The problem

Meade County is one of the largest producers of hay in Kentucky. Several farmers grow alfalfa hay for sale. Alfalfa is an expensive crop to grow, but can be very profitable if managed well. This summer two alfalfa growers contacted this ANR agent about established alfalfa fields that were not growing well and look unhealthy. 

The educational program response

This ANR agent made farm visits to the respective fields to discover the insect three cornered leafhopper was destroying their established fields. After this discover this ANR agent contacted other growers and made more farm visits to discover this was a wide spread problem. This ANR agent advised farmers on their control options based off of University of Kentucky’s recommendations. An article was published in the newsletter educating growers on this potential problem and how to handle it.

The participants/target audience

Alfalfa producers

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response.

 Follow up a few weeks later showed a big improvement in the growth and  health in the alfalfa where farmers acted with recommended management. Those that did nothing or tried something outside University of Kentucky recommendation have a big loss in yield and probably stand. This ANR agent estimates those that followed the Extension service recommendations saved over $15,000 in hay sales. Other growers checked their fields closer after seeing the published article and realized they had the destructive leafhopper as well. They indicated they saw immediate improvements after following the recommendations.