The expansion of the bourbon industry, decline in tobacco, consolidation of the dairy industry and prices of grain commodities have all been catalysts in the expansion of grain production in Nelson County.  With that expansion comes the need to educate the grower on the best practices of grain production to ultimately increase their resiliency and profitability.  

To address these educational needs I reached out to several farmers to discuss what it was that they would like to learn more about.  The results of those conversations were the building blocks for the 2023 Grain Crops Program held at the Nelson County Extension Office in January of 2023.  This program was offered as a multi-county program and 35 people participated from four counties.  Four of our Extension Specialist presented on topics such as:

1. Why high Magnesium lime doesn’t affect yield or soil compaction.
2. Why fertilize application timing matters in corn production.
3. Why it's necessary (again) to apply residual herbicides to aid in the suppression of Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp.
4. Understanding the growth cycle of crops can help make better fungicide decisions.
5. Carbon Markets: Is there potential or propaganda driving the buzz?

Some quotes from the day will help put into perspective what farmers gained from the day's education.  “That was good to hear about the magnesium in lime, industry has been saying it’s a problem but the research says no…. that will save me time and money by not driving past quarries that are closer to home.”  A couple of others indicated that they really needed to hear about the carbon markets saying: “I was afraid I was missing out on something because I just didn’t understand what was going on, turns out I haven’t missed a thing, but just need to keep my ears open to the future.”