Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
In 2017, 42,946 women farmed in Kentucky, up 36.7 percent from the number identified in the previous census. Of those, 33,550 were involved in making day-to-day decisions on the farm, 26,215 were the principal producers on their farms, and 12,648 listed farming as their primary occupation, the census found. While Kentucky Women in Agriculture was established in 1999, KWIA recognizes the contributions of the farm woman through centuries of involvement both on-farm and in the home. The mission of
Author: Robert Amburgey
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
The Bath County Extension office has worked closely with local beef producers to encourage participation in university and state programs that provide leadership opportunities. Bath County extension recruited strong leaders in the beef production field to participate in the two night conference held in July to provide insight and direction for the UK beef specialists as they develop programs for the state. These leaders were active participants in the program and provided an ea
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Over the past few tears of working with the youth in our county and being an adviser to the Ag Alumni Association I came to realize the youth of Green County feels there is nothing for them here after High School. 95% of our Junior and Seniors in Agriculture are looking to support there families outside of Green County and a large portion of those students will live somewhere else as well. I realize Green County don’t have everything the larger city’s have but we still have opportuni
Author: Jason Phillips
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
The Simpson County Extension Service partnered with the Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Prairie Farms and Robertson Dairy to distribute nutritional dairy products and fresh produce at no cost to Simpson County residents. This opportunity was a result of the Corona Virus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) which is part of the USDA’s COVID Relief established to help dairy producers. The giveaway was held at the Jim Roberts Community Park in September
Author: Linda Hieneman
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
According to Dr. Tim Woods, University of Kentucky Agriculture Economics, a surge in the demand for local food products has been observed during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This has led to a new consumer interest in direct markets such as farmers markets.As the Greenup County Farm to Table planning committee began to work on the 2020 event, they decided to focus on local producers, the local supply chain, agriculture education, and consumerism. This committee is comprised of local extension ag
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
PPE SuppliesAs the whole world seemed to be shutting down, agriculture was deemed essential. Farmers in the county were still to go about their business as normal, but with many safety practices in place. I knew there was one group of individuals that would be difficult to reach, our migrant/seasonal farm workers. As they began to arrive in the county PPE supplies were still in HIGH demand and SHORT supply. As I was able to break some of the PPE supplies free from other s
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Youth Livestock Shows during a pandemicThe volunteers in the area really came together to make sure that the Rough River District Swine Show was a VERY SAFE and INVITING event for all involved. As the state began to shut down, the committee said they were still committed to hosting the Rough River District Swine Show. The Kentucky Department of Ag began to develop a safe operational plan, we were told that our show was going to be the first to roll it out in the swine showing arena w
Author: Keith Center
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Abstract: Since 2015, Keith Center, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent in Elliott County, has developed a diversity of programs in horticulture, forestry, beef production, forages, and youth agriculture. Active as a KACAA member, he won the 2018 Excellence in 4-H Programming award and placed 2nd in the Applied Research Poster Presentation in 2016 and 2018. It is Keith's goal to educate and engage local producers and the youth of the community through research-based education.&
Author: Daniel Allen
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
According to research done at Ohio State University Extension Service, congress, government entities, school boards, local boards, service organizations, and other committees all practice parliamentary procedure. Often, meetings can become very chaotic when making group decisions. Everyone talks at once, trying to sway others to a different point of view. A basic knowledge of parliamentary procedure can make the group decision process more orderly, and can make the meeting run smoother. Re
Author: Laura Maggard
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
A devastating ice storm hit Northeast Kentucky in February 2021 and was followed by flooding. The ice storm left many without power or any amenities for several days and took out large areas of farm fencing when large trees and limbs either broke or were uprooted and fell on the fence. As local farmers were slowly beginning to get out from under that catastrophe the widespread flooding began. The floods were made worse by the debris from the ice storms that clogged culv
Author: Eric Baker
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
After three major winter storms in late February and heavy rains through March 1st, Estill County experienced historic flooding along the Kentucky River and tributaries. Flood stage topped 41.1 feet which shattered the longstanding 1939 record of 39.4 feet. Access to the City of Irvine was lost due to flooded roads. At least 200 homes sustained damage and hundreds of acres of farms were flooded. Farm losses included livestock, equipment, vehicles, hay, fences, and other farm supplies. In additio
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Current Extension agriculture programming in Shelby County seeks to enhance the sustainability of agriculture as it faces continued challenges of a growing urban-rural interface. In order to facilitate this goal, expansion of the volunteer base and maintenance of a formal council has been and will continue to be imperative to the success of the Extension agriculture and horticulture programs. Active involvement of local citizens via a thriving advisory council and functional committee system gui
Author: Dee Heimgartner
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
According to Census data less than two percent of the US population are farmers and ranchers. Most of the population are two or more generations removed from the farm. Even though Crittenden County is considered a rural community, many community members are not aware of where their food comes from. To address the issue of bringing awareness to the importance of agriculture, Crittenden County Extension participated in events during National Ag Week.Facebook posts on ag statistics were made daily
Author: Linda Hieneman
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Northeast KY Farm Storm Relief A devastating ice storm hit Northeast Kentucky in February 2021 and was followed by flooding. The ice storm left many without power or any amenities for several days and took out large areas of farm fencing when large trees and limbs either broke or were uprooted and fell on the fence. As local farmers were slowly beginning to get out from under that catastrophe the widespread flooding began. The flo
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
The Franklin County Fair was cancelled for 2020 due to the pandemic. The fair board disagreed on that decision and fractured. As a result, the majority of the board and executive officers resigned.An executive officer and a couple young, less experienced board members as well as non-board members wanted to resurrect the Fair for 2021. They asked Extension to guide them through the process to reestablish the board and start the 2021 fair planning process.Extension guided them through meeting plan
Author: Douglas Shepherd
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
The UK Beef IRM Committee was searching for a way to conduct another UK Beef IRM Study Enhancement Workshop in the midst of a pandemic, similar to what was previously held at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. After much deliberation, they decided to attempt to again involve agents, leaders and allied industry personnel in a virtual format over three evenings. Since agent previously totally coordinated the Biltmore workshop, Extension Specialists again requested assistance in how
Author: Douglas Shepherd
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Local cattlemen's association decided to hold a drive-thru annual meeting at the Extension Office during the pandemic in order to provide information on the association's activities, momentarily fellowship with other beef producers, and provide participants with a beef meal to go. They were a little disappointed with the turnout, yet were satisfied with the effort. Agent was also nominated by the local association to the KCA Hall of Fame, which resulted in the agent selected
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
In 2020, the Woodford County Extension Service took part in a virtual workshop with graduate students in the UK Plant Science Department to discuss how to effectively work with farmers in a consultation/educator role. Nine participants learned more about communication, collaboration, and leadership opportunities in working with farmer clientele. Specifically, the Woodford County Extension Service discussed ways to develop good reputations with farmers, what to do if you don't kno
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
As Covid -19 subsides in much of Kentucky and many in person activities slowly begin to happen, the McLean County Ag agent saw an opportunity to bring together several groups in McLean County to develop the Extension Facilities at Myer Creek park even further. The McLean County Extension District Board , the McLean County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Mclean County Conservation Board saw fit to forge a partnership to buy 360 chairs and 36 72" round tables and donated them to the My
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
With many fairs and livestock show cancelled during the COVID pandemic, the Mason County LIA decided to move forward with holding an event youth could showcase summer livestock projects during 2020. The Extension Service provided guidance and recommendations of following ever-changing health and safety protocols during the planning process of the event. The Mason County LIA has hosted a youth livestock show and auction for decades, however, 2020 would require changes to the normal ev
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
The Farmers' Market provides an economic benefit and healthy nutritional role to the citizens of Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County. Over the past 3 Years the Farmer’s Market leadership has made great strides to improve the shopping experience of its customers. A new Farmer’s Market Pavilion was built by the City of Mt. Sterling to accommodate the sales of the Montgomery County Farmers Market Association. This pavilion has provided a clean, attractive and easily accessible locati
Author: Shane Bogle
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
The Caldwell/Lyon Cattlemen's Association has a storied history of leadership and community support in Caldwell and Lyon Counties. Education to members, service to the community, and support through scholarships are three key areas of focus. Extension has had the pleasure of advising the membership and providing opportunities for educational and leadership development since the beginning of the association. Since 2002 the Caldwell/Lyon Cattlemen's Association has admini
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
A little over five years ago, the Green County Cooperative Extension Service put together a program for its community leaders over the struggles of our small town. This program gave statistics and brought truth to our leaders about the ageing population of Green County, the minimum amount of jobs, our low tax base, and our low income families. No one wants to talk about these issues, but they are real concerns for Green County. Shortly after this meeting, the Green County Cooperative Extens
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Numerous phone calls and text among farmers and farm families helped to keep the days during the pandemic not so lonely for me as well as for the person on the other end of the communication. It became apparent really soon that farmers were still to go about their daily lives as they were considered essential and they still needed the same services that the Extension office provide to the the county. Our office stepped up to the need. We designed avenues for producers to the be
Author: Blake Newton
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
During the last year I helped to create new remote training opportunities for Kentucky Extension staff. During the pandemic, face-to-face in-service training was limited. In 2020 I worked with Isaac Hilpp (Extension Specialist Senior) to create a hybrid in-service training system that combined 3 hours of asynchronous pre-recorded videos and activities (that were accessible to agents at anytime via the Auzmor training system) with live 2 hour Zoom sessions. In this way, agents were able to receiv
Author: Gregg Rentfrow
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
The pandemic caused an interest in meat processing, thus the need for meat cutter training. The UK Meat Cutting School hosted two, beef processing workshops and a pork processing workshop. In total 37 individuals from 5 states attended the weekend workshops. There was a mixture of those interested in the profession to those already within the industry looking to hone their skills. More workshops are planned for 2022.
Author: Gregg Rentfrow
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
The global pandemic put a strain on the national meat supply. I combined efforts with Dr. Lyda Garcia at The Ohio State University and Dr. Jonathan Campbell from Penn State University to provide up-to-date information on the meat supply while trying to calm the fears. Together, we developed talking points that was emailed to county agents throughout the three states. Our efforts highlighted the need for more extension meat specialists in Land Grant Universities east of the Miss
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Professional improvement is a critical component of organizational development and retention. It is important for keeping employees engaged and efficient, and is also considered a great career benefit. Therefore, there was no question when it came to continuing the tradition of the Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference of the Kentucky Association of County Agricultural Agents. Despite the changes in the Cooperative Extension Service’s organizational structure and the chall
