Farm management relies heavily on realizing the costs of production, proper management and utilization of technology, techniques and research. For the second year agriculture and natural resource agents from Hopkins, Muhlenberg and Webster counties have worked cooperatively with the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation to plan and host the Roots to Riches Agri-preneurial Conference in hopes of promoting increased risk management as well as providing a one-stop shop for local producers.

The 2018 rendition of the program was nothing short of a showcase of agriculture diversity in western Kentucky. Programs included farm infrastructure improvements for cattle operations, available United States Department of Agriculture programs, Hemp in western Kentucky and the new Dicamba certification class. Eight counties were represented at this year’s event with producers attending the eight hour program in order to increase knowledge and also networking opportunities.

Producers that attended the conference were surveyed in order to gauge interest and knowledge gained during the day’s events. Producers identified the risk associated with applying new chemical technologies with many highlighting the increased risk associated with application as well as producer liability regarding the new technology.

At the conclusion of the program, agents identified significant comments from attendees as well as a 114% growth in attendance from last year’s program. Elected officials, certified crop advisors, commercial pesticide applicators and extension all received continuing education credits for attending the conference.

The Webster County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent was responsible for securing Certified Crop Advisory continuing education hours, session facilitator and assisting with dicamba training logistics.