CCD-BG-11: 2017 Vegetable and Melon Budgets (Small-scale)

Matthew Ernst | Nov. 20, 2017 (New)

These commercial vegetable and melon budgets compare and analyze profitability between crops using assumptions developed during the 2017 season. These budgets should not be considered as production recommendations or profitability projections. Production practices vary widely between farms and regions. Producers may request details for each budget from the Center for Crop Diversification. Budget details will
allow greater comparison of budget assumptions with a user's actual field situation. All values may be changed within each budget worksheet. Most of the worksheets assume all production is sold at the same price, but there is also a blank line for a second quantity/cost for users to add if desired, such as already done in sweet potatoes.

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CCD-BG-10: 2017 Vegetable and Melon Budgets (Large-scale)

Matthew Ernst | Nov. 20, 2017 (New)

These commercial vegetable and melon budgets compare and analyze profitability between crops using assumptions developed during the 2017 season. These budgets should not be considered as production recommendations or profitability projections. Production practices vary widely between farms and regions. Producers may request details for each budget from the Center for Crop Diversification. Budget details will allow greater comparison of budget assumptions with a user's actual field situation. All values may be changed within each budget worksheet.

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CCD-FS-7: Risk Management in Specialty Crops: Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Oct. 24, 2017 (New)

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) is a financial assistance program provided through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). The program provides producers of crops not eligible for crop insurance with some level of risk management when natural disasters cause crop low yields, crop losses or prevent crop planting.

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CCD-CP-118: Snap Beans

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Oct. 24, 2017 (Minor Revision)

The snap bean or green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a warm-season crop harvested for its immature seed pods. Prior to the development of the stringless bean in the 1890s, snap beans were referred to as "string beans" because of the fiber or "string" running along the pod seam. While stringless beans are more common today, many consumers still prefer the flavor of the stringed types.

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ID-149: 2017 Kentucky Blackberry Cost and Return Estimates

Matthew Ernst, John Strang, Tim Woods, Shawn Wright | Oct. 11, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Potential producers should realize that while thornless semi-erect varieties produce superior economic returns, thorny and thornless erect varieties may hold some marketing advantages that can command superior prices and result in better returns than those estimated using these standard assumptions.

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CCD-CP-116: Romaine Lettuce

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Oct. 10, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Romaine (Lactuca sativa), also known as cos, is a lettuce that produces elongated heads. Romaine is considered more nutritious and has more volume than iceberg. Because it is slower to bolt than other head lettuces, romaine can be grown commercially in Kentucky.

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CCD-CP-117: Root Crops

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Oct. 4, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Root crops include a number of vegetables grown for their enlarged, edible storage roots. The root crops discussed here are all hardy, cool-season crops with a long storage life. While they belong to several unrelated plant families, these crops have similar cultural requirements. This profile will overview several root crops grown in Kentucky.

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CCD-CP-120: Specialty Melons

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 20, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Specialty melons (Cucumis melo) have cultural requirements similar to the more familiar muskmelon (cantaloupe). These melons offer consumers outstanding eating quality and a range of flesh colors, textures, and flavors. With one exception, cultivars of the specialty types listed below have performed well in University of Kentucky research trials. Consult the Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers (ID-36) for the latest variety recommendations.

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CCD-CP-55: Stevia

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 5, 2017 (Minor Revision)

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a small, herbaceous plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It is a perennial in its native South America, but is grown as an annual in all but the warmest areas of the United States. Stevia is commonly called "sweetleaf" or "sugarleaf."

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CCD-CP-62: High Tunnel Tomatoes

Matthew Ernst, Cheryl Kaiser | Sep. 5, 2017 (Minor Revision)

High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are simple polyethylene-covered unheated structures that typically do not use fans for ventilation. Tunnels can be covered with one or two sheets of plastic; those covered with two have an air layer in between, thus offering better insulation and, consequently, more cold protection (and wind protection). High tunnels are used to extend the growing season earlier into spring and later into fall. Determinate and indeterminate tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) can be successfully grown in this production system, yielding a potentially profitable "out of season."