Purchase Area Winter Ag Conference

The Purchase Area is the westernmost region in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It is comprised of eight counties that contribute approximately 15% of the state’s total agricultural sales, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Since 2010, the University of Kentucky Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agents in the counties of Graves, Marshall, Calloway, Hickman, Carlisle, Fulton, and McCracken have partnered to host a conference in the western area. The agents also collaborate with the Adult Agriculture Instructors in the region who work with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and a representative from the Kentucky WAVE Initiative. 

The objective of this conference has always been to educate and update farmers on the newest research and make recommendations on a variety of topics relating to grain crop production. In 2023, the topic was a general crop production update with speakers covering market outlooks, weather changes, disease management, soil recommendations, and a short presentation on farmer mental health. In 2024, the agents decided to dedicate the day to discussing emerging technology with drone usage in row crop production and the feasibility of farmers adopting its usage in their operations. In 2025, the focus shifted to canola production as this crop is becoming increasingly popular in the region. Canola production is projected to increase substantially over the next 4 years with a new oilseed processing plant being built by Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. The hopes of the agents for those who attend this conference are that they will be able to apply the information they receive to their farms to make them more profitable, better stewards of their land and resources, and educate them on new technologies emerging in agriculture. This day also gives farmers opportunities to ask questions from subject matter experts in the field and to learn from other farmers who have applied some of these principles on their own farms. 

                This conference is hosted at Lowry Farms in Graves County. It mostly consists of educational seminars from different speakers depending on the topic and their expertise. When possible, especially where technology is involved, there are demonstrations included as well. In addition to the speakers, the agents also coordinate over 20 different industry vendors to help sponsor the program. These vendors set up booths where farmers can network, learn more about what the different companies offer, and speak to representatives one on one to ask questions about products and programs they have available that might be beneficial to their farms. In the last 2 years, the agents have also put together a panel of farmers who are willing to speak about their experiences with growing certain crops, implementing new practices, and using new technologies on their own farms. This has become a favorite portion of the conference because it takes the information provided by the subject matter experts and is translated by their peers in a way that is more relatable.

            This conference has seen a nearly 42% increase in attendance since 2023. In 2023 there were 102 participants, in 2024 there were 117 participants, and in 2025 there were 144 participants. Through sponsorships, the agents were able to collaborate with over 20 area businesses who offer services to us and our farmers. This conference allows our clients to utilize and create relationships with specialists from the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University as well as other industry professionals. In 2024 and 2025 the farmers had the opportunity to engage with local FFA students who attended as well. At the conclusion of each conference surveys are handed out to participants for feedback and measurement of impact. According to survey results from the last 3 years, an average of 100% state that they left the conference with new knowledge and 89% of participants state that they will apply what they have learned to their farms. When it comes to new technologies, an average of 89.2% state they will be adopting new technologies on their farms. Finally, an average of 93% state they will be using UK recommendations for disease control on their farms. The agents feel strongly that the data and feedback from participants clearly indicate a positive impact and need for this conference to continue into future years.

            The Winter Ag Conference is a longstanding program that has been successful for nearly 15 years now. The local media comes each year to do a news story on the event, which helps bring awareness to agriculture and current issues in the industry. It is something that Purchase Area farmers expect and look forward to every winter and the sponsors are always happy to promote and support. There are 858,890 acres farmed in the counties represented and they contribute greatly to the agricultural economy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. By choosing relevant topics and teaching participants about new technologies, marketing strategies, and current recommendations to make their yields higher while keeping inputs at a minimum, this conference helps farmers go into the next growing season with the most up-to-date information to set them up for success.