LOGAN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Submitted by: Logan County Agricultural Development Council

Transcription

1 LOGAN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Submitted by: Logan County Agricultural Development Council

2 LOGAN COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1. OVERVIEW OF COUNTY a. Agricultural Statistics, Trends and Projections as provided by the University of Kentucky, Department of Ag Economics CENSUS FARMS ACRES IN HARVESTED FARMS CROPLAND , , , , , , , , , , , , CROPS ACRES HARV. YIELD PRODUCTION RANK Corn for grain, Bu. 48, ,687,600 6 Soybeans, Bu 55, ,000 6 Wheat for grain, Bu. 40, ,080,000 2 Grain Sorghum, Bu. Burley Tobacco, Lbs. 1,490 2,055 3,061, Dark Fired Tob.,Lbs , ,000 6 Dark Air Cured Tob. Lbs. 1,210 2,470 2,990,000 1 Alfalfa Hay, Tons 2, , All Other Hay, Tons 36, , Barley for Grain, Bu. 2, , CROPS ACRES HARV. YIELD PRODUCTION RANK Corn for Grain, Bu. 52, ,137,700 5 Soybeans, Bu. 54, ,534,400 7 Wheat for Grain. Bu. 55, ,640,000 1 Burley Tobacco, Lbs. 1,700 2,075 3,531, Dark Fired Tob. Lbs , ,000 4 Dark Air Cured Tob. Lbs. 1,060 2,390 2,534,000 1 Alfalfa Hay, Tons 2, , All Other hay, Tons 37, , Barley for Grain 2, ,400 1 LOGAN COUNTY LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION LIVESTOCK NUMBER RANK Jan 1, 2000 All Cattle & Calves 38, Jan 1, 2000 Beef Cows 18, Dec. 1, 1999 All Hogs & Pigs 13,000

3 CASH RECEIPTS DOLLARS RANK (000) 1999 Crops 40, Livestock 18, Total 58, LIVESTOCK NUMBER RANK Jan. 1, 1999 All Cattle & Calves 40, Jan 1, 1999 Beef Cows 19, Milk Production 3 CASH RECEIPTS DOLLARS RANK 1998 Crops 49, Livestock 18, Total 68, LOGAN COUNTY DAIRY STATISTICS Jan May 2000 Grade A MFG Total Grade A MFG Total Change Change % MILK PRODUCTION NUMBER RANK (000) 1999 Milk Production, (000) Lbs. 49, Milk Production, (000) Lbs. 45, Logan County farmers have traditionally relied upon 5 major crops for their livelihood, tobacco, corn, soybeans, wheat, and barley. Hay production has been mostly for farm use, however, it is now entering in the commercial market. Beef production is increasing with the addition of cow/calf operations as well as backgrounder and stocker operations. Dairies also play an important role in Logan County agriculture. The equine industry is also growing in the county. Approximately 30% of the county is in timberland. Non-traditional agricultural enterprises that are new and emerging include: produce, commercial vegetables, bedding plants, small fruits, sheep, game birds, organic herbs, organic vegetables, vineyard, grape growers, green house tomatoes, fee fishing, shrimp, pumpkins and ornamental gourds. Tobacco presently accounts for approximately percent of farm receipts. During the past decade, burley and dark tobacco averaged $13 million for tobacco farmers and the

4 Logan County Community. Farm suppliers state that 80% of their accounts are paid by tobacco. Tobacco production is larger now than pre-buyout era. DEMOGRAPHIC DATA Logan County is located in the southwestern part of the state along the Tennessee border. It is a very rural community with a resident population of 26,163. Russellville is the county seat and home of many industries. Agriculture ranks third in employment sectors with 12.3% of all jobs, much higher than the statewide average of 5.4%. Farmers with farming as their primary occupation is 51.3%. The median household income is $32,474 and 59.5% of all adults have a high school diploma or higher. INVENTORY OF RESOURCES Logan County has many agricultural resources. A detailed list can be obtained in the Attachment I Appendix of this plan. REVIEW OF THE PROCESS Logan County s comprehensive plan was developed with input from agri-businesses, government officials, farmers, commodity organizations, lending institutions, and the general public. Two public meetings were held to compile and prioritize suggestions for agricultural investment. Written suggestions from a survey were also taken into consideration. The Phase I Agricultural Development council then prioritized suggestions and developed this comprehensive plan in hopes of advancing Logan County agriculture. ASSESSMENTS OF LOGAN COUNTY STRENGTHS Land: Logan County has a high percentage of deep, fertile and well-drained soil. Over 50% of all acreage falls in Class I or II soil. Climate and rainfall are also suitable for most any crop. Pastureland utilizes many of the acres that cannot be row cropped so all farmland is well utilized. Local Resources: As indicated on our resource inventory, there are numerous commodity markets for the agricultural products being produced at present. Modern Technology: Most Logan County farmers are very progressive and are willing to learn and try new enterprises or new farming methods. Roads and Railways: Logan County also has good roads for moving agricultural products to markets. Major transportation routes include US 68-80, a four-lane east-west highway leading to Interstate 65 at Bowling Green to the east and Pennyrile Parkway at Hopkinsville to the west, and further west to Interstate 24. US 431 north-south leads to Western Kentucky Parkway to the north. US 100 will also connect to Interstate I-65. Three of the elevators in the county are serviced by railroads. WEAKNESSES Lack of Crop Diversity: Farmers are dependent on five main crops and farmers need to diversity.

5 Lack of Local Processing Plants for Crops: In order to better utilize the crops grown by farmers, there needs to be some means to process the crops rather than sending them out of the county for processing. Vegetable production is limited as there is a short window of time in which a farmer can utilize the crop before it spoils. Fewer Farmers: The high input cost and low profit margin is keeping many young people from entering agricultural enterprises. Lack of Local Processing Plants for Livestock and Livestock Products: There are no local plants for processing livestock or livestock products. OPPORTUNITIES Versatility: The county has the land, climate and water that are adaptable to any profitable crop enterprise. The farmers have the initiative to evaluate other enterprises that may be profitable. Growing Population: With two major urban communities within a 50-mile radius, farmers should be able to capitalize on fresh produce markets, agri-tourism, and specialty markets. Beef Production: Cattle production is one area in which producers can become more efficient and more profitable. Herd expansion and backgrounding are opportunities to increase net farm income. THREATS Urban Sprawl: The loss of farmland to subdivisions, factories and other non-farm uses present one of the biggest challenges. Farms continue to be cut into small tracts and sold as baby farms or building lots. The competition for land for non-farm use continues to put pressure on land values, which are increasing dramatically. Low Commodity Prices: Low commodity prices are forcing the small farmer off the farm and large farmers into a crisis situation. Loss of Agriculture Lenders: Logan County is fortunate to have banks that are still interested in making Ag Loans. Farm Credit Services recently closed their office in Russellville to merge with the offices in Bowling Green and Hopkinsville. Labor Shortage: With a booming economy there is not supply of local labor. Farm labor is very dependent on migrant labor. MISSION The Logan County Ag Development Council will invest monies in innovative proposals that increase net farm income and affect tobacco farmers and agriculture across the state through stimulating markets for Kentucky agricultural products and exploring new opportunities for Kentucky farms and farm products.

6 SHORT TERM PRIORITIES Invest in projects that will affect the greatest number of people and will make the most valuable impact on the future of agriculture. The Major Priority Areas received from town meetings in order of priority: Livestock Tobacco Grain Forage Horticulture Wildlife In addition to the main priority areas, equine, irrigation and agri-tourism were also mentioned as priority areas. However, all projects will be taken into consideration. LONG TERM PRIORITIES The council goals are that the investments made will act as a catalyst to improve and advance agriculture in Logan County. Our goal is that Logan County farmers will still be benefiting from the investments ten years from now. TACTICS FOR LEVERAGING FUNDS The Logan County Agricultural Development Council is encouraging regional partnerships, use of State Ag Development Board resources and searching for other local/state/federal resources for available funding. EVALUATION & REVIEW Evaluation and review shall follow the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board rules and guidelines. Evaluation times will be published in the local media. Proposals will be evaluated on Dependency on tobacco Applicants share contributed to the project (A 50% in-kind or cash cost share is required) Can it become self-sustaining? Does it sound practical and provide the necessary supporting documentation? Does the project provide a realistic opportunity to increase farm profitability? Will the applicant share knowledge gained and can it be duplicated? How well does it fit the county/state comprehensive plan? How many people will this project benefit? Based on this criteria proposals will be ranked on a high, medium, and low level. Each proposal will be individually be reviewed by council members and a rank will be given with the majority prevailing. Discussion and vote of percent funding for each proposal will be established according to the availability of total funds. Proposals will be prioritized and sent to the State Board for final approval. The Logan County Agriculture Development Council will request updated progress reports on approved proposals periodically and one report upon completion of the project. Success will then be measured on investments made to the agricultural community.

7 The Logan County Ag Development Council reserves the right to revise this plan as necessary. Submitted by: Dwight Grise, Chairman Russell Poore, Vice Chairman Stephen Taylor, Secretary Robert Griffin Jonathan Brown Jeff Campbell Bobby Brown Lewis Williams *County Extension Agent for Agriculture Chris Milam serves as administrator of the Logan County Agriculture Development Council.

8 APPENDIX

9 LOCAL RESOURCES ATTACHMENT I GRAIN MARKETS - There appears to be adequate grain markets for the marketing of corn, soybeans, wheat and barley. Some of the local markets are as follows: Russellville Elevator - Located at 333 Watermelon Road, Russellville, Ky, with approximately 853,000 bushel storage capacity. South Union Elevator - Located at 2500 Hwy. 73S, South Union, Ky, with approximately 900,000 bushel storage capacity. Adairville Feed Mill - Located in Adairville and Russellville, Ky. Schochoh Mills, Inc. - Located at 4150 Corinth Road, Russellville, Ky. Ky-Tenn Grain Co., Inc. - Located at 210E Washington Street, Franklin, Ky. Hopkinsville Elevator, Riverport - Located at Clarksville, Tennessee. Owensville Grain Co. - Located at Owensboro, Ky. DSF Grain Co, Inc. - Located at Allensville, Ky. Planters Grain Elevator, Inc. - Located at Guthrie, Ky. Pleasant View Farms Agri-Service - Located on Hwy. 73, South Union, Ky. GRAIN PROCESSORS Seimer Milling Co. Hills Pet Food - Located at Bowling Green, Ky. LIVESTOCK MARKETS Russellville Livestock Market - Located on Hopkinsville Road, Russellville, Ky. Franklin-Simpson Livestock Market - Located on Hwy. 31W South, Franklin, Ky. Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market - Located at Guthrie, Ky. Barren River Regional Livestock Market - Located at Bowling Green, Ky. Cross Plains Livestock Market Located at Cross Plain, Tn. CROP CONSULTING SERVICES Wheat Tech Inc. - Located at 107 Main St, Russellville, Ky. Providing grain consulting

10 services to local farmers on a per acre fee basis. Miles Farm Supply, LLC. - Providing grain consulting services through their farm supply stores in Russellville, Schochoh and Allensville on a per acre fee basis. FARM SUPPLY STORES Southern States Co-op N Bethel St, Russellville, Ky. Providers of fertilizer, seed, Chemicals and general farm supplies. Crop Production Service - Depot St, Russellville, Ky. Providers of fertilizer, seed and chemicals. Schochoh Crop Service - Providers of fertilizers, seed and chemicals. Pleasant View Farms Agri-Service - Hwy. 73, South Union, Ky. Providers of fertilizers, seed and chemicals. Allensville Crop Service Allensville Rd, Allensville, Ky. Provider of fertilizer, seed and chemicals. Grayson Farms Service E First St, Russellville, Ky. Providers of general farm supplies. Russellville Crop Service Adairville Feed Mill E Gallatin Street, Adairville, Ky. Provider of feed. Hayes Livestock Supply Fisher Dr, Russellville, Ky. Provider of livestock supplies and trailers. Tractor Supply Co MACHINERY DEALERS AND REPAIR SERVICES Hudson s Ag Equipment Shelton Land, Russellville, Ky. Agri-Power, Inc Nashville Road, Russellville, Ky. Logan County Tractor Co Airport Road, Russellville, Ky. Diesel Doctor Joe Harper Road, Russellville, Ky. Watkins Implement Co. - Highway 68W, Russellville, Ky. Borders Equipment - Clarksville Road, Russellville, Ky. Dunmor Tractor Repair - Hwy 431N, Lewisburg, Ky. Goad Implement Co. Inc. - Barren Plains, Springfield, Tn.

11 Mike Mason Equipment State Line Rd, Springfield, Tn. Tri-County Equipment - 65 Shaker Museum Rd, South Union, Ky. Kenner Farm Supply S Main Street, Lewisburg, Ky. Dunmor Equipment Sales - Dunmor, Ky. IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT SALES AND SERVICE Tuckasee Irrigation Co. - Russellville, Ky. SILOS, GRAIN BINS SALES AND SERVICES K.T. Ag, Inc Hopkinsville Road, Russellville, Ky. Central Steel Products, Inc Cedar St, Franklin, Ky. TOBACCO WAREHOUSES Browns Tobacco Warehouse Nashville Road, Russellville, Ky. Buyers of Burley and Dark Air Cured Tobacco. New Burley Warehouse, Inc. - Bowling Green Road, Russellville, Ky. Buyers of Burley and Dark Air Cured Tobacco. Numerous other tobacco warehouses located in adjoining counties. VETERINARIANS Logan County Animal Clinic Hopkinsville Road, Russellville, Ky. Dr. Bill Smith Nashville Road, Russellville, Ky. Russellville Small Animal Hospital Summer Street, Russellville, Ky. Dr. George Brown - Elkton, Ky. John Tabor, Jr and Elizabeth Tabor MILK MARKETS Purity Dairies, Inc. Dairy Farmers of America

12 MILKING EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES Dairy Farmers - PO Box 188, Winchester, Tn, FARM FUEL SUPPLIERS Max Arnold & Sons - Hopkinsville Road, Russellville, Ky. Key Oil Company Hopkinsville Street, Russellville, Ky. Southern States Russellville Co-op - Bethel Street, Russellville, Ky. Propane Energy Partners - Morgantown Road, Russellville, Ky. Gasper River Propane Gas, Inc E Main Street, Auburn, Ky. FARM ORGANIZATIONS Logan County Cattlemen s Association South Central Ky Pork Producers West Ky No-Till Grain Association Logan/Simpson DHIA GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS Natural Resources and Conservation Farm Service Agency Logan County Extension Service