Agricultural Sales Tax Exemption Now Streamlined

By Laura Powers | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on May. 31, 2022

On March 20, 2022, Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 121 enacting a streamlined process for eligible farmers to receive a sales tax exemption on eligible purchases.  As this bill was given “emergency” status, the bill became effective upon the Governor’s signature.

The Importance of Agriculture for Kentucky: March 2022 Report Update Now Available

By Sarah Bowker | CEDIK Managing Director
Published on Apr. 28, 2022

Our unit, the Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK),  recently updated the 2015 report, The Importance of Agriculture for Kentucky. The report defines the economic impact of the Agricultural sector on the Kentucky economy.

3 Tips for Farm Management During Rising Inflation

By Jennifer Rogers | KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Published on Apr. 28, 2022

With input prices on the increase and so many things changing with our economy, it is important that producers think about how to manage during rising inflation.  There is nothing that we can do to control the prices that we have to pay for products, we can only make sound management decisions about what we purchase and how we manage cash, and t

What is the Driving Force behind Carbon Programs in the U.S. and Why Agriculture?

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 28, 2022

As new carbon programs continue to become available to row crop farmers across the country, understanding the driving force behind why these programs exist in the first place is key to determining their longevity.  Last year, we provided an overview of carbon markets in the article "

Food Price Inflation – Trends and Implications for U.S. and Global Consumers

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 28, 2022

Inflation dominates today’s conversation among the media, politicians, and everyone impacted–i.e., all of us as consumers.

Grain Profitability Outlook 2022

By Greg Halich | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 31, 2022

The grain markets had already been climbing before Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th.  Since then, prices have been on a tear, particularly for wheat and corn.  Current prices for 2022 new-crop delivery are around $6.50/bu for corn, $15/bu for soybeans, and $10/bu for wheat in Kentucky (3/25/22).  This is an increase of around $2.25/bu for

Summer Stocker Outlook for 2022

By Greg Halich | Associate Extension Professor and Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 31, 2022

Driving through the Commonwealth it is clear that spring has arrived and we are seeing signs of pastures growing.  Stocker operators are starting to place calves on pasture, which typically pushes calf prices to their seasonal highs.  As of late March, calf prices have increased by more than $20 per cwt from their lows last fall.

Maximizing Value: 2022 Spring Application of Broiler Litter for Grain Crop Production

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 31, 2022

Spring is here and grain producers across the state are gearing up for planting.  One of the many decisions producers have to make before planting is in regard to their nutrient management plan.  Broiler litter provides a great opportunity as a complete fertilizer and is being produced and used throughout the state in grain production.  However,

Pre and Post-COVID Analysis of Select Spring Crops at the Auction

By Savannah Columbia | Extension Associate
Published on Mar. 31, 2022

Spring is on the horizon in Kentucky. Many specialty crop growers have already begun thinking about which fruits and vegetables to cultivate and the ideal market channels in which to sell. There are many market channels available to producers – an important market channel for both Kentucky and many of our growers is the produce auction.

Cow-Calf Profitability Estimates for 2021 and 2022 (Spring Calving Herd)

By Greg Halich | Associate Extension Professor, Jonathan Shepherd | Extension Specialist, and Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Feb. 28, 2022

The purpose of this article is to examine cow-calf profitability for a spring calving herd that sold weaned calves in the fall of 2021 and provide an estimate of profitability for the upcoming year.  Table 1 summarizes estimated costs for a well-managed spring-calving cowherd for 2021.  Every operation is different, so producers should evaluate