Production and Economic Challenges Facing Crop Producers
Crop Production Sustainability
Hamilton, Comer
Grain Crops
Tobacco
Farmer's Markets
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Crop Production is vital to Montgomery County's Agricultural economy. As traditional crop production margins tighten, management strategies that enhance productivity and marketing opportunities will improve long-term viability of traditional crop systems in the county. Horticulture production and marketing opportunities are growing in interest as well.
Enhance profit margins for crop producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of crop production systems
Improved soil health and reduced erosion
Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify weeds, Insects and diseases
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations
Increased soil testing numbers
Increase awareness of Extension resources
Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning crop production
Awareness of variety trial information
Enhance knowledge of crop production practicesIndicator: Increased activity in crop production
Method: Promotion of economics and benefits
Timeline: 2017-18
Intermediate Outcome: Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify weeds, insects and diseases
Increased openness to try alternative/improved crop production methods
Implementation of on-farm demonstrationsIndicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research
Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations
Timeline: 2017-18
Long-term Outcome: Enhance profit margins for crop producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Improve sustainability of crop production systems
Improved soil health and reduced erosionIndicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research
Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations
Timeline: 2020
Audience: Farmers, Agribusinesses, Managers
Project or Activity: Traditional and Horticulture Crop Production Curriculum
Content or Curriculum: Multiple timely sessions on crop and horticulture production
Inputs: UK specialists, co-workers, ag agencies, successful producers
Date: 2017-18
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Audience:
Project or Activity:
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs:
Date:
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture
Forages and Beef Cattle are the staple crops of the Gateway Area farm economy. Over the past 8 years the ANR agents in Bath and Montgomery County’s have gathered producer input, planned and implemented Regional Agricultural Commodity Night Programs to focus on these and the current issues facing each. This year we included Nicholas and Fleming Counties and 63 producers attended and gained knowledge from information presented by specialist from the University of Kentucky and others. Produce
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Tobacco
The face of tobacco production has changed since 1998 with the introduction of the Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement. Every year fewer farmers choose to raise this once very important crop that drove and dominated our agriculture economy. Those farmers that still remain and strive to meet the needs of the tobacco industry still need the assistance provided by the University of Kentucky Extension Service. This year Montgomery, Bath, Nicholas and Fleming County Extension Services combined effort