Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Resource Utilization, Production Efficiency and Marketing in Agriculture
Agricultural Profitability
Anderson
Ag Marketing
Grain Crops
Beef
Farm Management
Situation: Agriculture is a major economic force in Graves County, producing over $300 million in income for farmers each year. It is the largest industry in the county and typically ranks in the top 3 counties in the state for total gross ag receipts. Poultry, grain crops, tobacco, and cattle are the major sectors of income production for the county. Agricultural producers must continue to improve their efficiency and resource utilization if the county’s economy is to flourish.
Long-term Outcomes: Crop producers will focus on production efficiency and adopt new technology to improve overall profit. Tobacco producers will diversify their operations to sustain them in the long-term. Grain and tobacco producers will continue to rely on Extension for production information. Grain farmers will utilize best management practices while operating a sustainable enterprise, taking into account both economic and environmental inputs which add to the economic well-being of Graves County agriculture.
Intermediate Outcomes: Grain farmers will adopt new technology to avoid over and misapplication of pesticides and reduce over seeding. They will also adopt best management practices in regards to pest control, soil testing, tillage, soil drainage methods and reducing crop depredation by wildlife. Tobacco producers will utilize soil testing, nutrient and pest control recommendations from UK Extension. Some will also seek alternatives to tobacco production to diversify and grow their operations. Farmers will instigate marketing strategies allowing them to take advantage of price premiums and giving them marketing alternatives rather than being locked in to local situations. Help farmers know and begin to utilize ideas that will aid in the transitions of farms from one generation to the next.
Initial Outcomes: Participants will demonstrate an increased knowledge and understanding of: Basic plant growth, interactions between plants and soils, how management affects soil and plant properties, use of budgets and other management tools in decision making and labor regulations and requirements. Some will also evaluate and begin new enterprises. They will also will also see the need for new technology and incorporate it into their operations as capitol improvements are feasible.
Outcome:Participants will use extension resources for decision making
Indicator: Number of producers using UK recommendations
Method: Personal contact
Timeline: Varies
Outcome: Farmers will adopt new technology
Indicator: Number of farmers using new technology
Method: Evaluation Survey
Timeline: 3 months after Marketing Exercise
Audience: Graves County Tobacco Producers
Activity: Tobacco twilight Tour
Content or Curriculum: Varies
Date: Late Summer
Audience: Livestock Producers
Activity: PACA Meeting
Content: Improved Management and Marketing for Cattle
Date: Spring
Audience: Grain Farmers
Activity: Winter Ag Conference
Content: Improving Efficiency, Adopting New Technology, or bringing new knowledge to the producers.
Date: Winter
Audience: Graves County Farmers
Activity: Farm transitions program
Content: Terms, Programs, and connections for making farm transition smooth
Date: Winter
Author: Samantha Anderson
Major Program: Beef
The modern agriculture industry faces scrutiny from consumers at all stages of production. The Beef Quality Assurance certification program is a valuable resource to educate consumers on modern agricultural practices. The Beef Quality Assurance program is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how common-sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under
Author: Samantha Anderson
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
Sustainable food production practices have increased in popularity in recent years. The resurgence of gardens and backyard orchards have increased the demand for experiential learning that the Cooperative Extension Service provides. As a result of Cooperative Extension Service publications and consultations with producers, homeowners in Graves County were able to increase future fruit production through best pruning management practices. All producers expressed interest in furthering their invol
Author: Samantha Anderson
Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture
Non traditional and hobby agriculture is a vibrant component of our local Kentucky communities. The Jackson Purchase area of western Kentucky has a long history of successful and profitable pecan production. In order to best serve the educational needs of the area, a day long grafting workshop was held at a commercial pecan operation in Graves County. Graves and Marshall County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents worked with Kentucky Proud producers, Jenni and Skip Shearouse, to host a hand
