The Chicken or the Egg? The Untold Story during a Pandemic

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Aug. 25, 2020

Most people are familiar with the age-old question, which came first, the chicken or the egg?  During a nationwide pandemic, which left the grocery shelf first, the chicken or the egg?  While consumers across the country began "panic buying" during the onset of COVID-19, all protein sources were limited.  The food industry's just-in-time supply

Managing Risk with Insurance

By Lauren Omer Turley | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Aug. 25, 2020

With all of the uncertainties we face in agriculture today, it is important to manage risk. We can’t control the markets, the weather, or the dangers of working in agriculture, but there are tools that can help manage those risks.  Insurance is one of the tools that can be used in various manners.

2020 Land Values Report

By Steve Isaacs | Extension Professor
Published on Aug. 13, 2020

The 2020 Land Values Summary was released by USDA on Thursday, August 6. This annual report indicates the average value of all land and buildings on farms in the US, and by state and region. Three categories are measured: Farm Real Estate Value, Cropland Value, and Pasture value.

Mid-year Cattle Inventory: Thoughts on Heifer Retention and Feeder Cattle Outside of Feedyards

By Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Aug. 11, 2020

In late July, USDA-NASS released their mid-year estimates of U.S.

Forestry Update Amidst COVID and Trade Disruptions

Published on Jul. 28, 2020

It is difficult to determine how much of the hardwood log and lumber pricing decline is related to the COVID situation or even the trade war with China.

Crop Insurance as a Tool for Managing Farm Risk

By Jerry Pierce | KFBM Program Coordinator
Published on Jul. 28, 2020

Crop insurance was authorized by Congress in the 1930s on an experimental basis to insure against crop loss from “unavoidable perils beyond the farmer's control.” It was made permanent with the passage of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1980.

Produce Auctions Have Seen Higher Prices Amid COVID-19 Challenges

By Brett Wolff | Extension Specialist and Tim Woods | Extension Professor
Published on Jul. 28, 2020

Like all agricultural businesses operating in the midst of the challenges posed by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, produce auctions have had to make some adaptations to comply with social distancing and other recommendations and mandates.

Forestry Update Amidst COVID and Trade Disruptions

Published on Jul. 28, 2020

It is difficult to determine how much of the hardwood log and lumber pricing decline is related to the COVID situation or even the trade war with China.

Sacred Cows and Stocking Rates

By Greg Halich | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Jul. 28, 2020

In May 2019, I was on a farm visit east of Lexington with a few county agents and NRCS specialists.  Our goal was to help a cattle farmer who had about five years of experience come up with a long-run plan for improved infrastructure (water, fencing, etc.) as well as guide him in the short-run to improve the profitability of the farm. 

Be Proactive Rather than Reactive in Hard Financial Times

By Tarrah Hardin | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Jul. 28, 2020

When facing hard financial times, like the ones we are currently facing, it is very easy to sit back and let the cards fall and hope that they are in your favor. This approach is very risky and most of the time will not end the favor of the one being reactive to the situation.