CORE with Lee and Murdock at the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence.
Session 4 of the current CORE Farmer Program class was held in late-July with farm visits and in-field practicals. The group began the learning adventure in Princeton, where Dr. Lloyd Murdock spent a few hours with the participants talking about Kentucky soils. Dr. Chad Lee spend some time with them in corn fields as well.
At their next stop in Webster County, they spent the morning with KyCorn board member Josh Lancaster of L. Hust Farms. Josh shared business aspects of his farm, everything from organizational structure, and employee management, to his general business philosophy and cropping strategy.
CORE Class 5 participant Daniel Peterson from Marion County commented, “I know Josh from TEPAP, and have always been very impressed with him as a farmer. I appreciate him for taking time away from his business on a sunny, busy day but especially appreciate how he shared so many details about his farm. It was very helpful for us all to understand perspectives and tactics from one of our peers.”
While visiting KyCorn Promotion Council member Richard Strode at Strode Farms in Daviess County, Hickman County farmer Jonathan Reynolds shared his visit impressions.
“Richard Strode drove all over creation with us, and I am so appreciative of the time he gave us,” Reynolds remarked. “I was fascinated to hear the story of how his farm has grown and evolved. He’s a wonderful story teller, and it was so beneficial for me to hear how his farm has carried on through floods and droughts. Farming on the banks of the Ohio River is definitely a different game.”
The next session is scheduled for December, assuming travel is possible. The class has selected a tour of the San Luis Obispo region of California to see the vast diversity in agriculture and discuss water issues within the region.