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Impact Report

For plan Agronomic Crop and Improved Pasture System Development (Valencia County)
Date October 26, 2010, 5:05 pm
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report Although the majority of agriculture is forage related products, a large component of Valencia County’s agronomic profile is small farm or backyard gardening (less than 1 acre). Although often considered non-commercial producers, many of these individuals are beginning to sell their excess produce at local farmers markets, generating supplemental income from agriculture. Subsequently, information related to reducing risk, improving crop production and subsequent economic returns on small farm fruit and vegetable operations is increasingly requested, and handled by the agriculture agent on an individual basis. These topics include business planning, resource allocation, and effective cultural practices including but not limited to variety selection, crop diversification, disease and pest control, high-value crops, planting and harvesting dates, soil testing and amending, and effective irrigation. In addition, the agent has been actively involved in Hoop House construction demonstration workshops throughout the state, which are designed to teach clientele how to extend their growing season and increase profitability. Personal contact from small farm fruit and vegetable producers accounts for approximately 15% (an increase of 5% from previous year) of extension agent incoming phone calls, and clientele field and office visits. Another aspect of Valencia County agriculture is the adoption of high-value crops on small acreage farms. The agent has been actively involved in promoting and assisting farmers with information and field consults who have interest or have planted high-value crops such as berries, certain vegetables, and pecans on their property. Due to low numbers of farms (<20) adopting these crops, these consults are currently done on an individual basis as needs arise.