Farm management relies heavily on realizing the costs ofproduction, proper management and utilization of technology, techniques andresearch. For the second year agriculture and natural resource agents fromHopkins, Muhlenberg and Webster counties have worked cooperatively with theMadisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation to plan and hostthe Roots to Riches Agri-preneurial Conference in hopes of promoting increasedrisk management as well as providing a one-stop shop for local producers.

The 2018 rendition of the program was nothing short of ashowcase of agriculture diversity in western Kentucky. Programs included farminfrastructure improvements for cattle operations, available United StatesDepartment of Agriculture programs, Hemp in western Kentucky and the newDicamba certification class. Eight counties were represented at this year’sevent with producers attending the eight hour program in order to increaseknowledge and also networking opportunities.

Producers that attended the conference were surveyed inorder to gauge interest and knowledge gained during the day’s events. Producersidentified the risk associated with applying new chemical technologies withmany highlighting the increased risk associated with application as well asproducer liability regarding the new technology. 

At the conclusion of the program, agents identifiedsignificant comments from attendees as well as a 114% growth in attendance fromlast year’s program. Elected officials, certified crop advisors, commercialpesticide applicators and extension all received continuing education creditsfor attending the conference.