Describe the Issue or Situation.    The Wayne County Extension Office has been helping local farmers with their weed control problems in their pasture and hay fields for the last twenty eight years. One of the benefits for Wayne County farmers are the use of two pasture sprayers that they can use free of charge. By being able to identify different weeds and their controls, farmers have used different herbicides that have been recommended for their weed control. The sprayers are used on approximately 2000 acres each year by fifty farmers. 

The first sprayer put in service for the twenty eight years, sprayed approximately 30,000 acres has worn out. There is a need for a replacement.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). Talking with the agents and staff at the Wayne County Extension Office, the recommendation was to bring it before the the Wayne County Extension District Board to see if they would fund the purchase of a new pasture sprayer. The board approved the purchase of a new pasture sprayer, hopefully the sprayer will last Wayne County farmers another twenty eight years of service with proper maintenance.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience. Approximately fifty farmers use the sprayers each year covering more than 2000 acres each year. The coordination of the sprayers are done by KSU Small Farm Assistant and other Wayne County staff members for the farmers to use.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.  The sprayers and herbicides used by Wayne County farmers helps pasture and hay fields be more productive. The farmers range in size from five acres to hundreds of acres, Every farmer benefits from our recommendations and sprayer they use.

The use of the Wayne County Extension Office sprayers has encourage several farmers to buy sprayers for themselves to use.

I would estimate that the use of herbicides and the sprayers are enhancing the pasture and hay fields to be at least one hundred dollars per acre more productive each year.