Author: Robert Amburgey
Planning Unit: Bath County CES
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Plan of Work: Improved Management and Profitability
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
The Bath County Extension Office and the Bath County Conservation District held the first county-wide field day event since 2019, due to Covid restrictions. The focus of this field day was two fold. Demonstrate how improved management and strategic on-farm enhancements can not only improve efficiency in animal production, but can also free up labor requirements at a time when labor is in short supply and to highlight programs offered by the Natural Resources and Conservation Service through federal and state cost-share that can assist producers in adopting many of these practices. Participants in the field day visited areas on the farm where specific improvements in water, grazing and soil enhancement were being used. NRCS technicians explained how these enhancements were developed and the steps producers would need to take to implement these types of practices in their farming operations. After touring the farm and the improvements that have been implemented, the participants were able to meet one on one with several NRCS and extension staff to discuss their individual needs. Material describing the steps to participate in these programs was available for anyone wishing to learn more about the practices. The Extension office provided information on resources we provide and educational opportunities that build on the highlighted practices. Along with UK AG extension, conservation district and NRCS, other educational material and representatives were on hand. Some of these include the Bath County FCS agent, National Weather Service, Farm Bureau and local health organizations. 149 local farmers and residents attended the field day and the educational activities that were held on the Jeff Rice Farm near Sharpsburg. Many producers took advantage of the opportunity to discuss the practices that were highlighted during the field day and more than 15 of the producers have already expressed an interest in implementing at least one of the featured practices from the field day.
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