Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Jann Knappage
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Nutrition Education Program hosted a Farmers Market Nutrition Assistance Panel Zoom Training for Extension Agents and Assistants, farmers and farmers market managers. We had 81 people participate from around the state. Our seven panelists included personnel from: the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. NEP created an in-depth infographic that summarized the entire panel as a follow-up to this training. The audience was t
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
**Pendleton County Extension Office Country Ham Project: A Recipe for Success**The Pendleton County Extension Office Country Ham Project has matured over the years, this initiative has grown into a thriving success story, uniting youth, adults, and the local community in the art of preserving country hams.**Youthful Beginnings:**It all began with the enthusiasm of 19 4-H youth and 7 Cloverbuds who embarked on the path of preserving and celebrating the iconic country ham. With dedication and guid
Author: Kenna Knight
Major Program: Local Food Systems
"Through our 'Fitness for Produce Challenge,' we ignited a health revolution in our community, rallying 49 participants to complete a remarkable total of 134 physical activities. These dedicated individuals engaged in ten diverse physical activities and embarked on five inspiring group-led hikes, fostering camaraderie and well-being.As a result, we distributed $670 worth of tokens, providing participants the opportunity to make healthier food choices at our local farmers market. Not
Author: Steven Mobley
Major Program: Local Food Systems
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the number of young farmers in Laurel County is in steady decline. The report showed that the percentage of Laurel County’s farmers that were aged 25 and under was 11% in 1969 but that number had decreased to 4% by 2017. The largest increase in an age group was with farmers aged 65 and over, which grew from 18% in 1969 to 40% in 2017. This clearly indicates that fewer young people are choosing the occupation of agricultural pro
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Local Food Systems
According to the CDC, a recent report showed many Kentucky children ages 1 through 5 years old do not eat at least one fruit or vegetable each day. There are many reasons why children or other family members do not eat fruit or vegetables daily. Increasing their access to quality nutrition is of utmost importance.In response to this need, the Knox County 4-H, FCS, and ANR Extension Agents along with several community partners such as, the Knox County Farmers' Market and the Extension P
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Muhlenberg County Farmers Market has a loyal customer base but many county residents still do not buy fresh locally grown produce at the market. The Muhlenberg County Farmers Market vendors, the Muhlenberg County Cooperative Extension Service, and Muhlenberg County Tourism worked together to increase the awareness level of all county residents regarding what market vendors grow and have for sale. A Farm to Fork event was held on July 22 at a local park in Central City. One hundred and sevent
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Farm Fresh to Table is a program that brought multiple groups within the Mercer County community together to provide fresh produce to youth in need. The Mercer County Horticulture Agent partnered with Heart of Kentucky United Way, Mercer County Community Endowment, Mercer County Schools, and Mercer County Farmers Market. Throughout the summer children would visit the farmers market once a month and receive a bag of produce valued at $20. The bags also include other local products like meat
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Grant County Farm to Table shines a spotlight that showcases local farm products. Consumers have moved their decisions by making choices that have increased for demand for locally grown fresh produce, meat and eggs. Supply chain scarcity has pushed consumer focus away from the grocery shelf and toward the farm stand. Quite simply consumers want to know the person that is growing their food by name. Local farmers and farmers markets have become the consumer&rsqu
Author: Benjamin Prewitt
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Growing fresh produce in Southeastern Kentucky can be a challenge for a lot of folks, to say the least. Our soil type along with our unpredictable weather during the growing season and the pests that come with this weather are a few of the primary factors associated with unsuccessful gardening in Kentucky. The Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service wanted the folks in our community to be aware of more of the non-traditional ways of growing produce, outside of your typical backyard gar
Author: Maelyn Dotson
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Over the last several years, the Lawrence County Farmer’s Market has taken a big hit with the loss of farmers & buyers. After the 2022 Farmer’s Market Season the Lawrence County Extension staff, including Farmer’s Market Manager Stacy Jordan, brainstormed several ideas to attempt to increase numbers at the market.One attempt to increase numbers was the first annual artisan vendor evening market in June of 2023. This evening market was a huge success with a huge turnout from
Author: Maggie Forsee
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problem-In February of 2023 I held the first meeting for the Riverview Farmers Market. I had one previous member attend. She informed me of the past issues that they had ran into and that would need to be addressed prior to gaining more members. There were issues with insurance for producers and a lack of leadership within the market. The educational program response-I attended the trainings for new market managers, and talked with many agents who were running markets currently. After t
Author: Glen Roberts
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problemThe educational program responseThe participants/target audienceOther partners (if applicable)Program impact or participant response.Growing Fruit and Vegetables in a large school garden utilized by the school food serviceby Glen RobertsPlanning Unit: Wayne County CESMajor Program: Horticulture, CommercialCollaborators: Glen Roberts, ANR agent, Terry Bertram, ANR assistant, Danny Adams, KSU Small Farm Assistant, Justin Horton, FFA Adviser/VoAg instructor, Kathryn Tucker, Sch
Author: Evan Tate
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Small farms who raise niche crops and small scale produce are often at a disadvantage when marketing their products on a regional scale. Additionally, small operations often do not have the facilities to further process crops toward a market ready value added convenience item to further drive sales and profitability.The Hancock Co Cooperative Extension Service has invested significant time in gathering resources for small farm operations so that these entities could move further toward sustainab
Author: Deborah Stumbo
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problem-- Profitable local farms producing locally grown vegetables, value added foods, crafts, and fresh food.The educational program response-- Training was provided in various topics from business planning/record keeping, plant production, value added, Kentucky Proud/Appalachian Proud, Voucher/Double Dollars/WIC usage/acceptance.The participants/target audience-- Local Farmers, crafters, food vendors, etc. Along with Senior and WIC Receipients to improve financial position of the fa
Author: Deborah Stumbo
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problem-- Students that are sensory impaired are rately provided a positive outcome and contacts for success and dealing with the real world.The educational program response-- Provide a night at the Farmers Market in which sensory impaired young people can participate and learn about our local Farmers MarketThe participants/target audience-- Autistic and otherwise impaired young people can particpate in an activity designed to bring them into being an accepted part of the Farmers Market acti
Author: Miranda Rudolph
Major Program: Local Food Systems
There has been an ongoing issue in Graves County with creating and sustaining a robust Farmers' Market for the community. Due to several issues, among them not having a good, permanent location to host a market, there has been a lot of negative feedback regarding any efforts to make a market available . According to the 2017 Census, Graves County is the number 1 county for Ag Sales, beating out the second place county by almost $1.2 million dollars. As a county built around agriculture, it h
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: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Romanticized versions of Farmers Markets do not accurately depict the hard work that is needed to grow, harvest, and successfully bring a crop to the consumers. From weather conditions and high input costs to labor shortages and lots of heavy toting, most folks do not appreciate the commitment, time, and chores that market farmers undertake. With a high level of food insecurity in Morgan County, especially among youth and seniors, it is even more important that these growers (primarily wom
Author: Chadwick Conway
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Statistics have shown that local farmer’s markets provide numerous attributes to the community they serve, including wide growth to the local economy. In 2013, the Knott County Extension Service began a weekly farmers market,In summer of 2022 the market was hit with devastating flood, damaging the pavilion it serves from. In an effort to bring some normalcy back to our community, the market reopened in June of 2023. Due to some market growers not participating because of the impact th
Author: Raul Villanueva
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Dominican Republic was the first producer of organic bananas during past years but in 2023 it was displaced by Ecuador. A new invasive pest, the banana russet mite, is causing havoc in this country and farmers are not able to control this new pest. Yields are being reduced more than 30% in 2023 compared with 2022. This pest was identified for the first time in this republic in 2020 as the banana rust mite, Phyllocoptruta musae. I visited this country from the 28th to 30th of November, invite
Author: Von Barnes
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problem students aren't familiar with eating locally.The educational program response a majority of the class.The participants/target audience were Newburg Middle School students. Other partners (if applicable) were the teachers in Newburg Middle.Program impact or participant response were students with excited about eating locally. Roughly 80% - 85% were more excited while 15% - 20% of the student were not impressed with change.Newburg Middle School recently held a career explorati
Author: Adam Leonberger
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Many downtown Frankfort residents face difficulties in accessing fresh and high-quality produce, as the nearest grocery store is more than 3.5 miles away. To address this challenge, the Franklin County Farmer’s Market and Franklin County Cooperative Extension Service have collaborated to improve the food access for low-income households in Frankfort. The Farmer's Market has seen a remarkable growth in sales and customers, reaching over $610,000 from more than 60 local producers, a
Author: Kristen Fristoe
Major Program: Local Food Systems
In 2021 Magoffin County had 23.1% food insecurity rate compared to the 12.9% average for Kentucky.The Farmer's Market offers residents another option for buying fresh produce. There are only a handful of options to buy fresh produce otherwise, as Magoffin County is a food desert. The Farmer's Market also promotes the local economy by supporting local growers. Our Market offers vouchers to senior citizens and WIC participants through grants and we also participate in the Kentucky Dou
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Local Food Systems
A sausage making success. Learn made fun through Sausage Making Livingston County ANR joined forces with neighboring counties; Calloway, Marshall, McCracken, and Graves, to host a summer sausage-making class in Graves County. The event drew a diverse crowd, sparking overwhelming interest in Livingston County residents. Responding to demand, Livingston ANR hosted a class with exceptional turnout and enthusiasm. Participants, ranging from high schoolers to seniors
Author: Brandon George
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Success Story 04/13/2024Brandon George, Kenton County Horticulture Extension Agent Sharing Extension Knowledge and Resources with the people of Belize On the morning of Friday, January 26, eleven extension specialists and agents presented at the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative in the village of San Antonio, Belize. As part of a study tour of Belize, led by Dr. Jennifer Hunter, our group was tasked with presenting on topics within our scope of expertise that would provide relevant
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Local Food Systems
In the Frankfort "Local Foods, Local Places" community conversation, people expressed a need for more school gardens and more local foods to be served in school meals. The Love Local Lunch idea was created for Frankfort Independent Schools by the Farm to School Coordinator through the efforts of The Farmers Market and community volunteers. The free meal to all students, staff and parents celebrated local farmers, community partners, and the work of feeding each other. The Franklin
Author: Adam Leonberger
Major Program: Local Food Systems
During the “Local Foods, Local Places” community discussion in Frankfort, people voiced a desire for increased school gardens and more locally sourced foods in school meals. As a response to this need, the Love Local Lunch initiative was established for Frankfort Independent Schools. This project emerged through the collaborative efforts of the Farm to School Coordinator, The Farmers Market, and dedicated community volunteers.The Love Local Lunch pr
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Title: From Farm to Table: A Journey of Culinary DiscoveryIn a small, bustling community nestled between rolling hills and fertile fields, a remarkable educational series unfolded, weaving together the threads of culinary curiosity and the essence of farm-to-table living. This journey of gastronomic enlightenment began with a humble invitation: "Come learn about where your food comes from."Class One: Crafting Summer SausageThe inaugural session of the series set the stage for a hands-o
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Living on a Few Acres Farm Conference brought together 52 participants from five different counties across Kentucky, fostering an exchange of knowledge and ideas on sustainable farming practices. UK Cooperative Extension Agents from Pulaski, McCreary, Russell, and Casey counties organized and led a series of classes that delved into various aspects of small-scale agriculture, including soils management, beekeeping, vegetable gardening, poultry, rabbits for meat production, small ruminant car
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Our community wants to be more resiliency and sustainable. One way to promote that is by offering a seed swap. Having seeds to swap was not a requirement to attend. In addition to the seeds brought by clients, seed packets were available that had been donated by the local Ace Hardware.Before the swap began, seeds were placed on tables according to type of plant. Then the Agent gave a brief presentation on how to save and store seeds, as well as guidelines on how to proceed with the swap. On
Author: Jason Phillips
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Fresh food accessibility can be minimal when operating on a limited budget. This can be especially true without knowledge of how to properly grow and prepare fresh food products. Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority expressed an interest in learning more about growing fresh vegetables, proper gardening techniques and utilization of fresh vegetables in recipes. In response, the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Simpson County NEP Ass
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problem: Food producers are responsible for producing safe and wholesome produce. The educational program response: Five Produce Best Practice Trainings were held to educate producers on food safety.The participants/target audience: Farmers Market vendors .Other partners (if applicable) NAProgram impact or participant response. Sixteen Farmers Market vendors completed the Produce Best Practices certification training, passed the test and received their PBPT diploma.
Author: Jessica Morris
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: James Morgeson
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Lactobacillus-fermentation programs were requested and taught not only to Washington County residents, but surrounding county participants and the Horticulture Agent even traveled (at the request of a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent) for over an hour to teach the art of lactobacillus-fermentation. Eager participants attended with curiosity and a desire to learn the age-old tradition of lactobacillus-fermentation. Participants learned the history, needs, and science behind lactobacillus-fermen
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problemEdmonton is the seat of Metcalfe County and has only two small grocery stores selling fresh produce. The produce on offer at the grocery’s is often poor in quality, limited variety, and costly. The educational program responseThe Metcalfe County Farmers Market (MCFM) was started in 2008 by the Metcalfe County Extension Agents for Family and Consumer Sciences and Agriculture Education in response to repeated requests from community members for access to purchasing lo
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Mercer County Farmers Market has been under the guidance of Mercer County Cooperative Extension for more than 20 years. In the past two years the market has seen an increase in membership and market participation. After much discussion the market voted to branch out on their own. This move comes as a testament to the market's growth and popularity within the community, as well as its increasing autonomy and confidence.The Mercer County Horticulture Agent connected the farmers marke
Author: Benjamin Prewitt
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problemSince being hired with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in September of 2021, I have worked diligently to rejuvenate the atmosphere and activeness of the Whitley County Farmers Market. With housing two different cities within the perimeters of Whitley County, the Whitley County Farmers Market takes place in two different locations on a weekly basis. In years past, there was an overwhelming difference in the number of Vendors as well as Market-Comers in each of
