Maximizing Value: 2021 Spring Application of Broiler Litter for Grain Crop Production

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 30, 2021

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,

Estimating the Economic Depreciation of Farm Assets

By Jonathan Shepherd | Extension Specialist, Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor, and Robert Ellis | Graduate Student
Published on Jan. 7, 2021

Depreciation can often become an overlooked area for a farming operation. Yet, it plays a major role in both taxes and profitability.  A possible reason could be that when most people hear depreciation, they jump directly to tax depreciation.

The Economic Value of Applying Broiler Litter in the Fall

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

Spring application of broiler litter is ideal for maximizing the economic value, but faces challenges that include wet soil conditions, lack of time to spread litter near planting, and availability of litter in the spring.

Economics of Various Winter Wheat Management Strategies

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Sep. 28, 2020

Planting season is right around the corner for those in Kentucky growing winter wheat this year.  Are you thinking about adjusting management practices by increasing seeding rates or adding phosphorus in anticipation of increased yields?

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

Economic Costs for Establishing and Terminating Cover Crops

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor and Robert Ellis | Graduate Student
Published on Jun. 1, 2019

This decision tool has been created to assist producers in calculating the direct cost of implementing cover crops into their current rotation. This tool uses input and machinery costs to generate an estimated cost associated with growing cover crops. No revenue streams or beneficial factors were taken into account in this tool. 

Resources Available to Farmers Struggling with Farm Financial Stress

By Alison Davis | Extension Professor, Greg Halich | Associate Extension Professor, Jerry Pierce | KFBM Program Coordinator, Jonathan Shepherd | Extension Specialist, Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor, Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor, Sarah Bowker | CEDIK Managing Director, and Steve Isaacs | Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 1, 2019

Farmers have been facing many financial stress issues related to commodity prices and the overall farm economy.

Post-Harvest Management: The Economics of Grain Drying

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Oct. 1, 2018

Kentucky has over 200 million bushels of on-farm grain storage capacity as of 2016. Since 2002, total on-farm grain storage capacity has increased each year (USDA-NASS, 2017). As a producer evaluates there storage capabilities and post-harvest management strategy, investing in a new grain drying system may be a part of that evaluation.

Economic Costs for Baling Wheat Straw

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Oct. 1, 2018

This decision tool has been created to assist producers in calculating costs based on owning the equipment or custom hire rates. It is assumed that the baling operation follows the combine during (or soon after) the harvesting of wheat for grain.  Author(s) Contact Information: 

Days Suitable for Fieldwork in Kentucky

By Jordan Shockley | Associate Extension Professor and Tyler Mark | Professor
Published on Sep. 1, 2017

Weather risk plays a unique role and influences many decisions made on the farm. Weather determines when you can get into the field and your ability to perform timely operations such as planting, fertilizing, spraying, and harvesting. Delays from weather events of time-sensitive operations will result in substantial yield and economic losses.