Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Shad Baker
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Most folks recognize that arable land is at a premium in some parts of the Commonwealth. This fact forces those interested in agriculture to focus on specialty crops that use small parcels of land. Kentucky has a long history in high tunnels, and the recent explosion of interest in these season extenders has caused many in our region to give consideration to this production option. The Letcher County Extension service partnered with NRCS and GROW Appalachia to offer educational materials,
Author: Lorin Fawns
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Years ago tobacco was the major crop for Mason County farmers. According to the Census of Agriculture from 2012 to 2017 the total acreage of tobacco grown in Mason County has decreased by 1300 acres and continues to decline. Farmers have been desperately looking for a new crop to help increase their income and have turned to growing industrial hemp. The Buffalo Trace Agriculture and Horticulture agents partnered together to offer a series of field days and workshops to further grower education.&
Author: Glen Roberts
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Collaborators: Glen Roberts, ANR agent, Terry Bertram, ANR assistant, Danny Adams, KSU Small Farm Assistant, Justin Horton, FFA Adviser/VoAg instructor, Kathryn Tucker, School Food Service Director, Master Gardeners, VoAg and FCS students.Situation: Todays youth are unaware how good their food is grown. School cafeterias struggle to provide fresh nutritious, affordable locally grown vegetables for their food service. The ANR agent approached a school board member and the superi
Author: Jessica Hopkins
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
In an effort to offer more educational classes to commercial horticulture producers, specialists and agents with the university teamed up to offer a series of webinars on a variety of horticulture topics. The first series was offered in September and focused on Growing Strawberries in Kentucky. The first session was an introduction to growing strawberries and the second session discussed insect, disease, and weed management. A combination of specialists and agents presented the info
Author: Anthony Tackett
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
In an effort to offer more educational classes to commercial horticulture producers, specialists and agents with the university teamed up to offer a series of webinars on a variety of horticulture topics. The first series was offered in September and focused on Growing Strawberries in Kentucky. The first session was an introduction to growing strawberries and the second session discussed insect, disease, and weed management. A combination of specialists and agents presented th
Author: Lorin Fawns
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
This year Chad and Shawna Lippert owners of "Lippert's Greenhouse" decided to expand their operation to include growing mums. The Lippert's worked with the Mason County Extension office Horticulture agent Macy Fawns to improve their greenhouse plants but wanted more so they asked for assistance growing mums. Shawna said, "When the door opened with this opportunity, we chose to run through it with great anticipation in all the processes to increase our production season and
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
With the tobacco buyout leaving farmers with machinery, greenhouses and the need to ease their dependency on tobacco several Knox County farmers have chosen Commercial Horticulture. Through the Knox County Extension Service and resources from the University of Kentucky such as newsletters on farm demonstrations, variety trials, farm visits, field trips, educational programming and farm visits from University Specialist, producers have met their production needs and supplementing their farm
Author: Kara Back-Campbell
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Biological controls have been used for many years but often the price for shipping and lack of knowledge have left many producers turning to chemical control for their primary action of combat for disease. An extension entomology specialist contacted the Taylor County Horticulture Extension Agent for possible producers to participate in a grant study. Three producers showed interest in the research project. One who primarily grows ornamentals had used biologicals before. The grower was
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Bringing Extension to Amish CommunitiesBarren County is home to large Amish communities. Bringing Extension programming and services to these communities presents some special challenges. Burley tobacco and commercial vegetable production are both mainstays of these communities. The delivery of programs and services many times requires taking the programming to the communities instead of the having producers coming into the Extension office. In order for the Amish producers to
Author: Rachel Rudolph
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Kentucky commercial growers produce a wide range of specialty crops. In 2017, cash receipts for fruit and vegetable production totaled $41.6 million (National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission). Direct sales make up a more than 50% of produce sales in the state (National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission), which allows for improved access to local foods. Both commercial and home growers of specialty crops can face many challenges that m
Author: Rachel Rudolph
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Kentucky commercial growers produce a wide range of specialty crops, such as vegetables and fruit. In 2017, cash receipts for fruit and vegetable production totaled $41.6 million (National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission). Direct sales make up a more than 50% of produce sales in the state (National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission), which allows for improved access to local foods. In addition, many home gardeners also grow their own
Author: Rachel Rudolph
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
High tunnel production has grown considerably in Kentucky since 2012. However, many growers still struggle with production challenges that are more commonly observed in high tunnel systems, such as soil salinity, appropriate fertilizer use, and season extension. Because high tunnels are still relatively new, many Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents do not have the experience or information to assist high tunnel growers. As of 2019, there were estimated to be over 1,000 high tunnels in Ken
Author: Stacy White
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Root-knot nematode (RKN) is a soil-dwelling microscopic roundworm. This nematode is parasitic on numerous plants, including vegetables, fruits, field crops, ornamentals, and common weeds. RKN can occur in commercial and homeowner plantings. Frequently, the nematode interacts with other plant pathogens to form a disease complex in which the resulting disease is much more severe than that caused by either component alone. Rootknot nematode is particularly serious when high populations are allowed
Author: Leigh Whittinghill
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Food security is a major concern, not only in developing nations, but in the United States as well. Map the Meal Gap 2018 reports that 15.5% of Kentucky’s population is food insecure, which is higher than the national average of 12.9%. 57 of the 120 counties in Kentucky have food insecurity rates higher than the state average. Individuals in food insecure areas may find it especially hard to travel farther to purchase healthy food if they live in a food desert. A fo
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
In an effort to offer more educational classes for commercial horticulture producers, UK Extension Specialist and Extension Agents teamed up to offer webinars on a variety of horticultural topics. These webinars were broadcast state wide using Zoom and were presented by a combination of agents and specialist. One of the webinars within this series was on tomato production. The tomato webinar was broken down into two session the first being on site selection, irrigation set up, weed managem
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Over the last few years high tunnels have started to grow in popularity in Mercer County. High tunnels are primarily use for specialty crop production, including fruit and vegetables, and have been shown to increase quality and yield. One huge benefit is they are able to extend the growing season for small and large commercial growers to provide produce when field production is on the decline or it is too early in the season. Due to this interest in high tunnel production the Mercer County Horti
Author: Gina Ligon
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Boone County: Between the Rows & Demonstration Videos Reach Clientele Virtually During Covid-19The spring of 2020 created challenges for farmers, consumers, and communities alike due to the unexpected consequences of Covid-19. During this time everyone worked to adapt to new regulations than normal which created a ripple effect in production agriculture therefore affecting food supply and availability to consumers. As a result, Boone County Extension was required to limit access to the publi
Author: Sheri Crabtree
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
To be competitive, nurseries must offer unique plant material that is in demand from consumers. Kentucky State University's Horticulture Extension Program works with several nurseries in Kentucky assisting them with propagation and growing advice, troubleshooting pests and diseases, cultivar recommendations, and obtaining propagation material. KSU has released three improved pawpaw cultivars (KSU-Atwood, KSU-Benson, and KSU-Chappell) that were developed through selective breeding
Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Americans spend more than $26 billion annually on floral products each year. In the U.S., there are more than 23,000 establishment in floral industry, which includes florist establishments, wholesaler and floriculture growers. Out of all those flowers purchased to sell, only 20% are American- grown. The top exporters of flowers globally are Colombia and Ecuador. In the US, majority of the flowers grown, come from California. Kentucky has an ideal climate for raising many varieties of
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
With most of the high tunnels in Knox County being NRCS grant funded, certain stipulations are agreed upon by producers when receiving the grant. One of the stipulations is that producers will agree to grow produce in the ground of the high tunnel for a minimum of four years. Almost all producers in the county have selected tomatoes as their primary crop because of the profit potential but have struggled growing in the ground the second and third years because of nematodes. To address the
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Thru efforts of the University of Kentucky Horticulture Specialist, a three night education webinar series on high tunnel tomato production was offered across the state for agents to host in their counties. These webinars were hosted by our local Knox County Agriculture and Natural Resource agent where the series was well attended. All participants have reported less disease and insect pressure as well as an increase of five or more pounds of tomatoes per plant production. Participan
Author: Rachel Rudolph
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
High tunnels have the potential to provide specialty crop growers with the ability to extend the growing season and moderate the environment with respect to precipitation and temperature. This can translate to increased income from increased marketable yields and improved produce quality. High tunnels play an important role in the local food system of Kentucky. There are over 1,000 high tunnel across the state of Kentucky. High tunnel production is nuanced and growers face unique production chal
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
A High Tunnel System, commonly called a “hoop house,” is an increasingly popular conservation practice for farmers, and is available with financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Since the establishment of this program, many high tunnels have been built throughout the state. It is a new growing system for them and therefore it is imperative to offer educational training to help them s
Author: Richard Bryant
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
The Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program "Farming for Cash" works with several different community-based organizations in order to educate beginning farmers on different production methods, pest management practices, and marketing strategies. This year, Kentucky State University has partnered with five community-based organizations from across the state. One of these organizations, Empucate International, helps train beginning farmers from African countries wh
Author: Kelly Jackson
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Kentucky has the fastest-growing Amish population in the U.S. According to the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, the population of Kentucky Amish grew by 5,595 people since 2010 and is currently 8th in population with approximately 13,347 Amish. Christian County and neighboring Todd County are two of the three most populated counties in Kentucky. Many Amish in these two counties, grow and sell vegetables and depend on these sales for their livelihood. Due to limited access to phon
Author: Glen Roberts
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Situation: Farm family decides to grow vegetables to supplement their off farm income. They set their plants after normal last killing frost in the spring. Plants were well established for three weeks when a forecast of a freeze occurred two days away. They consulted their local extension office and the ANR agent who had 50 years experience growing small scale commercial vegetables suggested constructing a low tunnel to protect the plants.Collaborators: ANR Agent, Glen Roberts,
Author: Anthony Tackett
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Local planning groups continue to place a high priority on commercial horticulture field demonstrations as an educational program delivery method. In response to these priorities the Bourbon Extension Office has worked with and supported the development of two new ongoing horticulture demonstrations. The first demonstration includes a modified commercial tomato trellising system to help smaller market growers ramp up production efficiently where appropriate. The Extension Serv
Author: Anthony Tackett
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
The Bourbon County Extension Service worked closely with local producers in effectively managing and reducing their fertilizer and pesticide usage where appropriate during the past year. As production input costs increase local horticulture operations continue to look for ways to reduce costs. One way the Bourbon Horticulture Extension has helped operations reduce costs is through more efficient management of soil fertility and pesticide usage. During the past year over 3
Author: Joshua Knight
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
During the first month of social distancing orders, Joshua Knight hosted a seminar Adding Your Farm Business to Google Maps with the Center for Crop Diversification as part of an ongoing weekly series of webinars to help growers interested in developing web-based direct sales, online ordering, or a general online presence. During the promotion phase, there were over 70 individuals signed up to watch the webinar live, with 26 attending. Survey responses by attendees have all rated the
Author: Nicole Gauthier
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Apples are the most commonly grown fruit in Kentucky. Approximately 672 orchards produce between 450,000 and 750,000 bushels of apples per year, a value of $24.4 to $40.6 million. Most orchards in Kentucky have an agritourism focus and consist of mixed fruit plantings or specialty produce. Apple, blueberry, grape, peach, and strawberry are all susceptible to anthracnose diseases caused by the same family of fungi. Bitter rot of apple is the most significant of these disea
Author: Nicole Gauthier
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Kentucky farmers produce a wide range of specialty crops. In 2017, fruit and vegetable production in Kentucky was valued at $41.6 million. Specialty crops are susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that may limit produce yield and/or quality. County Extension agents are the first line of contact with the UK Extension Service, but they often request additional training and support for specialty crop practices. Thus, there is a constant need for continuing education for agents.&n
Author: Mattea Mitchell
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
A local commercial tomato producer has struggled for the last two years with his production on his lower ground in Hickman County. After working with specialists, pathologists, and several different labs (including UK), the producer is on his way to healthier tomato production and solve problems for his lower production ground. Working with him from his starters, all the way up to mature plants, many issues were able to be addressed in regards to production. He wrote a response to the assis
Author: Christy Cassady
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
The Center for Crop Diversification’s monthly newsletter has been distributed to growers, extension agents and agricultural agency personnel since the fall of 2013. Most of the 1,700 subscribers receive an email notification when each newsletter is posted on the CCD website, with 39 subscribers receiving a hard copy in the mail. In the fall of 2019, the CCD conducted a survey of growers, extension agents and associates, and agency personnel who work with growers. The survey found that 127
Author: Daniel Becker
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
Jenny Clark runs a roadside vegetable stand in Caldwell County and attends local farmers markets as a vendor. She was looking to expand her high tunnel and field area to grow more vegetablesl but had difficulty with weed control. She was also inexperienced with water and fertilizer application. Through the county agent, Shane Bogle, she got in contact, interested in becoming a cooperator and demonstration site. Working with the extension associate, it was decided that the best avenue to economiz
Author: Kristin Hildabrand
Major Program: Commercial Horticulture
In a horticulture interest survey that the Warren County Extension Agent for Horticulture distributed for Plan of Work 2020, cut-flower production was ranked the highest interest among the growers surveyed. As a result of this finding, the horticulture extension agent began reaching out to commercial cut flower growers in the South Central Kentucky area for assistance.The horticulture extension agent contacted numerous cut-flower operations in the South Central Kentucky area including Briar Rose
