Over the period of the last ten years grain production in Kentucky has been like riding a roller coaster.   Farmer’s experienced record market highs many new faces took up grain production while other enterprises expanded and invested into more land or upgraded equipment.  The last two years of downturn have honed the farmer’s margin to a razor thin line.  Northern Kentucky has a small number of grain producers many who entered when the market was great and since they have not escaped the downturn in markets.  In response to the farm financial crisis, northern Kentucky area ANR agents from Kenton, Boone, Campbell and Grant counties collaborated with UK specialists and the Farm Service Agency to work directly with grain farmers to aid in assistance by educating growers on management techniques to increase yields and making sound business purchases.

The 2020 Northern Kentucky Grain Crops Update was held on Maple Lawn Farm in Kenton County.   Agents, UK specialists and employees from the Farm Service Agency presented information.  The emphasis of the day was the pros and cons of irrigation equipment and guided discussions regarding nitrogen applications to get the most crop growth varying based on times of applications presented by Dr. Chad Lee.  Jordan Shockley presented on farm financial decisions and taught how to calculate partial budgets when determining business purchases.

As a follow up to the program agents contacted each attendee to rank the different topics and methods of presentation.  All of the topics and presenters were rated highly.  One attendee when asked exclaimed, “This was the best Extension program I’ve attended in 20 years.” A phone survey was completed closer to planting season for the farmers to ascertain the adaptability of the practices demonstrated at the update.  It was determined that 100% of the farmers contacted had already implemented one or two of the practices discussed at the update.   One producer indicated that, “If we followed Jordan’s recommendations and followed the decision tool- none of us would have cab tractors with AC.   Northern Kentucky agents intend to reconnect with participating farmers after harvest to determine if any additional increase in yields was apparent from their implementation of practicum covered during the update.