CCD-BG-5: Kentucky Strawberry Profitability Estimated Costs and Returns

Matthew Ernst | November 10, 2014 (Minor Revision)

The profitability of two different strawberry production scenarios in Kentucky was analyzed to reflect 2014 production costs. The attached tables report potential profits for both Pick Your Own (PYO) and Wholesale/Retail production.

CCD-MP-7: Social Meida/Mobile Technology Tools for Ag Businesses

Miranda Combs | October 7, 2014 (New)

The way we communicate with each other is changing. Many consumers are now using their smartphones or tablet devices to connect to and interact with local businesses. It is becoming very practical to connect your business to your clientele through social media using mobile technology tools. These tools offer easy methods to communicate, connect, and engage with your customers. Social media is increasingly important to marketing your business. Mobile technology tools are becoming more accessible to rural areas and they offer different options to both businesses and customers in increasing the ease of transactions and finding more connections.

CCD-MP-5: Roadside Stands

Matthew Ernst | September 26, 2014 (Minor Revision)

Roadside stand is generic term for a type of marketing site in which a farm producer sells directly to consumers. A roadside stand is a seasonal, temporary or semi-temporary structure that may be located on or off the farm. A roadside stand may be distinguished from a roadside market in that the latter is usually a permanent structure that is often open year-round.

CCD-CP-89: Brussels Sprouts

Miranda Combs, Matthew Ernst | September 1, 2014 (New)

Currently there is little production of brussels sprouts in Kentucky. Much of the commercial production for brussels sprouts produced in the United States is concentrated in California. The Census of Agriculture reported that two Kentucky farms harvested brussels sprouts in the 2012 growing season.

CCD-BG-2: Blueberry Cost and Return Estimates

Matthew Ernst | August 29, 2014 (Minor Revision)

Blueberries are a crop with excellent long-term profitability potential for Kentucky producers willing to invest the time, capital, and management necessary for establishing productive blueberry acreage. Blueberries have the advantage of having lower establishment costs than other berry crops that require trellis systems for production. Once established, properly managed blueberry bushes can produce for many years.

CCD-BG-3: Highbush Blueberries, Kentucky, 2014 (PYO Harvest)

Matthew Ernst | August 29, 2014 (Minor Revision)

Budget worksheet.

CCD-BG-4: Highbush Blueberries, Kentucky, 2014 (Wholesale/Retail Marketing)

Matthew Ernst | August 29, 2014 (Minor Revision)

Budget worksheet.

CCD-CP-13: Organic Blueberries

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | August 20, 2014 (Minor Revision)

The highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) is a perennial shrub that will do well in most areas of Kentucky as long as the soil pH is properly adjusted. Organic production requires the use of pest management and fertilization methods that do not include synthetic compounds. Growers producing and selling their berries with an organic label must be certified by a USDA-approved state or private agency and follow production standards regulated by the National Organic Program (NOP).

CCD-CP-82: Shiitake and Oyster Mushrooms

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | July 3, 2014 (Minor Revision)

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and oyster (Pleurotus spp.) mushrooms are specialty mushrooms that are well-suited for small-scale production in Kentucky. Unlike Agaricus types (common button mushroom, portabellas, and criminis), which require large, highly mechanized facilities with environmental controls, shiitake and oyster mushrooms can be log-cultivated outdoors. While growers with access to a woodlot will have a clear advantage in terms of production site and log supply, these mushrooms can also be cultivated in other heavily shaded locations.

CCD-MP-3: Pick-Your-Own (U-Pick) Marketing

Matthew Ernst | June 30, 2014 (Minor Revision)

Pick-Your-Own (PYO), also referred to as U-Pick, occurs when farmers "invite the public onto the farm to harvest their own food."1 Producers searching for new crops, combined with a growing Kentucky population, renewed interest in PYO during the past 20 years.