2009 Report to the People- Agriculture

By Nick Roy, Adair County Extension Agent for Agriculture

Each year, we take a few minutes to report back to you the accomplishments that have been made by our County Extension Service. We feel that is important to take this time to let you know what we have been doing and how we utilize our resources. We thank each of you that make our programs possible and the volunteers and leaders that assist us implementing those programs. Below you will find an excerpt from the 2009 Report to the People covering what achievements have been made in agriculture over the 2008-09 year.

Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the most important industries in Adair County. According to the 2007-08 Kentucky Ag. Statistics, Adair County’s agriculture produces
$40.5 million in income. Adair County ranks 3rd in Kentucky for milk production, 9th in the total number of cattle, and 59th in crop production.

Improving Efficiency in Agriculture

Adair County consists of 53,280 acres of harvested cropland including hay, grain crops, and tobacco that is worth over 8.1 million dollars in cash receipts. (KY NASS) In the fall of 2008, world demand increased fertilizer prices by three-fold. The Adair County Agriculture Advisory Council identified soil fertility education as a high priority for Extension programming. A task force committee from the Ag. Advisory Council was utilized to create educational programming as follows:

■ Soil Fertility Meeting;
■ Advanced Soil Fertility Workshop; and
■ Free soil testing.

All programs were a cooperative effort between the Adair County Extension Service, Adair County Cattlemen’s Association, Ag Advisory Council, and Ag Development Council.

■ A total of 120 producers attended the soil fertility meeting gaining information on soil testing, alternative fertilizers and nitrogen management.

■ 20 producers attended the advanced soil fertility meeting and gained knowledge on fertilizer recommendations, nutrient removal, and using soil survey maps.

As a result of these programs, these accomplishments were recognized.

■ Fertilizer dealers reported a 25% increase in Urea (over ammonium nitrate) sales for spring hay application and a 20% increase in sales of urease inhibitors resulting in more profitable hay production.

■ The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service made 667 fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests (an increase of 220%). 75% of producers who soil tested saved a minimum of $20.00 per acre due to high soil phosphorus levels.


In addition to Soil fertility education, producers were also involved in the following programs.

■ 10 dairy producers received training in the 7th Annual Center of KY Dairy Short Course.

■ 30 fruit and vegetable growers attended the Adair County Fruit and Vegetable Production Seminar.

■ 8 livestock producers participated in Center of Ky Beef Management Short Course.

■ 40 tobacco growers attended the Center of KY Tobacco Production Meeting.

■ 160 livestock producers participated in leadership, volunteerism and educational activities.

■ $370,000 was distributed to 185 producers through the K.A.R.E. (Kentucky Agriculture Relief Effort) cost-share program.