Extension Notes: State’s agricultural receipts will likely hold steady to 2019 levels

Despite COVID-19 challenges, University of Kentucky agricultural economists are projecting 2020 cash receipts to equal 2019’s $5.5 billion. Poultry remains the state’s top agricultural commodity. Photo by Matt Barton, UK agricultural communications.

December 4, 2020 | By: Katie Pratt

Lexington, Ky., – The COVID-19 pandemic made for a tumultuous year in Kentucky agriculture, but the state’s agricultural receipts will likely hold steady to 2019 levels.

Agricultural economists from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment are projecting 2020 farm cash receipts to be $5.5 billion, equaling 2019 receipts. The economists estimate that net farm income will likely exceed the $2.2 billion Kentucky producers earned in 2019.

“Like most businesses, agriculture has experienced a crazy and challenging year, but unlike a lot of industries, the farm economy not only survived, but is ending 2020 on a positive note,” said Will Snell, UK agricultural economist.

Snell and fellow UK agricultural economists Kenny Burdine, Greg Halich and Tim Woods, Jerry Pierce from the Kentucky Farm Business Management Program, and Bobby Ammerman from UK’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources shared their annual outlook with Kentucky Farm Bureau members.

2020 began with optimism across the industry due to new trade deals, continued low production costs and improved supply/demand balances. But the coronavirus greatly impacted the industry and the agricultural markets. While markets initially plummeted at the pandemic’s onset, some sectors recovered.

In Kentucky, higher grain prices, induced primarily by an increase in exports, and crop yields near all-time highs helped offset lower equine, poultry, cattle, dairy and tobacco receipts.

“The increase in grain prices along with outstanding yields could help make 2020 the most profitable year for grain producers since 2013,” Halich said.

“The impacts of COVID on the livestock sector were huge, as labor challenges created a significant processing bottleneck in the spring and the marketing system had to adjust to a major shift away from restaurant consumption and toward at-home consumption,” Burdine said.

A significant addition to Kentucky’s increased farm income is two rounds of government payments producers received through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and the last payments from the 2019 Market Facilitation Program. Accounting for these and other federal programs, Kentucky farmers may receive close to $500 million in direct government payments in 2020.

Nationally, direct government payments may account for nearly 40% of the country’s net farm income. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts net farm income will be $119.6 billion, up 43% from 2019.

“Despite an expected increase in net farm income and potential for improved commodity prices in 2021, the national and Kentucky farm economies remain very vulnerable, especially if the ag sector experiences large crops, additional trade disruptions, a significant pullback in direct government payments, higher interest rates, and/or a decline in asset values,” Snell said.

Poultry remains Kentucky’s top agricultural commodity, comprising 19% of all projected sales for the year. Corn and soybeans tied for second, each accounting for 17% of all projected sales. Equine fell to fourth, with 16% of all projected sales.

Highlights from selected commodities are:

• Poultry — Markets were adversely impacted by COVID-19 with wholesale broiler prices down 20% in 2020. While most poultry growers were not directly impacted by broiler prices, many were indirectly impacted by increased time between flocks. However, the industry remains relatively stable, and 2021 is likely to be much improved.
• Corn — Exports are expected to see a significant increase during the 2020-2021 marketing year, which could push on-farm prices up to $4 a bushel.
• Soybeans — Exports are expected to increase 14% above the five-year average. This should push on-farm prices to $10.40 a bushel.
• Equine — After surpassing $1 billion in 2018 and 2019, receipts are expected to drop considerably in 2020 given a sharp sales decline. Another decrease is likely for 2021 as both stud fees and the number of mares bred should decrease.
• Cattle — COVID-19 impacts on demand and supply chain disruptions rocked the markets, especially in the spring and summer. Assuming COVID-19 impacts lessen in 2021, demand should improve. The demand increase and a smaller calf crop should increase prices next year.
• Hemp — Production dropped significantly from 2019 record highs. Licensed acreage was down by nearly half from 2019. Low price expectations, unsold stocks, minimal infrastructure development and market and regulatory uncertainties will keep acreage down in 2021.
• Tobacco — The sector continued to shrink with acreage down 10% to 15% and variable yields reported. Despite higher prices, receipts are expected to drop $30 million to $40 million from 2019.
• Produce and Nursery — While early for a 2020 estimate, total produce and nursery receipts are expected to reach $160 million, which is a state record. CSA’s, agritourism, produce auctions and garden center nursery sales are expected to be up significantly.
• Forestry — The sector contributed $12.9 billion to Kentucky’s economy in 2020 with timber and lumber prices improving from 2018-2019 levels. UK foresters expect this contribution to remain steady with stumpage values continuing to improve. Going into 2021, concerns exist for logging capacity, the long-term health of small sawmills and the lack of markets for low-grade pulpwood in Kentucky.

For the entire outlook, visit the UK Department of Agricultural Economics website at https://agecon.ca.uky.edu/2020-2021-economic-situation-outlook or visit their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts @UKYAgEcon.

Contact: 

Will Snell, wsnell@uky.edu

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Writer: Katie Pratt, katie.pratt@uky.edu

UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, through its land-grant mission, reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.

Tribute for Laten Edward Elliott August 8, 1948 ~ December 2, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Laten Edward Elliott, 72, of Rush passed away Wednesday December 2, 2020 at his residence.

Laten was born August 8, 1948 in Carter County, KY a son of the late Andy and Mary Holbrook Elliott. In addition to his parents, Laten was preceded in death by his beloved wife in 1998, Patricia Gaye Brainard Elliott; and two brothers, Larry Elliott and Donald Elliott.

Laten was an US Army veteran who served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. Laten was a retired heavy equipment operator having worked for over forty years and multiple companies. Laten loved spending time with his grandchildren who all adored him.

Laten is survived by three sons, Norman Edward (Christy) Elliott and Andrew (Amanda) Elliott both of Rush and Dustin Savage of Argillite; three daughters, Mandy Elliott of Grayson, Morgan Woodrow) Hall of Argillite and Randi Savage of Nashville, TN; nine grandchildren, Stephanie Binion, Taylor Elliott, Leann Elliott, Maverick Elliott, P.J. Elliott, Gavin Elliott, Novalee Hall, Hunter Shadwick and Harper Shadwick; five sisters, Thelma (Lewis) Kiser of Grayson, Louise Elliott Knipp of Grayson, Donna (Joe) Stepp of Wheelersburg, OH., Lois Hall of Grayson and Jeanie (Tim) Littleton of Olive Hill; and many friends and extended family who all mourn his passing.

Private funeral service will be Saturday December 5, 2020 at the Malone Funeral Home with Bro. Paul Holbrook officiating. Military honors will follow the services. Burial will follow in the Lucas Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.malonefuneralhome.com

Extension Notes: Gifts that Brighten the Dreariest Day - by Rebecca Konopka

Some of the most popular presents during this season of gifting and receiving are blooming houseplants. Not only are they economical, but they promise to brighten a dreary winter day.

A poinsettia is probably the first plant that comes to mind when we think of the holiday season. What we call “flowers” are really the poinsettia’s brightly colored, leaf-like bracts. The actual flowers are the small and unremarkable-looking reproductive parts in the center of the bracts. Poinsettias come in a wide variety of solid colors and marbled patterns.

A semi-tropical plant originating in Mexico, poinsettias are not fond of extreme temperatures. The best location in your home is away from heat registers, cold drafts and direct sunlight. Cooler home temperatures will prolong their color. Check their soil daily and water when it feels dry. Water sparingly, especially if the pot is enclosed in a wrapper and cannot freely drain. It is difficult to overwinter a poinsettia and bring it into flower next year. Sadly, it is best to dispose of these plants or compost them when flowers fade.

Christmas cacti, named for the season in which they bloom, are humidity loving plants, which reflects their Brazilian coast origins. Keeping the soil evenly moist and locating them with other plants, which raises humidity, will prolong bloom time. These plants prefer moderate light with a small amount of direct sun, so placing them near an east-facing window is ideal. Under these conditions, Christmas cacti will often continue growing and produce flowers next year, but the blooms may come anytime between November and February.

Another popular holiday plant is amaryllis. Its lush blooms come in solid white, red, pink or multi-colored. Amaryllis love light, so place them near a bright sunny window. Water thoroughly, but let the soil dry out between waterings. The act of flowering will deplete the energy of the bulb, but if you cut back each stalk when it’s finished blooming, the bulb will renew its energy stores through the leaves. When the weather turns warm and danger of frost is past, move the plants outdoors, first to dappled shade and gradually to brighter sun. In early fall, withhold water to encourage the plants to go dormant. Start watering again about six to eight weeks before you want blooms.

Not all plant gifts come in the form of colorful blooms. Rosemary, often trimmed into the shape of a small Christmas tree, is also a popular and practical gift at this time of year. Set it in a cool, sunny location and keep the soil moist but not saturated. Rosemary will fill your room with a fresh, woodsy scent as well as provide you with cuttings for your holiday cooking and beyond. You can also move rosemary outdoors to the garden in spring, but be sure to bring it back indoors before the first freeze.

For more information, contact the Carter County office of the UK Cooperative Extension Service.  Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. 

Grayson: At Home Visit - Nurse Practitioner Nathana Hall Makes House Calls

Nathana Hall witnessed changes in the field of nursing, as well as changing rules for insurance and medical transportation, and decided to find a better way to meet patients needs with “At Home Visit PLLC” – offering house calls instead of office appointments.

“It’s Crazy – the restrictions on homebound patients.” – Nathana Hall

Hall anchors her work from a new office inside Horton Bros. & Brown Pharmacy on Main Street in Grayson, although she does most of her job in her patients’ homes – the old fashioned “house call”.

“When I started, pre-Covid, I knew a lot of elderly people lacked transport or are physically homebound,” Hall said, adding local residents also faced new reimbursement rules and restrictions regarding the use of ambulances. People who are bedbound are particularly difficult to transport without an ambulance, she notes.

“Nobody wants to be transported. And, that’s where I come in,” she said, later adding first-time patients “are sometimes a little bit skeptical when I come in, but they warm up.”

Local Roots

Hall lived in Carter County as a young girl, when her dad worked on the Grayson Spur and she attended East Carter Middle School. It was during that time she would meet her future husband, Lloyd Hall II, although she giggles and explains she used to “run and hide from him” back then. They were later reintroduced on a blind date, she said.

Her family moved and Hall became a member of the Morgan County High School Class of 1995. The daughter of Norman and Francis Elam then studied at Maysville Technical College where she graduated with honors with an LPN degree and was recognized with a Presidential Scholarship for the state of Kentucky.

“I always wanted to be a doctor,” Hall said, explaining she instead went to work for a metal fabrication company in Morehead, where an engineer recognized her diagnostic and solutions skills and encouraged her to further her education. Determined, Hall graduated at the top of her class at Morehead State University with a Registered Nurse degree.

“I’m still paying for school,” she said.

During her time working as a hospital nurse (which included additional education including a BSN degree in 2012) Hall said she witnessed a dramatic shift in her job and patient care.

“I decided I’d had enough hospital work,” she said, noting she then obtained a Masters degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018. It was a time of great personal change for Hall, including the adoption of her son, Jacob Keeton.

“I told my husband if I had to do it again, I would be a teacher.”

Making House Calls

Hall initially began providing home health care visits as part of a local doctor’s practice, and later with another organization, although that position was eliminated as part of the Covid 19 pandemic response. Knowing there was demand for her services, Hall put plans for “At Home Visit, PLLC” into motion.

Hall said she is able to provide tests and “common things that people go to urgent care for” during home visits, with resources including ultra sound and X-ray testing available.

Due to Covid, Hall said “almost everybody qualifies” for her services.

Hall said she finds home visits allow an excellent degree of patient interaction and care.

“I don’t know why others don’t do it. I mean, I know I could make more money with a packed office, but money is not my goal.”

“I do this because I love it. It’s what I always wanted to do. It’s my life goal. It’s my universal reason.”

Hall has a three year plan to hire additional nurse practitioners and have each work within one local county, although she is a one-person operation at the moment. Those without health insurance are offered a discounted list of rates, with an initial house call for $60 ($30 for established patients). Lab work for uninsured patients is also discounted and a variety of procedures ranging from wound care and ear wax removal to joint injections and nail trimming cost from $10 to $30.

While Hall is able to offer an impressive variety of tests and services during home visits, people having chest pain or severe abdominal problems are still urged to seek emergency treatment, she said.

“I would suggest going to the E.R for those,” she said.

At Home Visit, PLLC is located at Suite One, 201 East Main Street, Suite 1, Grayson. For more information call 606.475.0014 or 606.483.6021.201

Story & Photos by TIM PRESTON

Carter County Post

Tribute for Gladys Horton Burton August 8, 1929 ~ December 1, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Gladys Horton Burton, 91, of Grayson went to be with her Lord Tuesday December 1, 2020 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

Gladys was born August 8, 1929 in Grayson, KY a daughter of the late John and Della Dinkens Horton. In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Burton, Jr.; two sisters, Myrtle Adams and Brenda Pyles; and three brothers, Dallas Horton, Joe Horton and Gene Horton.

Gladys was a retired rural mail carrier after 32 years of service. Gladys was a member of the Grayson Church of Nazarene.

Gladys is survived by a son, Kevin Burton; a grandson, Shannon Burton; a great-granddaughter, Hayden Burton; a nephew Jerry Burton and a niece Kathy Ann Burton who she raised as her own children; a special nephew, Eddie Adams; a sister, Bonnie Felty; two brothers, Fred Horton and Jim Horton all of Grayson and a host of friends and extended family who all mourn her passing.

A private funeral service will be Friday December 4, 2020 at the Malone Funeral Home in Grayson with Bro. David Boggs officiating. Burial will follow in the East Carter County Memory Gardens. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.malonefuneralhome.com

Pallbearers will be Shannon Burton, John Jenkins, Travis Pennington, Michael G. McDavid, Michael C. McDavid and Georgia Ison.

Students Find Success After College: ACTC and Pathways Inc. Partnership - by MEGAN SMEDLEY

Two students in the Medical Information Technology (MIT) program at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) are headed to work at the same agency after completing successful internships. 

ACTC students Jaime Bowen and Shawnda Stamper have been working at an internship with Pathways, Inc in Ashland as a part of the MIT program. The two are set to graduate in December. 

“It really meant a lot to me to be able to do my Internship at Pathways,” said Bowen. “I have always been interested in the work that they do to help people and I wanted to be able to contribute.” 

“The internship meant the world to me,” Stamper added. “It was another step to reaching my dream.”

Janet Thomson, MIT program coordinator, says ACTC has a strong and thriving relationship with Pathways, Inc.  She says one of the biggest reasons for the collaboration is that an MIT program graduate, Marie Sublett, currently serves as the Director of Medical Records for Pathways and places the MIT students at their intern sites. 

 “Marie loves to help students excel in the same program that prepared her for a new career in the business side of health care,” Thompson said. 

She says MIT program classes can be completed fully online, though the program does require a certain amount of internship hours being on an actual job site as a part of the “Capstone” course.  

The Capstone course is individualized to each student and also includes other career readiness components such as practice job interviews with professionals in the field, drafting an updated resume, reviewing weekly job posts in the field, and preparing for national industry certifications such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential. 

Beth Sterling, Pathways Customer Service Manager, says the partnership is mutually beneficial to both Pathways and to ACTC. 

“Pathways not only works with ACTC with the Capstone program, but also annually provides a presentation to the Medical Information Management class related to careers in the field, and provides mock interviews to the MIT students.”

 “Pathways is a great organization to work with because they have such diverse services and several tri-state locations to place students in the Ashland/Grayson/Greenup area,” said Thompson. “Many MIT students are drawn to do their internship with Pathways because of the important mission the organization serves to our community.  It’s a win-win because they get to be in a medical office setting, learn the real work that goes into the administrative job duties to keep the offices and services running, and be a part of providing much needed resources to better the lives of people living in our area.”

“I have had so many people at that location reach out to me and be so helpful in my learning experience,” said Stamper. “The most meaningful thing of all is that I got offered a full-time job as a Customer Service Representative. This was surprising and has been the most rewarding experience. This job means I am getting closer to having a better career. It means the world to me.”

“Shawnda was very friendly, a quick leaner, and eager to work,” said Sterling. “Good work ethic goes a long way. Shawnda showed very early that she could work independently and a great team player. “ 

 Upon graduation, Bowen will also serve as a Customer Service Representative. 

“This job means a great deal to me,” she said. “I have always wanted the opportunity to be able to help people and I really feel I achieve this goal working at Pathways in addictions.  I like to feel as if I am part of great team and look forward to going to work every day.” 

“Jaime had a good work ethic. She was eager to work, was a self-starter and could work independently. She worked well with the rest of our staff,” said Sheila Tierney, Bowen’s supervisor. 

“Pathways has always enjoyed being able to help ACTC with the internship program and want to be able to continue to do so in the future,” she added.

Thompson says it is not uncommon for students to receive job offers while completing their internships on work sites. Along with Pathways, she says the MIT program works with many other employers, notably Hospice of Ashland, Ashland Children’s Clinic, and Kings Daughter’s Medical Center.

“We are always looking for new opportunities and partnerships,” she says. “Our end goal is to get our students into a rewarding full-time career.”

Thompson says there are also opportunities for MIT graduates to transfer for a 4-year degree, as the program works closely with multiple area universities, such as Ohio University Southern and Morehead State University.

For anyone interested in learning more about the MIT program, there will be an ONLINE information session on Zoom for prospective, new, or returning students. The event will be held Tuesday, December 15 at 6 p.m. For more information, email Janet.Thompson@kctcs.edu.