Production and Economic Challenges Facing Crop ProducersPlan of Work

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Montgomery County CES

Title:
Production and Economic Challenges Facing Crop Producers
MAP:
Crop Production Sustainability
Agents Involved:
Hamilton, Comer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Tobacco
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farmer's Markets
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify weeds, Insects and diseases
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations 

Initial Outcomes:

Increased soil testing numbers

Increase awareness of Extension resources


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning crop production
Awareness of variety trial information
Enhance knowledge of crop production practices

Indicator: 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 demonstrations 

Indicator: 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 erosion

Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research 

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations 

Timeline: 2020

Learning Opportunities:

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


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Content or Curriculum:

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Audience:

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Success Stories

Regional Agriculture Commodity Education

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

Full Story

Tobacco Production Education Remains Important

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

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