Numbered Publications: CCD-FS
CCD-FS-9: High Tunnel Planting Calendar
Josh Knight, Rachel Rudolph | Jan. 14, 2019 (New)
This publication was developed to be provided with the High Tunnel Planting Calendar and not meant to be a comprehensive guide to high tunnel production. The reader should consult the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) Publication titled High Tunnel Overview (CCD-SP-2) for a concise guide on the use and principles of high tunnel production and season extension.
CCD-FS-2: What to Think About Before You Plant: Marketing Considerations for Kentucky Specialty Crop Growers
Matthew Ernst, Tim Woods | May. 3, 2018 (Minor Revision)
This publication poses questions that can benefit farmers who are considering planting a new crop. The publication is divided into the following six sections, with the majority of the content focused in the first two: 1) Market options by size and scale of production, 2) Conducting basic market research, 3) Certifications, 4) Insurance and risk management, 5) Management and labor needs, and 6) Resources needed beyond the field or garden.
CCD-FS-8: Organic Regulations and Resources
Matthew Ernst | Feb. 28, 2018 (New)
Two challenges for beginning organic crop production are meeting certified organic requirements and sourcing crop inputs that are approved for organic use. This fact sheet will summarize key considerations for meeting these challenges and list important sources of additional information for a producer interested in evaluating the feasibility of organic production on his or her farm.
CCD-FS-7: Risk Management in Specialty Crops: Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Oct. 24, 2017 (New)
The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) is a financial assistance program provided through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). The program provides producers of crops not eligible for crop insurance with some level of risk management when natural disasters cause crop low yields, crop losses or prevent crop planting.
CCD-FS-6: Three-Year Average Prices and Quantities at Kentucky Produce Auctions: 2014-2016
Martin Bechu, Alex Butler, Brett Wolff, Tim Woods | Aug. 15, 2017 (New)
This report compares average volumes and prices for 18 crops from two major Kentucky produce auctions for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons.
CCD-FS-5: Vegetable Transplant Production
Matthew Ernst | Jun. 22, 2017 (New)
Vegetable transplants may be grown in the greenhouse as a stand-alone crop or grown alongside other plants. Information in this factsheet can aid growers in determining whether to produce their own vegetable transplants or obtain transplants from another source. It will also help growers evaluate transplant production as a primary enterprise.
CCD-FS-4: Weed Management
Matthew Ernst | May. 12, 2017 (New)
Weed management is a major crop production concern in Kentucky. Weeds compete for crop nutrients, water, light, and space as well as harboring potential pests and diseases, resulting in poorer growth and lower yields, leading to lower financial returns for producers. Weed management is a long-term concern, as poor weed management during one season can result in higher weed seed populations germinating in subsequent years. Weed pressure can greatly increase annual weed management costs in commodity row crop production, creating financial pressure on producers, especially during periods of low prices. Weed management is also a major challenge for organic farming in Kentucky and surrounding states.
CCD-FS-3: Three-year Average Weekly Prices at Kentucky Farmers Markets: 2014-2016
Martin Bechu, Alex Butler, Brett Wolff, Tim Woods | Apr. 27, 2017 (New)
This report compares average prices for 17 crops from Kentucky farmers markets across the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons. Farmers markets are inherently difficult to track and compare. For example, vendors at markets from across the state sell the same products in a wide variety of units. Do you want to buy your beets by the pound, quart, bunch, or bulb? What about broccoli? By the head, pound, ounce, pint or "bag"? Beyond units, farmers markets also offer immense varietal and crop diversity, sold by vendors with a wide range of experience, in a variety of market conditions. These conditions, crops and other variables also change by season. For the first time, recognizing the caveats of slight crop differences and unit harmonization, we have assembled 3‐year average prices in hopes of drawing out some trends in our Kentucky Farmers Market prices.
CCD-FS-1: Irrigation Systems
Matthew Ernst | Apr. 3, 2017 (New)
Irrigation is used in Kentucky for both specialty and row crops. Irrigation systems reduce risks of low profitability from low yields and crop stress. Drip irrigation, essential for producing many specialty crops, is used throughout the state on farms of all sizes. Overhead irrigation systems are concentrated in western Kentucky, where farms of 1,000 or more acres account for most of the annual acreage changes in Kentucky's irrigated farmland. This fact sheet focuses on drip irrigation, which increased in use as more Kentucky farms began specialty crop production.
