The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service provides practical research-based education to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future.  Traditionally, education programs are offered in the form of a field day, classroom or day camp to reach more clientele in one setting.  These programs can be a series of events that take place over a few weeks or they can be a one-day event.  Often times, one of the most beneficial types of education happens working one on one rather than a bigger group.  

Over the past three years, The Webster County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent has worked closely with a new producer in Webster County.  He was new to the area and new to farming.  His goal for the operation was habitat management and conservation with plans to diversify with beekeeping and fruit trees.  Starting with the basics, soil samples were taken following the UK publication “How to take soil samples”.  A fertility improvement plan was established to improve soil fertility which would improve crop production.  A habitat improvement plan was developed including crop selection, crop rotation, erosion control and fertility management with the health and growth of the deer herd and turkey population as the goal.

In July 2021, a survey was given via email to the producer to determine the outcome from the recommended changes and practices in the improvement plan for the operation.   According to the results, fertilizer and lime recommendations were followed.  “By executing the {ANR agents} plan, I was able to nearly eliminate my fertilizer cost this year”.  On average, lime and fertilizer costs was $143.00/acre when the plan was implemented.   As a result of applying lime and fertilizer according to University of Kentucky soil test recommendations, the average fertilizer cost is now $62.00/acre which is a savings of $81.00/acre in just three years.  

Helping this producer build his network was another positive outcome that can’t be measured in dollars and cents.  Being new to the area and to farming, he needed mentors to help him build his operation.   In his words, “{The ANR agent} took the time to listen to my overall objective for the farm and really understood the help I needed beyond planting and growing crops.  Undoubtedly, her network of local expertise and willingness to solve even the simplest of customer problems makes her a valued resource for the entire county”.   The true impact may not be able to be expressed in written form, but the cooperative extension mission to “help build a better future” for the people we serve was and will continue to a part of this farming operation.