Extension Provides Education Through Forage Testing in Carroll County
Extension Education
Stephen Pottorff
Extension Agent
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Hillsville
Abstract
Hay yield losses have historically been insured against weather-related disasters through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). The 2018 Farm Bill included a yield adjustment determined from laboratory analysis of hay quality for those producers enrolled in the NAP program. USDA FSA staff serving Carroll County asked the Virginia Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Carroll County to help producers collect and submit representative forage samples to be used to determine hay quality for the NAP program.
In 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 the Agent used this opportunity to not only provide hay sampling services, but also to educate producers on interpreting the results and using the results to make better use of their hay resources. Educational activities included both one-on-one interaction and producers meetings. Four hundred fifty-two forage samples from seventy-five different producers were collected during the four years. Sixty-eight percent of these producers had never tested hay before enrolling in the program. Forty-three percent of these producers had not been involved with extension programs previously. Each producer who worked with the Agent received, on the average each year, an indemnity payment of $9,951 from FSA for participating in the program.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Stephen Pottorff
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Pottorff, S. Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension-Carroll County , Virginia, 24343