Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Rooted In Shelby is a volunteer-conceived and implemented program designed to promote the sale of horticultural, agricultural, and other products produced by Kentucky Proud enterprises located in Shelby County. Areas represented can be anything grown or produced in Shelby County, including but not limited to, meat, dairy, equine, fruits, vegetables, grains, sod, honey, and artisanal farm products. A recognizable logo is used in conjunction with the Kentucky Proud logo to indicate a product
Author: Anthony Tackett
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Bourbon County Extension Service was fortunate to receive a 2021 Agriculture Mini Grant through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation. This grant was a $1000 grant that required matching funds. The Extension Office decided to use these funds to promote gardening among youth and families. 4-H, FCS, Horticulture/Ag and SNAP/NEP partnered in this interdisciplinary program to teach gardening skills, the value of growing your own food, simple food preparation skills, nutrition, the econ
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Local Food Systems
During the 2020 Covid-19 shut down we saw a large interest in individuals desiring to learn to grow food for themselves and their families, as they learned these new techniques several families soon began to ask questions about growing food for sale. In late 2020 a group of agriculture agents in Calloway, Marshall, McCracken, Caldwell, Trigg, Crittenden, and Livingston came together to address a rapidly growing trend of small “homestead plus” farms. We developed a series of “en
Author: Jamie Dockery
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The pandemic has dramatically increased food insecurity in our community. In order to offset some of these impacts we shifted our Extension office demonstration gardens to production mode. We have a small percentage of our Extension Master Gardeners who wanted to volunteer in a safe outdoor capacity. Our gardens became the focus of these efforts. Since mid-March this dedicated group has worked tirelesly to ensure maximum production. They have continually followed harvested crops with successive
Author: Heather Graham
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Wolfe Co. ANR agent secured $500 from the Wolfe County Farm Bureau for "Market Money." Market Money are vouchers that can be spent at the Wolfe County Farmers Market for local, fresh produce. Each voucher is worth $1 and 10 vouchers were made into a booklet. The ANR agent then partnered with FCS, 4-H, and SNAP to host special days at the WC Farmers Market, "A Day at the Market." On these days, Wolfe County residents could come to the market and obtain their voucher
Author: Paul Sizemore
Major Program: Local Food Systems
This Agent along with a group of leaders identified the need to promote and educate healthy living to promote lifestyle modifications and interventions with the children of our community. This decision was made based on the fact that 29 percent of our children are living in a food insecure household according to Kentucky Kids Count. This, coupled with the fact that while the average life expectancy is 78, in our county it is just 69. In Kentucky, 23.8% of youth aged 10 to 17 have obesity, giving
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Local Food Systems
It has long been known that permanent Farmers’ Market structures serve as a catalyst for community and economic development. A permanent facility creates opportunity for a solid market that, in turn, grows a strong customer base. In most cases, a facility increases vendors and vendor income, which is obviously crucial for farmers and their businesses, while also providing consumers with greater access to fresh, local produce. The economic benefits of farmers’ markets also extend to t
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
It is estimated that food travels approximately 1,500 miles from the farm to your plate. Many of Kentucky's Farmers are part of the larger food economy, but communities across the Commonwealth are moving towards smaller food systems, that often come with higher premiums for agricultural products for the farmers.Pendleton County ANR Agent is working alongside farmers and the foodservice industry to cultivate relationships that offer restaurants and groceries with top-quality freshness while p
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Agriculture awareness and appreciation is always an important topic among producers. An increasing percentage of the population does not have a connection to a farm, or how their food is produced. Educating the public on the importance of farming is vital to the future of production agriculture.The Monroe Co. Farm Bureau hosted an Ag Appreciation Day for youth. The students were brought to a local farm on school busses with their teachers. A short introduction to the importance of farming was gi
Author: Kathryn Wimberley
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Need: In 2021’s summer, 11,393 residents of McCracken County rented their home. McCracken County Horticulture and McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners (MCEMG) demonstrated how residents can grow vegetables, herbs and flowers without disturbing the soil using above-grade gardens. Gardens were July-October of 2021 at the McCracken County Extension Service on New Holt Road. The Program:14 McCracken County Extension Master Gardeners (MCEMG) used their knowledge gained as
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Farms are an essential and diverse part of Kentucky’s economy, contributing billions of dollars each year across the State. In Woodford County alone, agriculture and the businesses that support it are responsible for one out of three jobs and $565 million in annual revenue. The Extension Service continues to work toward a strong agricultural community and local food system. To promote local farms in the County, the Woodford County Extension Service partnered with Woodford Count
Author: Whitney Carman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Grayson County Farmer’s Market has been a viable market for over 15 years. It has served the community fresh local produce yearly and is a staple in the summer. However, over the last 5 years, lack of vendors and the increase in pressure to sell on the farm has limited the farmer’s market’s ability to be as strong as it once was. The Agriculture and Natural Resources agent, as well as other community wanted felt like it was time to make some changes to give it new life. In
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Local Food Systems
As consumers continue to become more conscious and interested in where their food comes from, and how it is being processed, there have been increased requests at the Magoffin County Extension Office for resources and programs surrounding growing, preserving, and processing fresh produce and more recently, meats. Particularly, several clients had mentioned that they would like to learn how to make their own summer sausage.After discussing the process of making summer sausage with the Wolfe and B
Author: Reed Graham
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Over the past decade, people have taken more interest in where their food comes from and what is in their food. In Breathitt and surrounding counties, interest in heritage skills has increased as a way to preserve skills of grandparents as well as extending their food dollar and taking pride in creating food for their family. This can be seen by the popularity of country ham programs for youth and adults in Kentucky.The Breathitt County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Reed Gr
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Sprouts Kids Club is a farmers market-based children program at the Pendleton County Farmers' Market (PCFM), that seeks to teach children about fruits and vegetables, local food systems, and healthy food preparation through fun activities. Participants engage in the full farmers market experience by trying new foods, having conversations with farmers, and buying local produce. Fun weekly activities ranging from cooking demonstrations to farmers market scavenger hunts provide nutrition, f
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Local Food Systems
We at the Lee County Extension Office have worked with 5 producers for the past 6 years developing off the farm beef sales. We have educated producers on cross breeding, feed rations, price structuring, and marketing off the farm beef. The goal was to sell more local beef and increase our local food supply. This goal was to also keep more of our money local. We have worked with five producers at this point of the program and they are now selling over 40 head of cattle off the farm ready for slau
Author: Deborah Stumbo
Major Program: Local Food Systems
With Covid hampering the number of clientele for the Farmers Market, the Voucher and Double Dollars program managed to put some extra money in the farmers pockets and to allow for our marginal new parents/senior population to eat healthier. The Double Dollars program was a success for the Pikeville Farmers Market. Grants were written with the CFA (Community Farm Alliance) to get the double dollars match for the WIC and Senior Vouchers sponsored by the KDA. It was a great success in t
Author: David Koester
Major Program: Local Food Systems
For numerous reasons home vegetable gardening has increased dramatically in the last 2 years. (Covid, Feelings of Food Insecurity, Desire for Family Activities at Home)After removing the old plastic from our demonstration high tunnel we decided to use this space for a home demonstration garden. The new garden was intended to mirror what clientele could do at home. Working with FCS Agent Diane Mason a list of vegetables was developed to include in the new garden. Our goal was to show our clientel
Author: April Wilhoit
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Fleming County Farmer's Market has been a integral part of the community for 19 years. Over the past 4 years I have worked closely with the Market to provide education as well as guidance. With the work and collaboration between the Extension Office and the Farmers Market we have assisted in providing a diverse avenue for products and goods that have been grown or produced locally. Each year the Extension Office provides a series of educational classes to the Farmers Ma
Author: Benjamin Prewitt
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program stimulates interest in local agriculture, creates a nontraditional market for Kentucky producers, increases quality of products available to school cafeterias, and ultimately increases Kentucky student fruit and vegetable consumption. This Farm to School Program ultimately gives Farmer's another outlet option when it comes to the produce they are growing on their farms and in th
Author: Adam Leonberger
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Access to local foods improves communities, by providing healthier food options and lowering environmental impacts from long distance transportation of food products. In addition, farmers that grow this produce rely on the income from sales to support their families. Farmers’ markets act as an outlet for local farmers to sell their crops while maintaining larger profit margins, when compared with selling produce to box stores or local groceries. However, in order for a market to be success
Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Community Supported Agriculture, popularly known as a CSA, is a system that connects the producer and consumers within their food system more closely. Members pay for their produce share before the season begins, usually winter, which aids farmers in purchasing necessary products during a time when income is typically low. In return for becoming a member, subscribers receive a weekly box of produce or other farm goods. This includes in-season fruits and vegetables and can expand to dried go
Author: Heather Graham
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Over the past decade, people have taken more interest in where their food comes from and what is in their food. In Wolfe and surrounding counties, interest in heritage skills has increased as a way to preserve skills of grandparents as well as extending their food dollar and taking pride in creating food for their family. This can be seen by the popularity of country ham programs for youth and adults in Kentucky.The Wolfe County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Heather Graham
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Our LaRue County Farmers Market has struggled throughout the years due to the proximity of other strong Farmers Markets. This was our first year to set up in the LaRue County High School parking lot which was closer to high traffic areas, the school's summer feeding program site. We have continued to increase access to, and the amount of, locally produced foods based on sales, number of vendors, number of customers, and redemption and usage of voucher programs. Vendors and produce sales have
Author: Anthony Tackett
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Our mission, to make a difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through research-based education, is fulfilled daily at the Bourbon County Cooperative Extension office by each of our programmatic areas comprised of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Horticulture, Family and Consumer Science, 4-H Youth Development and SNAP Ed. These programs by themselves provide impactful education to their corresponding clientele and reach further horizons when combined. A group effort was achieved as we we
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Metcalfe County Farmers Market (MCFM) continues to grow and increase in capacity. MCFM 2021 season ran every Friday beginning on April 2, continuing through November 19, 2021. Four first time vendors participated with MCFM during the 2021 season. 2021 was the first full – season for MCFM under the newly constructed, larger farmers market pavilion. The new pavilion was full of market day vendors on Fridays, from June – October 2021. The larger space can accommod
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The LaRue County Extension Office and LaRue County Farm Bureau Federation held it’s 4th annual Faith, Family, Farms and Food Dinner. The proceeds went to benefit the LaRue County FFA chapter. The entire dinner was sourced locally. All of the fruits and vegetables were from LaRue County, while the meats and cheeses were sourced from just outside the county lines. The menu included all the farms that the meal supported. The LaRue County Pork Producers prepared the pork for the meal. Tickets
Author: Brandon George
Major Program: Local Food Systems
According to 2019 research from FeedingAmerica.org, 11.4% of Kenton County’s population is food insecure or approximately 18,960 people and 59% of the county population is SNAP eligible. (FeedingAmerica.org) “A survey according to Bonnie Plants suggested that 20 million Americans planted a vegetable garden for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic and that younger generations are gardening, with nearly two in five Americans under 35-years-old growing food.” (Vinu.edu) Wit
Author: Linda Hieneman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
After the 2020 cancellation of the Holiday Market due to the pandemic, a renewed excitement, new vendors, and an impressive crowd of shoppers made the 6th annual 2021 Holiday Market a big success! Providing opportunities for the Creative Economy to thrive in our community is one of the missions of the Arts Extension Program. Many of the Cultural Arts participants in the Homemaker Program also participate as vendors in the Holiday Market. Many of the vendors are members of the Greenup County Farm
Author: Bethany Pratt
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Jefferson County is home to many community orchards, planted by various organizations and individuals over many years. The challenge with orchards is often in finding individuals committed to the long-term care of the site and plants to help the trees reach maturity and produce the much sought-after fruit. To help solve this problem, the Jefferson Co. Horticulture Agent along with the KSU Urban Agriculture Agent and members of the Louisville Urban Agriculture Coalition organized third annual Win
Author: Brandon George
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Over the course of three days, May 5th, 7th, and 9th, 32 people attend the Mighty Microgreens and Super Sprouts classes to discover the methods and benefits of growing these nutritionally dense foods at home. Attendees were given the opportunity to sample fresh microgreens and sprouts that were grown at our Kenton County extension office and received seeds to take home to try growing.Key survey data from the attendees indicated that only 10% had grown sprouts/microgreens at home before. 61% said
Author: Keith Hackworth
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Directed by the needs assessment from our leadership, Extension has been involved with home gardeners and small scale producers. We strive to educate them about horticultural crops and their production. Several educational programs were offered to those interested in home and commercial vegetable production. Because of these efforts, forty-eight individuals are producing vegetable crops for the first time this year. Most are low income producers. These individuals are producing fruits and vegeta
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Art and healthy eating come together through innovative charcuterie boards which have become very popular across the state. Discovering the history of smoking summer sausage while applying traditional techniques with present day technology has piqued interests from community residents. Harrison and Bourbon County, KY Ag & Natural Resource and Family & Consumer Sciences agents have partnered together on multiple occasions to share this exciting, collaborative workshop for hands-on experie
Author: Adam Leonberger
Major Program: Local Food Systems
When the pandemic reached the US and we entered lock-down, the Frankfort-Franklin County Emergency Management Center asked for volunteers to donate their time, items or space - for whatever may come. Since the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Service (FCCES) was closed to the public and Extension Agents were limited in what they could provide to the public, FCCES agents agreed to offer their time and the building space, if needed.The Frankfort-Franklin County Emergency Management Center off
Author: Faye Kuosman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
U.S. childhood obesity has tripled since 1980, with 9.5% of infants and toddlers and 16.9% of children ages 2 to 19 considered obese (Ogden, Carroll, Curtin, Lamb, & Flegal, 2010). Research shows that early childhood is the ideal time to establish a taste for healthy foods and a desire to try new things in order to encourage life-long, healthy habits. Research also clearly shows that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect against several chronic diseases, such as obesity,
Author: Paul Vijayakumar
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The OFRR (On-farm readiness review) is a voluntary assessment used to familiarize farmers with FMA-PSR (Food safety modernization act produce safety rule) requirements and highlight areas where their current practices may need attention. The goal is to provide individual farms with OFRR created tools that can help to assess their preparedness for the implementation of a new federal rule. The PSR became effective on January 26, 2016. The FDA recognized that PSR is a new regulation and that each f
Author: Paul Vijayakumar
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is a federal law transforming the nation’s food safety system. The “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption”, aka “Produce Safety Rule (PSR),” establishes for the first time, science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of fruits and vegetables grown for human consumption. The rule is part of the agency’s ongoing effo
Author: Paul Vijayakumar
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Better Process Control School In compliance with mandatory USDA and FDA regulations for the prevention of health problems from low-acid and acidified canned foods, the Food Systems Innovation Center offers the Better Process Control School to provide certification to supervisors on thermal processing systems and acidification and container closure evaluation programs. The UK-FSIC offers the Better Process Control School to provide certification in thermal processing systems and acidificatio
Author: Casey Newcomb
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Many growers have become involved in produce as communities in Kentucky want more locally grown food. With the boom in produce growers, the need for produce safety has increased. After the passing of the Produce Safety Rule within the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) stepping into inspections, growers need to be made aware of produce safety practices. Many events have been attended in order to spread the “need to knows” of produce safe
Author: Casey Newcomb
Major Program: Local Food Systems
In 2020, Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) was assigned to be the regulatory agency for the Produce Safety Rule in Kentucky. As KDA started to implement inspections, one requirement for growers that fall under the produce safety rule is that they complete the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training course. This course is open to Kentucky growers that are required to have it as well as those who don’t as it has best practices for any size operation. From July 1st, 2021 to June
Author: Paul Vijayakumar
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Dr. Paul Priyesh Vijayakumar’s produce safety team collaborated with the UK Horticulture Research Farm, Organic Association of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and participated in two field days, in Frankfort, KY (April 21, 2022) and Lexington, KY (May 17, 2022) with a focus on Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) produce safety rule. Information from the field days will aid producers in achieving regulatory compliance and facilitate their access to new opportunities by
Author: Gregory Comer
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Farmer’s Markets play a critical role for in today’s food systems, especially in small communities. They bring urban and rural communities together, while creating economic growth and increasing access to local, fresh, & healthy foods. USDA data show there are over 8200 Farmer’s Market listed in the National Farmer’s Market Directory nationwide, a 76% increase since 2008. The Beaver Dam Farmer’s Market flourished in 2
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Fresh, Local Food for All The Christian Outreach Food Pantry in Henderson County fills over five thousand food boxes annually to provide food for limited resource families in the community. Most of the products are donated by local grocers and other benevolent community groups. Mary Dunham, the food pantry director, reached out to Henderson County Extension to help fill the need for fresh produce. Henderson County Extension SNAP ED Assistant teamed up with the Horticultural Agent to p
Author: Alex Butler
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The USDA’s 2017 census indicated that 14 farmers utilized 16 acres for vegetable production. This is down from 2012 when 16 farmers utilized 25 acres for vegetable production. The Extension Agent led a discussion with the Anderson County Farmers Market Association regarding programming and subject matter prioritization. The marker has been rapidly expanding its number of participants under the current president and in 2022 has opened up its second location within the community.Several mont
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Rockcastle Cooperative Extension Service and The Rockcastle County Farmers Market have a relationship based upon promoting local food systems and supporting local farmers supplying fresh produce to customers. The farmers market has been steadily growing over the past 4 years, adding more vendors each year and increasing total sales. The Extension service is dedicated to the vendors of the farmers market by offering all trainings necessary for selling goods at the farmers market. &
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Farmers' Market Returns to it's Roots with Permanent Pavilionby Lindie HuffmanPlanning Unit: Pendleton County CESMajor Program: Local Food SystemsThe Pendleton County Farmers' Market is a longstanding market (est. 1988) that has seen tremendous growth over the last ten years. In 2013 with just 6 vendors, the market found a new home in a vacant lot on Hwy 27. With leadership of county ag agent, market began finding ways to become more engaged with community, establishing a p
Author: Shane Bogle
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Requests for local foods, Homesteading, and beginning farmer information has been on the rise since the onset of Covid 19 and has continued into 2022. Kentucky has a vast of array of resources available in multiple formats and over a dozen agencies to answer questions producers might have. After a lengthy planning process, agriculture agents in Caldwell, Crittenden, Calloway, Livingston Marshall, McCracken, and Trigg Counties partnered to develop and host the Small Diversified Farm,
Author: Benjamin Prewitt
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Being provided an opportunity to work in a rural community in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky where an economy is heavily reliant on the timber and coal mining industries, and where nearly 25% of families fall well below the poverty line. I have jumped on board with an amazing program called Plant, Grow and Learn. Working in conjunction with several entities around the community including Tri County Childhood Council, Save the Children, Whitley County Family Resource P
Author: Benjamin Prewitt
Major Program: Local Food Systems
There is no doubt that the last couple of years have been tough (to say the least) for Americans. Battling numerous things including a global pandemic and times of economic uncertainty. With this thought in mind, I decided that it would be an excellent time to introduce the topic of getting back to our roots and provide a program in our community on some basic gardening principles. The ultimate goal for this Beginning Gardening Program was for individuals to be able to obtain
Author: Linda Hieneman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
A large area of Eastern Kentucky has been identified as a food desert. A food desert is a location that is limited in being able to access fresh fruits and vegetables. Not having access to fruits and vegetables can limit these in individual’s diets leading to chronic health diseases such as diabetes or heart disease.USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) development has received funding to establish over one hundred high tunnels in the area to help farmers grow mor
Author: Matthew Futrell
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Partnering With OAKOrganic food production has hit an all-time high in the United States. According to the Organic Trade Association, “Organic food sales jump nearly 13% to record high in 2020.” As we see this trend continue to grow so does the request for organic production information. On March 17 and 18th 2022, the Christian County Cooperative Extension Service and the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) partnered to host an organic food production seminar. &nb
Author: Ruth Chowning
Major Program: Local Food Systems
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. Students v
Author: Amanda Potter
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Fresh mushrooms can be very costly when purchasing them from the local grocery stores, and foraging mushrooms can prove to be dangerous for those who are inexperienced. There are lots of varieties of gourmet mushrooms that are unavailable in most places due to the inability for them to withstand transport. Mushrooms prove to be extremely nutritious and have a wide variety of health benefits depending on the mushroom. I held a program that taught participants how to grow their own mushrooms
Author: Amy Aldenderfer
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides eligible low-income seniors with redeemable vouchers for fresh, unprocessed local fruits, vegetables, hone, and herbs at approved Farmer’s Markets. The program helps improve nutrition for low-income seniors, by providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The program also increases local farm sales and encourages individuals to shop at the local Farmers Market. The voucher system
Author: Amy Aldenderfer
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The eight-year collaboration continues between the Hardin County Farmers’ Market, the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service and the Lincoln Trail Area Master Gardeners. The Master Gardeners provide samples, recipes and information to the shoppers at the Hardin County Farmer’s Market once a month through the growing/selling season. The Master Gardeners prepare two recipes from the Kentucky Proud Plate It Up! Series. Then, pass out samples to the patrons of the Market, enco
Author: Amanda Potter
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Regional Farmers Market Meeting was held in April and hosted in Rowan County. The FCS agent and ANR agent worked together to provide food, a meeting place, and collect funds for the meeting. This meeting consisted of 7 counties including Elliot, Bath, Fleming, Carter, Morgan, Lewis, Menifee, and Rowan county. Those that attended the meeting were able to participate in educational presentations put on by both UK Specialists and those within the community. They also were given different i
Author: Chadwick Conway
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Knott County Agricultural Natural Resource Agent assists everyone to be more productive in growing food. In 2018 the agent was called to assist with a new installed greenhouse for vegetable production at the Hindman Settlement School. Luckily with great resources from the University of Kentucky Horticulture Department, we met and came up with a plan to begin production. Assistance and resources where given by the agent and UK horticulture technician and supplies was donated from
Author: Chadwick Conway
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Statistics have shown that local farmer’s markets provide numerous attributes to the community it serves, including wide growth to the local economy. The Knott County Extension Service began supporting a weekly farmer’s market in 2013. In 2022, in its ninth year, the market has seen tremendous growth and gained stability with two markets held weekly, and has enjoyed a steady number of customers throughout the growing season. Through these developing markets and the popularity of loca
Author: Kristin Hildabrand
Major Program: Local Food Systems
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. The Mammoth Cave Area ANR and HORT Agents teamed together to offer a 3 part hybrid evening series entitled “Ladies in Ag” in February 2022. This program was designed by agents to help educate, empower, inspire, and connect ladie
Author: Thomas Mann
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Riverview Farmers’ Market was busy and productive, with many member vendors and a reliable customer base. Like many other community endeavors and small businesses, however, the pandemic brought the success of the market to a grinding halt, with only one or two vendors at best showing up on a given weekend to keep the market alive. When I began my work in Carrollton, I heard again and again from community members that reviving the farmers&rsq
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Local Food Systems
U.S. childhood obesity has tripled since 1980, with 9.5% of infants and toddlers and 16.9% of children ages 2 to 19 considered obese (Ogden, Carroll, Curtin, Lamb, & Flegal, 2010). Research shows that early childhood is the ideal time to establish a taste for healthy foods and a desire to try new things in order to encourage life-long, healthy habits. Research also clearly shows that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect against several chronic diseases, such as obesity,
