnel Operators
Project or Activity: Greenhouse/High Tunnel Production Clinics
Content or Curriculum: Insect, disease, Production Topics
Inputs: County Staff, Industry Personnel, Extension Specialists, Extension Educational Material, Local Media, Social Media.
Date: April 2018
