Success StoryLand Evaluaton and Advice in times of shutdown



Land Evaluaton and Advice in times of shutdown

Author: Thomas Miller

Planning Unit: Ballard County CES

Major Program: Soils

Plan of Work: Efficient and Profitable Corn, Wheat and Soybeans Production for Ballard County Producers

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Just after the closure of the state from corona virus and working from home, Tom Miller, Ballard County ANR agent had a call from a producer asking if he would look at a farm that was for sale and advise the producer on the suitability of including it in his farming operation.  They met at the farm and while socially distancing, walked the property.  After questioning the producer, Mr. Miller had some drawbacks about the suitability of the site for the producer’s main crop- alfalfa hay.  There was an initial concern that much of the land was too poorly drained to effectively use for hay production.  There was also some concern that one uncleared area could not be cleared due to wet land constraints.  Mr. Miller contacted Jerry McIntosh, NRCS soil scientist for west KY and Mr. McIntosh was able to locate the farm on a web soil survey.  He was then able to include other web based analysis features such as topography and  LiDAR to show the water drainage on the property.  He then estimated where the property could be tile drained to improve the drainage and suitability of the land.  An estimate from a tile installer was obtained to show the approximate cost of installing the tile drainage.  At the end of the day, the producer decided with the purchase price of the land plus the improvements needed, his money and time would be better spent looking for another piece of property.  It just show that even out of the office, there are still many ways to utilize new technology to help producers make wise decisions.  






Stories by Thomas Miller


Ballard County Christmas Tree Farm

Ballard County Christmas Tree Farm

about 7 months ago by Thomas Miller

In December 2023, a small landowner came to the Ballard County Extension Office looking for informat... Read More


Ballard County Leadership Classes Learn Table Manners and Etiquette

Ballard County Leadership Classes Learn Table Manners and Etiquette

about 9 months ago by Thomas Miller

In our quickly evolving society, table manners and dining etiquette have been on the decline. Ballar... Read More


Stories by Ballard County CES


Spring Into Green: Pride of Kentucky

Spring Into Green: Pride of Kentucky

about 4 months ago by Sarah Drysdale

Spring into Green: Pride of Kentucky was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Sciences ag... Read More


Best Start Family Event

Best Start Family Event

about 5 months ago by Sarah Drysdale

The mission of the Governors Office of Early Childhood is to provide leadership and direction for th... Read More