Grain production remains a critical component of the agricultural economy in Kentucky, particularly in Shelby County. According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture:

• Corn for Grain: 16,987 acres harvested
• Soybeans for Beans: 15,670 acres harvested
• Wheat for Grain: 7,521 acres harvested

As producers face increasing pressure from pests, diseases, weather volatility, and market shifts, there is a growing need for accessible, research-based production strategies.

To address these needs, a multi-county grain production program was organized by Shelby, Henry, Trimble and Oldham county agents, featuring expert speakers from the University of Kentucky and USDA agencies. The goal: to provide timely, science-based updates and strategies that support producer decision-making in corn, soybean, and wheat systems.

Key Program Topics:

• Pre-Harvest Marketing Plans
• Weed Management in Corn and Soybeans
• Disease Management in Corn and Wheat
• NRCS and FSA Program Updates
• Trends from the KY Corn Yield Contest (2019–2024)

Program Evaluation:

• Overall program rating: 4.5 out of 5
• 100% of participants indicated they would attend again
• 100% would recommend the program to other producers

Participant Comments:

• “Great program!”
• “Informative. Well worth the time.”
• “Exactly what I was hoping for. Information from UK that isn’t covered at other meetings.”
• “Covering soybean cyst nematode and red crown rot was very helpful.”
• “I’d like to see more time for disease talks.”
• “Graphs in the corn yield analysis were too much for me.”

Impact

This event provided producers with valuable, research-based production strategies that they can apply directly on their operations. By addressing gaps in industry offerings and focusing on local challenges, Extension delivered a program that strengthened knowledge, increased awareness of emerging issues, and fostered regional collaboration.

Based on overwhelmingly positive feedback, the program will be expanded and offered again next year. Future enhancements may include:

• Extended time for disease and pathology sessions
• Simplified data visuals for increased accessibility
• Follow-up field demonstrations or workshops

This successful collaboration across counties and agencies demonstrates the continued value of Cooperative Extension in supporting Kentucky’s grain producers with impactful, science-backed programming.