Since starting my role as Fayette County’s ANR agent, one of my main goals has been to promote soil testing before producers apply any sort of nutrients to their crops/pasture. Without soil testing, this often leads to over or under application of fertilizers which impacts the quality of the crops/pasture, crop yields, and the environment.

I work with local producers by going out on farm visits to talk about soil health and management, as well as demonstrate how to take soil samples that generate a representative sample. I also strive to provide their results in a timely and accurate manner.

To make this cost effective, the Fayette County Extension Office partners with the Fayette County Conservation District to cover the costs of soil samples. What the Conservation District does not cover, I offer to pay for the rest of the samples for producers that are getting their soil tested for the first time.  

So far in fiscal year 2025, thirty-three agricultural producers have brought in a total of 245 samples (does not account for any lawn or garden samples). Of those samples, 139 of those were pasture or wildlife food plots – pasture predominately - and the other 106 were row crops. Of the thirty-three producers, ten were first-time soil testers.

I anticipate soil testing to continue to grow in Fayette County, as applying the proper nutrients can lead to increased yields, lower input costs, and can reduce nutrient runoff, which helps protect local waterways.