Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties have traditionally been some, if not, Kentucky’s largest burley tobacco producing counties.   However over the past 15 years the amount of tobacco grown has rapidly decreased.  Traditional burley farmers have switched to the production of grain, specially corn, wheat, and soybeans.  Agriculture agents from Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties (W8) joined efforts to provide an educational program for 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 started off, for the thirty-eight producers present, with the required annual training for dicamba applications.   The dicamba training was facilitated by an industry representative.  Next University of Kentucky Extension specialists provided talks on fertilizer additives, the efficacy of liquid lime products, and tips for increased productivity.   The day was concluded by W8 Ag agents conducting a private pesticide applicator training.   Ag Trust Insurance partnered with W8 Ag agents to sponsor the noontime meal, 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 an overall 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

plus took home some tips to increase productivity.  One participant specially said the he had been using some liquid lime products, but after seeing and hearing the presentation that he would stick to Ag lime.  Future programs will likely include sessions on improving soil biological activity & how water pH effects crop protectants, especially fungicides.