Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties have traditionally been among Kentucky’s largest burley tobacco producing counties. Over the past fifteen years the amount of tobacco grown has rapidly decreased. Traditional burley farmers have switched to the production of grain, especially corn, wheat, and soybeans. Agriculture agents from Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8) joined efforts to provide an educational program for grain producers.  

The educational program brought together industry representatives, Extension specialists, and agriculture agents to serve as presenters. The goal of W8 agents was to provide a useful and informative program that was respectful of the producer’s time. The day began for the thirty-eight producers present, with the required annual training for dicamba applications. The dicamba training was administered by an industry representative. University of Kentucky Extension specialists discussed fertilizer additives, the efficacy of liquid lime products, and tips for increased productivity.  

The day concluded with the W8 ANR agents conducting private pesticide applicator trainings. Ag Trust Insurance partnered with W8 ANR agents to provide lunch, which allowed time for producers to fellowship and interact with agents and specialists. 

Analysis of the program evaluation survey showed that the attendees represented over 16,000 acres of grain production with gross sales of $17.8 million. The survey also sought out participant’s suggestions topics for future programs. Producers did offer suggestions on format and types of learning activities as well. At the end of the day producers left with the knowledge to:

1. responsibly and legally apply crop protectants.
2. objectively considered fertilizer additives
3. evaluate the value of liquid liming producers versus ag lime.
4. tips to increase productivity. 

One participant said he had been using liquid lime products, but after seeing and hearing the presentation that he would stick to Ag lime. Future programs will include sessions on improving soil biological activity and how water pH affects crop protectants, especially fungicides.