Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The problemPumpkin production is on the increase in South Central Kentucky. The current demand of local grown agriculture products, and the booming agritourism industry have opened up a market for locally grown pumpkins. Pumpkins, as with all cucurbits, present unique challenges during the heat and humidity of Kentucky’s growing season. The weather related challenges and the lack of current production recommendations led W8 Agriculture Agents to bring this twilight pump
Author: Timothy Estes
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The problemPumpkin production is on the increase in South Central Kentucky. The current demand of local grown agriculture products, and the booming agritourism industry have opened up a market for locally grown pumpkins. Pumpkins, as with all cucurbits, present unique challenges during the heat and humidity of Kentucky’s growing season. The weather related challenges and the lack of current production recommendations led W8 Agriculture Agents to bring this twilight pump
Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
"Hort Culture," a new weekly podcast created by the Boyle and Bourbon County Horticulture Agents and Experts from the Center for Crop Diversification at the University of Kentucky. With a library of 49 episodes and an impressive 4.6K downloads, this podcast has become a beacon of knowledge and inspiration for agriculture enthusiasts and aspiring farmers alike.What sets "Hort Culture" apart is its unwavering dedication to educating listeners about the multifaceted world of far
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Pumpkin production is on the increase in South Central Kentucky. The current demand of local grown agriculture products, and the booming agritourism industry have opened up a market for locally grown pumpkins. Pumpkins, as with all cucurbits, present unique challenges during the heat and humidity of Kentucky’s growing season. The weather related challenges and the need for production recommendations to be addressed led W8 Agriculture Agents to bring this twilight
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Pumpkin Filed Walk Pumpkin production is on the increase in South Central Kentucky and Allen County ranks #1 in the state for vegetable and melon production, therefore we have a lot of growers in our county and many of them are pumpkin growers. The current demand of locally grown agriculture products, and the booming agritourism industry have opened a market for locally grown pumpkins. Pumpkins, as with all cucurbits, present unique challenges during the heat and humidity of Kentucky&
Author: Anthony Tackett
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
"Hort Culture," a new weekly podcast created by the Boyle and Bourbon County Horticulture Agents and Experts from the Center for Crop Diversification at the University of Kentucky. With a library of 35 episodes and over 3000 downloads to date, this podcast has become a ongoing source of knowledge and information for both home gardeners and commercial producers.What sets "Hort Culture" apart is its unwavering dedication to educating listeners about the multifaceted world
Author: Kristin Hildabrand
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Services in Butler and Warren Counties partnered together to offer a fall field day program to feature the Hunt’s Family Farm. Their farm is a diversified operation highlighting specialty cuts of beef and cut flowers.The horticulture agent in Warren County worked specifically on providing the cut flower educational track that was offered at the field day. This track highlighted Fredia T’s Flowers and the SOKY Floral Exchange which are
Author: Kara Back
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The Taylor County Farmers’ Market has struggled for several years in customer attendance. The horticulture agent has implement several events and programs throughout the season to attract more customers. One of the events that was new for the season was a summer bash. It consisted of various activities for kids and families such as: 4th of July crafts, planting activities, and free food samples. As a result of the summer bash, the Taylor County Farmers’ market saw a custome
Author: Anthony Tackett
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Recognizing the need to diversify the agricultural production and increase the income of local farmers, the Extension leadership identified the need for a series of programming efforts on crops such as garlic production and microgreens cultivation. These programs involved demonstrations, classroom style labs, and field day presentations, where participants learned about the benefits, challenges, and best practices of growing these crops. Over 70 local residents attended these program
Author: Mary Dossett
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The Horticulture Agent hosted a local florist, Lindsay Bowles, at the Extension Service to give a presentation on floral arrangements. The agent saw there was a need when several community members mentioned they wanted to learn more about what types of flowers you can use, how to grow these flowers, where to purchase them, and how to arrange them. On January 2nd, 2024 the florist spoke to about fifty participants and gave them educational information about floral arranging. The participants were
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Each year I plan and organize a produce production meeting with the local Amish that I work with throughout the year. At this year’s meeting, there were four Extension Specialist that attended the morning session to give updates and information to our local growers. These topics include disease challenges from 2023, cole crop production tips, and fruit production management. I also had educational publications from the university to handout to growers. I talked about how the extension offi
Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Since its establishment in 2013, the collaborative efforts of the Danville Tree Planting Committee, consisting of the Boyle Co. Horticulture Agent, the City of Danville, the local garden club, and dedicated community members, have significantly transformed the landscape of Danville. With a clear goal to enhance the city's environment by planting trees that provide shade, assist in stormwater management, and enhance aesthetics, this group has achieved remarkable milestones. Through strategic
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
No doubt that one positive result of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown was an increase interest in gardening and home food production. Many home owners planted fruit trees in an attempt to produce some high quality fresh fruit at home. West 8 Agriculture Agents have been getting requests for more programming on fruit tree care and pruning. In February 2024 a fruit tree pruning workshop was held on the farm of the Dennison family. The Dennison family are long time f
Author: Tyler London
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
A positive result of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown was an increase interest in gardening and home food production. Many home owners planted fruit trees in an attempt to produce some high quality fresh fruit at home. West 8 Agriculture Agents have been getting requests for more programming on fruit tree care and pruning. In February of 2024 a fruit tree pruning workshop was held on the farm of the Dennison family. The Dennison family are long time fruit producer
Author: Steven Mobley
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Although the demand for freshly cut flowers has risen in the last few years, very few local producers have acquired the specialized skills needed to grow flowers for commercial sale.Recognizing a new opportunity to expand locally grown agricultural products in our area, the Laurel County Horticulture agent collaborated with agents from Clay, Jackson, Rockcastle, Whitley, Rockcastle, Bell, and Leslie Counties, to organize a series of workshops geared toward commercial cut flower production.The in
Author: Thomas Miller
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
In December 2023, a small landowner came to the Ballard County Extension Office looking for information on starting a Christmas tree farm. Ballard County ANR agent Tom Miller gave her several publications available from the horticulture and forestry departments as a starting point. It just so happens that an episode of “From the Woods Today” in December featured Tara Watkins, a Commercial Ornamentals Extension Associate for Nursery Crops, Christmas Trees, & Cut
