Beef
Beef Enterprise Budgets, Version 2008-1.0 . Richard Trimble, Kenneth Burdine, Greg Halich, Lee Meyer, and Steve Isaacs. July, 2008. (Microsoft Excel (macros) format.) This publication contains budgets for production of selected livestock enterprises in Kentucky. The purpose of these budgets is to serve as a management and decision-making guide for current and prospective producers of these enterprises.
Finishing Cattle in Kentucky for the Local Market Economic and Policy Update, April 2009. Contacts: Lee Meyer, Jeff Lehmkuhler, and Gregg Rentfrow
Beef Cattle Prices Going with the Flow of the Economy News Release. Editor: Aimee Nielson, Contact: Kenny Burdine, 859-257-7273
Record Keeping Can Help Cattle Producers Meet 2009 Challenges. New Release by Aimee D. Nielson. Contact: Kenny Burdine, 859-257-7273
2009 CattleFax Outlook: Tough, Volatile, and Hard to Come, Off the Hoof Kentucky Beef Newsletter – February 2009, editor Dr. Les Anderson, Beef Extension Specialist, Department of Animal & Food Science
Dairy
8 "Controllables" During Hard Times in the Dairy Business. Ky. Dairy Notes. July 2009. By Jeffrey Bewley.
Dairy Returns in 2008. Ky. Dairy Notes. July 2009. By Curtis Mahnken
Dairy Sector Continues to Struggle . Economic and Policy Update. May 2009, by Kenny Burdine
A Business Management Look at Higher Feed Cost by Jack McAllister, Extension Dairy Specialist, from Ky. Dairy Notes July/August 2008
The Power of Partial Budgeting in Dairy Decision Making Ky. Dairy Notes, May 2009. Contact Jeffrey Bewley, ( 859) 257-5987
Exploring Possibilities Kentucky dairy producers are facing a horrible set of circumstances – falling milk prices and higher input costs. What options do they have to try to have a profitable dairy farm business? Ky, Dairy Notes, March 2009. Jack McAllister.
Dairy Feeding Programs for Lean Economic Times With the recent dramatic drop in milk prices coupled with above average prices for feed, fertilizer, and seed, many are questioning or rethinking if they have the most economical feeding program or if there are places where they can cut feed-related costs. Dairy Farm News, April 2009 by Donna Amaral-Phillips
Don’t Kill You Cash Cow while Cutting on Feed Cost by Jeffery Bewley, Extension Dairy Specialist from Ky. KDN 5-08-JB
Feeding Strategies with High Feed Cost by Donna M. Ammaral-Phillips, Extension Dairy Specialist from Ky. Dairy Notes March/April 2008
Getting the Most Genetics for Your Greenbacks Getting the most genetics for your greenbacks has several components: (1) select sires which will maximize dollars from your specific end products, (2) look for value, (3) control inventory, (4) get a high percentage of your heifers and cows pregnant to the sires selected, (5) get a high percentage of the resulting offspring into the herd on time, (6) keep the best ones in the herd and (7) provide the best possible opportunity to maximize the "end products" you want. In other words we need to select the genetics which best fit our situation at the best value, get cows and heifers pregnant to those sires and harvest the genetic potential. Dairy Farm News, April 2009, by George Heersche, Jr.
Improving Milk Quality When Milk Prices are Low The relative importance of producing quality milk increases when milk prices are low. Dairy Farm News , April 2009, by Jeffrey Bewley.
Equipment Efficiency
Custom Machinery Rates Applicable to Kentucky (2008).Greg Halich. AEC Extension No. 2008-01. June, 2008. (Adobe Acrobat format.)
Custom rates for grains, hay, and other types of farm machinery operations. These custom rates are based on reported rates from surveys in Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas. The rates calculated here are averages for these states and are adjusted to account for changes in fuel price, machinery costs, and wages from the time of the reported surveys. (Revised June 2008 because of increased fuel prices.)
Custom Machinery Rates Applicable to Kentucky (2009) Publication, AEC 2009-04 March 2009. This is an updated custom machinery rate publication for 2009. One new state (Wisconsin) was added to the survey and fuel was set at $2.00 per gallon.
Fertilizer
Late Summer Nitrogen Applications, Will they pay this Year? Economic and Policy Update. July 2009.By Greg Halich
Research Taking Guesswork Out of Fertilizer Applications. By Carol Spence. Contact: Ole Wendroth
Fertilizer Price Update - Fertilizer prices from Midwest Retailers updated April 2, 2009. Word or PDF.
Producers Seeing Wide Range of Fertilizer, by Katie Pratt Contact: Lloyd Murdock, 270-365-7541, ext. 207 Greg Halich, 859-257-884
The Blinking Game (Fertilizer Cost) Economic and Policy Update, November 21, 2008, Greg Halich, Extension Specialist
Comparing Different Fertilizer Sources by Lloyd Murdock and Greg Schwab Kentucky farmers have many different fertilizer options: liquid, granular, high analysis, low analysis…the price varies greatly as do the marketing claims of fertilizer efficiency of these sources. The goal of
this fact sheet is to examine fertilizer sources agronomically and economically for crop production.
Tips for Choosing New Crop Production Inputs. News release by Katie Pratt. Contact: Greg Schwab, 859-257-9780
Potential Market Scenario May Require Conservative Use of Inputs. News release by Katie Pratt. Contact: Lloyd Murdock, 270-365-7541, ext. 207
Forages and Hay
Optimal N Application Rates for Stockpiling Tall Fescue Pastures 2009 (AEC 2009-09) Publication. By Ray Smith and Greg Halich.
Do You Have Enough Hay, Exclusive, Bob Coleman, Equine Extension Specialist
Improving Fuel Efficiency of Your Forage Harvester. Forage News, May 2009. Contacts: Garry D. Lacefield and S. Ray Smith
Increase Pasture Profits Using Cross Fences. Forage News, May 2009.Contacts: Garry D. Lacefield and S. Ray Smith
Hay Cost of Production Tool - Hay budget which includes recent fertilizer prices. Budgets are to be used as a guide, adjust the budget numbers for your own area, fuel, repairs, labor, and equipment on the capital investment schedule. Budget assumption include 60 lbs. N, 120 lbs K, 3 tons yield per acre. The hay budget is in Microsoft Excel® format. For those that have macros, your Excel® must be set at a security level no higher than "Medium". When opening a budget, if you are asked to "Enable Macros", you should click to enable them. Otherwise, the budgets will not properly function.Contact: Kenny Burdine
Pricing Hay : Consider Plant Nutrient Value, Forage News December 2008. Garry D. Lacefield and S. Ray Smith, Extension Forage Specialists
Kentucky Integrated Crop Management Manual For Alfalfa - Provided by the Kentucky Integrated Pest Management Program, provides information on scouting for insects in alfalfa, common insect, beneficial insects, weeds, and alfalfa diseases.
Limiting Access Time to Hay Can Stretch the Roll by Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, OFF THE HOOF, Ky. Beef Newsletter, September 2008.
Optimal Nitrogen Application Rates for Stockpiling Tall Fescue Pastures 2008 Guide (AEC 2008-06)
Extend Grazing Season by Stockpiling Grass News Release by Katie Pratt. Contact: Garry Lacefield, 270-365-7541, ext. 202
Profitability of Spring Hayfield Nitrogen Applications
2009 Guide. Greg Halich, Ray Smith, Kenny Burdine, March, 2009. (Adobe Acrobat format.)
There are two main sections in this publication: 1) “Agronomic Basics of Spring Nitrogen Fertilization”, and 2) “Profitability of Spring Nitrogen Applications”. The first section provides basic guidance and information for applying nitrogen to spring hayfields. The second section describes the methods used in the profitability analysis,
discusses assumptions, and provides a summary of the potential profitability given various scenarios. Three prices for nitrogen and five prices for hay are evaluated as well as multiple nitrogen response rates for tall fescue and orchardgrass hayfields.
Spring Nitrogen Fertilization of Hayfields in 2009: Will it Pay, Economic and Policy Update , March 20009, by Greg Halich
Fall Fertilizer Applications to Hay Fields and Pastures Agent Exclusives, September 26, 2008, Source: Greg Schwab, Extension Soils Specialist
Hay Supplies up, but Not Back to Normal News Release, October 1, 2008, by Katie Pratt Contact: Tom Keene, 859-257-3144
General Management
Trying to Measure Management. Agent Exclusive. Source: Steve Isaacs
Family Living Expenses Continue to Rise. Economic and Policy Update. July 2009. By Jennifer Rogers
Boom in Ag Exports Over, but Outlook Stabilizes. Economic and Policy Update. May 2009, by Craig Infanger
Learning About Agricultural Risk . Economic and Policy Update. May 2009, by
Dick Trimble
Kentucky Farm Economy to Record Cash Receipts for Second Consecutive Year, New Release, By Carol L. Spence Contact: Lee Meyer, 859-257-7276 and Will Snell, 859-257-7288
Agricultural Situation and Outlook, Fall 2008 - This publication is prepared by the faculty and staff of the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky. These articles present information on the economic situation and outlook for Kentucky agriculture and are intended to assist farmers, agribusiness professionals, Extension field staff, and others with interest in agriculture and agribusiness.
‘Kentucky Farms are Fun’ -- Especially in Tough Economic Times. News release by Aimee Nielson. Contact: Janet Johnson, 270-237-3146
The Future of Ethanol- Economic and Policy Update, November 21, 2008,.Alison Davis, Extension Specialist.
Rising costs put farming in center of perfect storm News release by Carol L. Spence. Contacts Greg Halich 859 257-8841, Chad Lee 859-257-3203 and Timothy Woods, 859-257-7270
Make Tractor Maintenance Routine, Agent Exclusives, March 28, 2008. Source: Tim Stombaugh, Extension Agricultural engineer
Switchgrass for Bioenergy Crop This publication discusses agricultural production aspects of switchgrass. Varieties, seed sources, crop establishment, management, and harvesting issues are presented. Ecological considerations are also discussed and a case study is presented along with references. Source: Ray Smith, Forage Extension Specialist
UK Cell Wall Research Success Could Impact Biomass Efficiency. News release by Aimee Nielson. Contact: Seth DeBolt, 859-257-8654
‘Woodlands financial advisors’ Can Help Weather Economic Storm. News release by Carol L. Spence. Contact: Doug McLaren, 859-257-2703
Tips for Choosing New Crop Production Inputs. News release by Katie Pratt. Contact: Greg Schwab, 859-257-9780
ACRE Program Publication Now Available , Economic and Policy Update , March 20009, by Cory Walters
Tax Planning Tips for 2009-2010: Zero Percent Capital Gains, Economic and Policy Update , March 20009, Jonathan Shepherd and Rick Costin
Average Crop Revenue Coverage (ACRE) Website. This is a new UK Ag Econ Grains website dealing with the new optional Average Crop Revenue Coverage (ACRE) program of the 2008 Farm Bill. You will find a document describing the ACRE program with an example, a document on how to use the UK ACRE calculator, and the UK ACRE calculator.
Turf Workshop Provides Support, Tips to Survive Current Economy. News release by Aimee Nielson. Contact: Dave Koester, 270-237-3146; A.J. Powell, 859-257-5606
Going Smart About Going Local. Agent Exclusive, May 22, 2009. By Katie Pratt. Source: Alison Davis, agricultural economics extension faculty
Grain
Why Do Producers No-till Wheat? Wheat News. August 2009, by Lloyd Murdock
UK Has Information to Help Producers Get Optimal Returns in 2009, by Katie Pratt. Contact: Chad Lee, 859-257-3203
A First Look at 2008 Grain Farm Profits, Economic and Policy Update, April 2009. Contact: Jerry Pierce
Reducing Fertilizer Rates While Maintaining Yields Corn and Soybean Newsletter, December 2008, Lloyd Murdock, Extension Soil Specialist
Barley Might Have Evironmental, Economic Potential. New Release by Carol Spence. Contact: Bill Bruening, 859-257-5020, ext. 80802
Thinking through Corn Silage Economics by Kenny Burdine and Greg Halich,September 2009. A step-by-step method for valuing corn silage from the grain perspective and from the livestock producers’ perspective.
Corn Price Predictions for 2008 by Greg Halich, from Economic and Policy Update, June 2008
Grain Farmer Decisions About Prices and the CRP by Dick Trimble from Economic and Policy Update June 2008
Corn and Soybean Budgets 2009. Greg Halich. October, 2008. (Microsoft Excel format.) This decision tool has been created to help producers budget for corn and soybean production in 2009. To navigate through the tool, please click on the tabs below. Be sure to review the "Instructions" page for important information about these budgets.
Corn Production on Sod Ground Planning Budget and Guide for 2008. Greg Halich, Chad Lee, March 2008 (Adobe Acrobat format)
The purpose of this publication is to help landowners evaluate if corn production would be profitable relative to hay or pasture on a portion or their land.
Kentucky Integrated Crop Management Manual for Field Crops - Provided by Kentucky Integrated Pest Management Program, provides information on scouting procedures, corn insects, beneficial insects, field mapping, weeds, and corn diseases.
Kentucky Integrated Crop Management Manual for Soybeans - Provided by Kentucky Integrated Pest Management Program, provides information on scouting, soybean insects, agronomic practices, soybean insects, beneficial insects, common weeds, and soybean diseases.
Horse
Temporary Fencing for Horse Pastures, Kenny Burdine, Bob Coleman and Tracie Missun. Rotational grazing has long been used by livestock producers as a way to use pastures more efficiently. Horses especially tend to be selective grazers, and the use of smaller paddocks encourages them to eat more of what is available.
UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program Helps Horse Farms Maximize Pastures and Minimize Hay Costs. New release by Holly Wiemers. Contacts: Ray Smith, 859-257-3358 andTom Keene, 859-257-3144
Horticulture
Make an Extra Buck with all those Tomatoes. Economic and Policy Update. July 2009 By Tim Woods and Sara Williamson
Insight for Farmers’ Market Vendors. Economic and Policy Update. May 2009, by Tim Woods and Sarah Williamson
Debit and EBT at the Farmers Market, Economic and Policy Update, April 2009. Contacts:Tim Woods and Nick Wrigh
Rising Food Prices Affecting Consumer Confidence, by Carol L. Spence. Contact: Larry Jones, 859-257-7279; Lee Meyer, 859-257-7272, ext. 228
UK research finds pulse irrigation potentially useful for farmers News Release -by Aimee Nielson . Contact: Richard Warner, 859-257-8803, ext. 217
Kentucky’s Nursery and Greenhouse Industry, Economic and Policy Update , March 20009, by Tim Woods and Sara Williamson
Community Supported Agriculture Model Evolving, Growing. News release by Carol Spence. Contact: Tim Woods, 859-257-7270 and Mark Keating, 859-257-5130
Farmers Markets Have Numerous Benefits. Agent Exclusive, May 22, 2009. By Katie Pratt. Source: Sandra Bastin, Food and Nutrition Specialist
Tobacco
Burley Growers Need to Consider Marketing Plan in 2009 News Release. By Katie Pratt Contact: Will Snell, 859-257-7288
2009 Burley Production Budget. Laura Powers. February, 2009. (Microsoft Excel (macros) format.) This budget has been developed as a starting point to help tobacco farmers analyze the profitability of their tobacco crop
Double-crop Curing Dark Tobacco Will Follow Production Demands News Release. By Katie Pratt Contact: Andy Bailey, 270-365-7541, ext. 240
Burley Growers Need to Consider Marketing Plan in 2009. News Release by Katie Pratt. Contact: Will Snell, 859-257-7288
2008 Kentucky Tobacco Production Guide. Kenny Seebold (ed), Bob Pierce (co-ed), Greg Halich, Laura Powers, Will Snell, Andy Bailey, J.D. Green, Gary Palmer, etc.. ID-160. January, 2008. (Adobe Acrobat format.)
2008 Tobacco Budget Comparison, Laura Powers, June 2008. This spreadsheet compares costs and returns among burley, dark air and dark fired tobacco. Costs, yields and rates should be adjusted on the individual worksheets.
2008 Dark Fire Cured Tobacco Production Budget, Laura Powers, June 2008.This budget has been developed as a starting point to help tobacco farmers analyze expenses to make improved management decisions. To fully utilize this program, users should modify the yields, costs and other information to reflect their own crop conditions.
2008 Dark Air Cured Tobacco Production Budget, Laura Powers, June 2008.This budget has been developed as a starting point to help tobacco farmers analyze expenses to make improved management decisions. To fully utilize this program, users should modify the yields, costs and other information to reflect their own crop conditions.
Wheat
Kentucky Integrated Crop Management Manual for Small Grains - Provided by Kentucky Integrated Pest Management Program, provides information on scouting, small grain insects, beneficial insects, weeds, field mapping, and small grain diseases.
Wheat and Wheat Double-Crop Soybean Budgets 2008-2009. Greg Halich. October, 2008. (Microsoft Excel format.) This decision tool has been created to help producers budget for wheat production in 2008.
Woodlands
Maintaining a High Interest Rate from Your Forest Woodlands Exclusive . By Katie Pratt Contact: Doug McLaren, extension forestry specialist
| 
