Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: David Hull
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Gallatin County ANR Agent emphasizes the word "service" in our organization's name. He feels there is no better way than hands-on, face-to-face interaction to show the community his dedication to the people who reside here. He is also very cognizant of the fact that it's local taxpayers who pay Extension's bills! This very fact helps to motivate him to be the best public servant he can be.Farm and garden visits are excellent examples of this hands-on type of service. Du
Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Ballard Counties’ Ag Development Council has put their Master Settlement Agreement to good use over the life of the program. This past year saw the Ballard County Extension office and ANR Agent Tom Miller along with Bob Johnson from Non Profit Dynamic as administrator conducted a County Agricultural Investment Program where 68 producers participated. Grain Storage and Handling was the biggest area of investment, with Precision Agriculture followed closely. Hay storage and
Author: April Wilhoit
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
COVID-19 put a damper on many face-to-face events in 2020 and 2021. The first face-to-face Fleming County ANR sponsored event since COVID-19 was the Electric Fencing School. The program was planned by the Fleming County and Lewis County Extension Offices and promoted within the Buffalo Trace County area. Thirty attendees learned new techniques with electric fencing such as how to construct a floating brace as well as options for electric fencing poles and insulators. Atte
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Jackson County Agriculture Agent worked alongside the agriculture development council and the CAIP administrator to help implement a CAIP program in Jackson County. The program approved 108 producers to receive 75% cost share on up to $1900.00. Producers were eligible to invest in 11 different program areas to improve their farms. These projects ranged from superior bulls to hay sheds and fencing. Over $200,000.00 was spent in 2020-2021 by producers to improve agriculture in Jackson County,
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Washington County Extension Office hosted a welcoming reception for the new agriculture and natural resources agent. This reception was a way for the community to come and meet the new agent and also offer any ideas they had as far as programming is concerned because the county has been without an agent for several years so no programming was already in place. A few broad programming ideas were posted on the wall for those attending to view and hopefully inspire them with other ideas. If som
Author: Samantha Anderson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
During the Small Diversified Farm Series, participants indicated a desire to tour a successful diversified farming operation. The host agents made this a reality. Agents form Marshall, Livingston, Calloway, Crittenden, McCracken, Trigg and Caldwell counties collaborated to host the first ever "Small Diversified Farm Field Day."The field day was hosted by Trimble Farms in Caldwell County. The Trimble's Farm operation is very diverse. The family has experience selling fruits, vegetab
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Succession planning is a necessary but difficult process. FarmLASTS estimates 88% of farmers and farmland owners do not have an exit plan. With good communication and a well-developed plan, transitioning a family farm or business can be accomplished. The Butler, Logan and Warren County agriculture extension agents led and taught a 3-part virtual farm transitions series. The program was offered by all Mammoth Cave agriculture agents and had 16 participants with farm estate
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
A local farm had made a living for decades offering horse riding lessons, boarding and trail trail riding. Over the years they had been involved with Extension regularly and even hosted two Field Days.Prior to covid they transitioned their main enterprise to boarding polo horses. When events shut down all the owners eventually withdrew their horses and the family had to find a new source of income.Working with Extension and utilizing loaner equipment from the office they decided to start a bottl
Author: Leann Martin
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Succession planning is a necessary but difficult process. FarmLASTS estimates 88% of farmers and farmland owners do not have an exit plan. With good communication and a well-developed plan, transitioning a family farm or business can be accomplished. The Butler, Logan and Warren County agriculture extension agents led and taught a 3-part virtual farm transitions series. The program was offered by all Mammoth Cave agriculture agents and had 16 participants with farm estate value
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Funding resources for farmers are often crucial to starting a new farm business and even sustaining an existing one. The Woodford County Extension Service receives many inquiries from clientele asking about grants, loans, and cost share opportunities to help offset the costs of either starting their farm business or expanding, sustaining, and/or diversifying their current operation. In response to this, the Woodford County Extension Service partnered with the Woodford County Conservation Distric
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Funding resources for farmers are often crucial to starting a new farm business and even sustaining an existing one. The Woodford County Extension Service receives many inquiries from clientele asking about grants, loans, and cost share opportunities to help offset the costs of either starting their farm business or expanding, sustaining, and/or diversifying their current operation. With many of the travel and health restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Woodford County Extensi
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The University Of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment and the Cooperative Extension Service have the knowledge and resources to help clientele throughout the commonwealth on an array of topics. The owner of a local deer mineral company contacted this agent after receiving a labeling infraction notice from the University Of Kentucky Regulatory Services. He was unsure of what to do and was concerned that he would have to dispose of several thousand dollars worth of product. The cl
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Recent research has revealed that during the past 6 year more than 60,000 people were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal, agricultural-related injuries. This study concluded that numbers if nonfatal agricultural injuries was somewhat limited because some injuries went unreported. Over the period, an estimated 62,079 people were treated in an emergency department for agricultural-related injuries. With an average age of 66, farmers in general are not getting younger and G
Author: Joanna Coles
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Succession planning is a necessary but difficult process. FarmLASTS estimates 88% of farmers and farmland owners do not have an exit plan. With good communication and a well-developed plan, transitioning a family farm or business can be accomplished. The Butler, Logan and Warren County agriculture extension agents led and taught a 3-part virtual farm transitions series. The program was offered by all Mammoth Cave agriculture agents and had 16 participants with farm estate value
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
With the continued global pandemic agriculture is seeing higher input costs for production. State cost-share programs are allowing local producers to continue to operate during the times of higher production costs. The local Agriculture Development Council met and appropriated over $243,000 to the County Agriculture Investment Program to fund 77 producers in Mason County. The funds will be utilized on operations to purchase improved forages, increase herds, agriculture diversif
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Programs that help farmers improve management, production and marketing practices are a continued priority identified by the Oldham County Ag Development Council and Extension Council. Tax information and other farm business management resources were identified as important needed information to assist new and existing farmers, based on client calls. The Oldham County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent partnered with the UK Extension Farm Business Management State Coordinator
Author: Dee Heimgartner
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
During the 2020 legislative session the KY General Assembly passed a bill that would change the process for obtaining agriculture tax exemptions for farm use. The Crittenden County ANR Agent Dee Heimgartner saw that this change could have an impact on a broad range of clients, farmers, land owners and even small businesses in the community. Heimgartner set out to educate the public on these changes. The change would require farmers to fill out a new form to obtain an agriculture exemption number
Author: Chuck Flowers
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Carlisle County Ag Development Board and the Carlisle County Soil Conservation District administered the CAIP or County Ag Investment Program. This is funding that comes to the county based on the tobacco base in the county at the time of the Tobacco Settlement Master Agreement from tobacco companies. The CAIP money spent last year was $82,173.00. Twenty-two landowners received funding up to $4000.00/practice/person totaling approximately $1,017,493.78 spent in the county thru Au
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
On January 10th, 2022 the Rockcastle County Extension office partnered with the Rockcastle County Conservation district and USDA FSA office to hold a CAIP cost share informational meeting. The meeting was held to help producers complete applications, update and complete ag water quality plans, answer questions about farm serial numbers and inform producers on rules and opportunities for investment areas. In two separate meetings, held at 1pm and 6pm, 97 producers attended the meeting
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The 2022 Leadership LaRue Ag Day was held on March 17th 2022 with 10 participants from the LaRue County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership LaRue 2022 Class. The event is to help educate our community about the changes that have occurred in agriculture over the past years and to highlight the positive impacts they make on our local economy. This behind-the-scenes look at local agriculture allowed community leaders the opportunity to meet the hard-working farmers and producers who keep the her
Author: Timothy Estes
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
As anyone could guess, the last few years have been extremely challenging for everyone. Farmers have certainly not been immune to any of those challenges. In fact, within the last few months those challenges have multiplied mainly because of the drastic increase in inputs (Fertilizer, chemicals, etc.). And of course, when those increase then the bottom lines of the farmers are affected and eventually the consumers down the line. As a result of those issues, I felt the n
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
According to the 2017 Ag Census, Clark County have over 800 farms and around $34,028,000 in agricultural sales with livestock sales equaling 55% of total sales. Also Clark county has 14,576 households according to the 2019 census. With this knowledge, the Clark County Extension Office worked to hold the 2022 Winter School. The purpose of the 2022 Winter School was to hold a three day series covering beef finishing nutrition, pasture weed control, backyard bramble production, homebased producer r
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The economy in 2022 has been one for the books and farmers are experiencing unprecedented price increases on input costs which has created challenges and uncertainties when ordering supplies and planning for the growing year. Urea fertilizer in spring of 2021 was $16 for a 50 lb bag; currently, in the spring of 2022- that same bag of fertilizer is $32. In response to this increase and potential affect on farmers profitability, Campbell County ANR Agent partnered with JD Green, UK Weed Science Sp
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Madison County consistently ranks in the top 5 for acres of grass produced, tons of hay produced and number of cows and feeder calves. Various types of farm equipment are required to produce these commodities. Unfortunately, many of these machines cost tens of thousands of dollars and many farmers are not able to justify ownership for small operations. Additionally, about fifteen years ago our local Conservation District discontinued their No-Till drill shared use program for local farmers.Seein
Author: Stacy White
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
With ever increasing input costs farmers are finding it more difficult to remain profitable as of late. In response to clientele questions on how to reduce the amount of chemical and seed costs, the ANR agent hosted a precision agriculture workshop focusing on lightbar technology and proper calibration and use of seed drills. The workshop was led by two UK specialists and occurred on a Saturday. The first half of the workshop presented information on lightbar technology that po
Author: Joanna Coles
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Supporting beginning farmers is a topic identified by stakeholders across Kentucky. A committee of agriculture agents from the Mammoth Cave Area of Kentucky worked together to develop a 4-session program that would provide a sound foundation for clients that want to start a farming operation. The sessions were delivered via ZOOM. Each session was 1 hour long. Sessions were developed to address questions that many beginning farmers have and provide beginning farmers with i
Author: Benjamin Rudy
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
With 83.53% of the land in all four river counties used for crop production, agriculture holds a strong presence in these counties. A one billion dollar impact and $359,967,000 worth of products sold across 960 farms- WAVE AG Day highlights agriculture in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman County. The 4th year for the event, River Counties WAVE AG Day, was held in Fulton County at the Riverfront in Hickman City on July 22nd from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm. The theme “Let&rsquo
Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The language in the current farm bill allows farmers to make a new election each year on what commodity program to implement on their farm. With the loss of a Grain Marketing Specialist on the State Extension Level, Tom Miller Ballard County ANR Agent worked with Dr. Greg Halich and Dr. Kenny Burdine to develop some material that other ANR Agents across the state could use to help their producers. Tom Miller also reached out to specialists at Kansas State, University of Missouri and
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Minor equipment breakdowns can cost producers big money in lost time or repair bills. Through discussion with local producers and the Clinton Co. ANR Agent the need for hands-on basic welding instruction was mentioned. After discussion with the Cumberland County ANR agent and the Albany Technology center welding instructor, it was decided to offer the program as a combined effort for a total of 12 participants. The class filled up within a few days of advertising. There is now a waitlist f
Author: Steven Musen
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Kentucky Ag. Development Funds County Ag. Investment Program (CAIP) cost-share program has been used to assist in the restructuring of Jessamine County Agriculture, helping to alleviate financial challenges caused by the loss of tobacco income and diversify the agriculture production base. The nine members of the Jessamine County Agriculture Development Board, in cooperation with the Jessamine County Extension ANR Agent, have worked hard to maximize the use of the KADF cost-share funds
Author: Kenneth Burdine
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Following the success of the Cow-calf Profitability Conferences in 2020 and 2021, Extension economists (Kenny Burdine, Greg Halich, and Jonathan Shepherd) wanted to offer something similar, but targeted at backgrounding and stocker operations. With the help of funding from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund and the partnership with the Kentucky Beef Network, the Backgrounding and Stocker Profitability Conference was developed. The program was intended to provide a detailed educational se
Author: Kenneth Burdine
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Beginning beef producers need to develop skills in goal setting, farm financial management, and basic marketing. At the same time, new beef cattle producers often struggle to attend in-person programs due to demands on their time from off-farm employment and often having young families. With this is mind, the concept for an educational video series targeting new beef producers was born. The Beef Business Foundations series is a collection of 8 educational, conversational, Youtube-style videos de
Author: Kenneth Burdine
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
I began writing a weekly market update in April of 2020 as a way to continue communicating regularly with beef cattle industry stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fall of that same year, I transitioned this into a partnership with colleagues at Mississippi State University and the University of Arkansas. Each week, we alternate writing Cattle Market Notes Weekly. By taking this approach, I can write a market article every three weeks, but my clientele receive a market outlook article e
Author: Kelsey Marcum
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Nationally 30% of all farm operators are women. In Kentucky, there are 31,419 women operators of which 8,200 are principle operators. Of all women principal operators in the state, 87.2% are full owners. Undeniably, women make up a significant portion of agriculturalists in our area. Because of these statistics, local area Extension Agents felt a need to reach out to this underserved audience to provide support, education, and networking opportunities. Casey, Cumberland, Grayson, McCreary,
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Casey County Extension Service was approached by a representative of Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment with an idea for a joint education program. It was noted that many people purchase farm equipment without considering what would work best for their farm operations and instead just guessing. This tactic of course resulting in the farm equipment not working as well as the farmer would expect. The agriculture agents from Casey, Pulaski, and Russell Counties all got together with the Tarter rep
Author: Jay Hettmansperger
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
High input costs have put a strain on producer profits. Fertilizer and fuel prices have more than doubled since last year. Making farmers scrambling to make a profit in their operation. The ANR agent has worked with several producers in Garrard County on ways to effectively cut some cost without cutting production. Producers have learned how to use fertilizer efficiently by soil sampling for nutrient needs and setting realistic yield goals. They have also learned how to save fuel cos
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The purpose of the Meade County Ag Field Day is to educate farmers and landowners on improved agricultural practices that are economical and safe to man as well as the environment. Mead County has a tradition of holding a field day on a local farm and producers expect the Extension Office to implement it. For many years now the Meade County Extension Office collaborates with the Meade County Conservation District and the Natural Resource and Conservation Service to plan and host an Ag Fiel
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
As with most counties in the Commonwealth, the farming community population of Russell County is rapidly coming of retirement age. With the increase in age of the farmer, the largest transfer of assets is starting to take place in the United States. When most people think of Estate Planning, they think of taxes and how can I avoid having to pay so much in taxes. But according to UK Specialist Dr. Issacs, this should not be of major concern to most people in the agriculture worl
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The scope of agriculture in Grant County has evolved over the past 20 years. Burley tobacco production no longer remains the economic driver for farm revenue. Farmers looked to supplement the loss of tobacco income with more and additional sources for farm revenue. The Grant County Agriculture Development Council has been proactive in utilizing funds from the Master Settlement Agreement to assist farmers. These efforts allow farmers to merge their businesses with the late
Author: Robert Smith
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
For more than twenty years the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund has been a staple of Nelson County agriculture advancement. To date over $3,500,000 has been distributed to farmers and farm businesses in our county. Entities like Boones Butcher Shop and McIntyres Winery were early beneficiaries of the funds and that helped rebuild and develop these Nelson County staples. The fund has helped make farms safer by revamping countless cattle handling facilities, increased safe
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Finding new ways to reach new Extension clients is always a struggle for agents. Answering the question, “where do folks get their information?” is a tough one. In 2016 Extension agents began a daily radio show on WGGC. WGGC is a 100,000-watt FM radio station in Bowling Green, KY. The show airs each weekday morning at 5:00AM and is the start of the station’s daily programming. The Get the Scoop radio show has gained in popularity with listeners an
Author: Jacob Ison
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Drones have become a valuable tool in todays society for many plans of work. Drones in Agriculture give the Farmer a birds eye view for management practices, whether it be checking on livestock or looking at crop pest and disease management. On June 28th and June 29th Elliott County Extension office was able to team up with Kentucky Agriculture Training Schools to make available a FAA Drone Pilot Certification Prep Class for the people in the Eastern, KY area. The class was from 8am-3:30pm both
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
District 1 Agriculture and Natural Resources/Horticulture Agents had requests by local clientele of programming efforts to discuss estate planning for the family farm. A two-part program was developed to discuss aspects of estate planning as it relates to agriculture and the family farm. A total of eight sessions were developed to cover important topics of estate planning. The program would offer four winter/spring sessions and conclude with four fall sessions to dive deeper
Author: Jonathan Shepherd
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Meet with a farm family that is currently looking to transition from parental ownership to children and spouses. The goals of the meetings were to discuss transition opportunities and mechanisms. Along with that, discussion centered around tax consequences and other areas of concern. Follow-up meetings included discussions of communication and record keeping and how to balance fairness with equity. My primary role was to identify areas of concern for both parties and then
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Women make up nearly 40% of the agricultural producers in Kentucky. The number of ladies who own and operate farms and agribusinesses continues to increase each year. The importance of their contributions to a vibrant agricultural economy are tremendous. “Ladies in Ag” was an educational series designed to educate, empower, inspire, and connect ladies who are involved or interested in agriculture. It featured motivational stories presented by strong women who shared their experi
Author: Trevor Claiborn
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Trevor Claiborn Small Farms County Agent Assistant 11008654 Success Story -September 2021Before and during a pandemic, Kentucky State University, Area Small Farm Assistant and KSU Area Agent for Small Farm Program provides technical assistance to a Farm Family in Scott County KentuckyThe Kentucky State University (KSU) Small Farm Program is an Extension program designed to help farm families with decision-making skills to solve farm and home problems. It includes educational programs
Author: Trevor Claiborn
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Kentucky State University (KSU) Small Farm Program is an Extension program designed to help farm families with decision-making skills to solve farm and home problems. It includes educational programs that emphasize farm production, farm management, and marketing. It also includes the use and understanding of local county programs and USDA agencies and their programs, plus providing technical assistance in completing applications for the program and the entire application process.  
Author: Jordan Shockley
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In the Spring of 2021, popular press articles were reporting on the opportunity and benefits of enrolling in pilot carbon programs across the U.S. Touting high payments, low enrollment costs, environmental benefits, and increased yields gained the attention of farmers. Numerous stakeholders contacted our department asking if we knew about carbon programs, what qualified, and whether they could receive payments for adopting carbon sequestering production practices. Given Kentucky stak
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The office held the Fayette County Extension Expo and open house. This event allowed the ANR program to showcase what it does and talk with members of the community who may not be directly involved in agriculture. There were agriculture displays set up, including shrimp from a local farm, as well as local farmers available to chat about farming in Fayette County. I met numerous potential clients and folks that didn't realize we offered services to farmers and agricultural produce
Author: Aaron Redmond
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Due to COVID – 19 Leslie County has not ran a Kentucky Department of Agriculture Policy, Tobacco Settlement Agreement program in two years, this brought funding from the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund to $60,000 to disperse into the county via a cost share program. Leslie County Soil Conservation and The County Ag Development board voted to administer the funds in the form of a County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP). Since a program had not been ran in two years extension fel
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Over the past 2 years, we have all learned new ways to connect with people. Even during a global pandemic, businesses found ways to continue to meet the needs of their clientele and families found ways to stay connected without gathering in person. Stepping out of our comfort zones to learn new skills quickly became the new normal. The pandemic is nearly over, but learning and adapting to new ways to connect to our clientele is still a priority. After attending a podcast
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
KY Ag Matters Over the past 2 years, we have all learned new ways to connect with people. Even during a global pandemic, businesses found ways to continue to meet the needs of their clientele and families found ways to stay connected without gathering in person. Stepping out of our comfort zones to learn new skills quickly became the new normal. The pandemic is nearly over, but learning and adapting to new ways to connect to our clientele is still a priority. After
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Phase I funding continues to play an integral part of the agriculture of Green County. The Green County Agricultural Development Board helped to administer over $300,000 to the agriculture producers of Green County.The council funded producers with the C.A.I.P. program that included: genetics, fencing, on farm water development, cattle handling, hay storage, diversification, technology, dairy diversification, and forage improvement. Several different educational offerings included as part of the
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Tri-County Ag Extension Group consists of Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents in Webster, McLean and Hopkins Counties. The counties are not only alike geographically, but also agriculturally. Many producers in the tri-county area farm in all three counties. With specialist demand during the “winter meeting season” coupled with travel constraints, moving toward multi-county educational opportunities just makes sense. The Tri-County Ag Extension Group offe
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Crop production is a major part of the agriculture economies in Western Kentucky, with Corn, Soybeans, and wheat being the major crops produced in most counties. To meet the needs of producers, Ag agents in Hopkins, McLean, and Webster Counties have worked together to identify the educational needs of Grain Producers and develop programs to meet those needs. In addition to the Tri-County plot work that has been done in the past, agents have worked to provide additional opportunities and del
Author: Roger Mollette
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The Martin County Agricultural Development Council recently received $30,000.00 from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Council. The County Council with the Martin County Soil Conservation District acting as the Administrator of the program has chosen the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP). Producers with a Farm Number and Water Quality Plan may apply for up to $5,000.00 for Primary Focus Areas and up to $1,500.00 for Secondary Focus Areas. Producers will be respo
Author: Matthew Futrell
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The accessibility of information to farmers has never been higher. Emails, blogs, social media, videos, and online training are bridging the information gap. This is true for all agricultural sectors except Amish and Mennonite farmers. Christian and Todd counties are two of the most Amish-populated counties in the state. Kentucky is the 8th most Amish-populated state with 15,000. Limited access to phones and internet sources, make it challenging for Amish farmers to get timely production informa
Author: Camille Dant
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In May, Dr. Tim Woods and I held a Market Ready training specific to Sheep and Goat value-added products. This training was held with help from the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. We had three participants attend the event and all three were attentive and involved during the training. Once producer out of Owenton is currently working with Dr. Woods on branding and how to make their product stand out from their competitors. Each producer had different needs and our training was struct
Author: Nathan Rider
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
There are only 486 farms in Bullitt County according to the 2017 USDA Ag Census, a number that shrinks each year. As such, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for children in the county to gain perspective on the source of their food. To address the farm-to-food disconnect in April 2022, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Bullitt County welcomed 125 students from Mount Washington Elementary for a day of hands-on learning at the 2022 Youth Farm Field Day. Studen
Author: Savannah Columbia
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Kentucky’s Farm to School Network (KF2SN) hosted two virtual training sessions for Kentucky Extension Agents interested in teaching farm to school lessons in the classroom. During the program, titled Highlighting Farm to School in the Classroom, members of the KF2SN showcased farm to school lessons for all levels of primary and secondary education. 30 agents attended on our August 30th training and 22 agents attended on our September 1st training. Post training, agents were prompted to tak
Author: Savannah Columbia
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In 2021, the MarketReady Training Program went from an in-person event to a virtual platform. The virtual learning experience was well-received. From July 2021 to June 2022, we have had 94 Kentucky growers and/or producers participate in our virtual trainings [this includes our MarketReady Training and its follow-up Adv. Topic trainings]. The sustained interest in MarketReady has led our team to develop plans for two Buyer Tours in August – one in Lexington and one in Louisville. During ea
Author: Gregory Halich
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Programming in Bale Grazing 2021-2022Bale Grazing is a winter feeding practice originally developed in the western Canadian provinces and portions of the northern US. Done correctly, it can reduce equipment and labor (no tractor is required for feeding) and dramatically increase pasture fertility. However, it had to be adapted to work well in the Upper South as our soils aren’t frozen over for months at a time during winter. I started bale grazing on one of my personal fa
Author: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Morgan County is one of the few counties in Eastern Kentucky that is experiencing population growth. This trend reversal is due to the in-migration of new landowners and farmers from the western and northern United States. Enabled by internet property listings, many new owners are purchasing farms sight unseen and often with little to no experience in agriculture. Armed with enthusiasm for their new venture, many of them are reaching out to the Extension office for education an
Author: Phillip Long
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Since we use these stories as a resource for multiple requests, don’t restrict Success Stories only to traditional Extension appointments and activities. Any accomplishments and efforts that are noteworthy may be included.Recently, the hot temperatures that we normally have in Kentucky in early summer, have created problems in ponds for farmers and homeowners alike. Algae that are produced in farm ponds can be a nuisance for farmers who rely on this source for livestock water. Algae c
Author: Camille Dant
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
To add to our current MarketReady trainings, we are expanding into value-added dairy. With many dairy producers in the state creating value-added dairy products, we are adapting our MarketReady training to fit those needs. Along with the University of Tennessee and the Center for Profitable Agriculture we are educating the producers on how to get their products to larger markets as well as expand their brand awareness and the importance of local dairy.This year we will host a MarketReady Dairy t
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Extension MinuteIn 2016 we had a dream of getting space on the local radio station to give quick and to the point Extension information and leave the listener with the tag, ‘for more information, call your local Extension Service’. The dream came true, we have 3 full time sponsors for the program called, Extension Minute. We do see an increase in questions on the topics that were discussed that week. I am also met on the street with, the tag, And Now for Your Extens
