Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Working with the diversitifed audiance
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or Situation.A field day was help in conjuction with the Amish in the crab orchard area. This group handles a lot amount of produce by providing an auction for local growers. We partnered with the Amish community and visited two farms. I had invited two of our University Specialist to help educate the local growers on crop management and care. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The local produce growers learned what might h
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Commercial Applicator Training
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Commercial pesticide application has many risks; both to the public and to the applicator. Legal risks are also a major concern to enterprises engaged in applying control products as well as environmental concerns with improperly used or over used pesticides.Holding a commercial applicator's license requires continuing education or retesting on a three year cycle. Although CEUs can be obtained from attending numerous trainings across the state, travel costs can add up impacting ever tighteni
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agriculture production and diagnostics for limited resource group
Author: Robert Amburgey
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or Situation.The Amish community are major producers of horticulture, tobacco and crops in Bath County. Over the years, the extension office has steadily increased its visibility and educational efforts with this group in the county. It takes some time to develop a trust with this group and once this trust is established, it must be maintained. This group has a major economic impact on the community and as their numbers continue to increase, that impact also
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Statewide Horticulture Agent In-Service Training
Author: Adam Leonberger
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The C1 and C2 County Extension Agents for Horticulture, in partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, recently hosted a successful statewide in-service training for horticulture agents. This event, held on September 10-11, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky, brought together a diverse group of agents and specialists from across the state to share knowledge, network, and learn about the latest developments in horticulture.The training was designed to prov
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Pumpkin Production
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Pumpkin production in Kentucky has gradually increased over the past several years. This increase is due largely to producers transitioning from other crops, farm diversification, and agritourism venues. The Metcalfe County ANR agent has been involved in pumpkin production since 1994 and has been able to take experience coupled with Extension research and help producers throughout Kentucky to have successful crops.The Metcalfe County ANR agent has presented at the KY Fruit and
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The Business of Blooms Short Course
Author: Kristin Hildabrand
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The Business in Bloom's Short Course, a unique collaboration with the Kentucky Horticulture Council, provided cut flower growers an exclusive educational opportunity to acquire new marketing and design skills for their operations. In conjunction with the July Cut Flower Month promotion, this innovative program also facilitated in-person networking experiences among growers. The event statistics underscore the success of this initiative. This one-day event was marketed on the Kentucky Ho
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Modern Training Systems and Climate Resiliency Research and Demonstration orchard
Author: Brent Arnoldussen
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience. Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.
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Improved Information Access for Spanish Speaking Workers
Author: Brent Arnoldussen
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.
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Improved FSA insurance protocols for fruit crops
Author: Brent Arnoldussen
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.
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West Kentucky Commercial Horticulture Conference
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Todd County is ranked 2nd in Kentucky for the value of vegetables sold, exceeding 3.4 million dollars according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Extension programs that support commercial horticulture are vital because of its importance to our local economy. Additionally, strengthening the local food and agriculture industry is one of the top three issues identified in University of Kentucky Extension’s Todd County needs assessment. The Todd County Agriculture Agent and
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Designing and Constructing Landscape Fabric Retrieval Apparatus for Vining Crops in a Plasticulture System
Author: Glen Roberts
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
We have a large school garden where we grow a good supply of watermelons and cantaloupe for use in the school lunch program. Controlling weeds and mud between rows of plastic is quite a challenge. We have tried herbicides, straw, and cover crops with limited success. We eventually arrived at the conclusion that synthetic, muli-year use landscape fabric offered the best solution for controlling both weeds and keeping students shoes clean so they won`t track mud back to the clas
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Insect Trapping Helps Commercial Pumpkin Producers
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Mercer County is home to several agritourism businesses. Most of these business draw in customers from all over the state with the fall activities like visiting pumpkin patches and corn mazes. It is important for these growers to sustain a decent crop of pumpkins to fill the needs of their consumers throughout the fall season. Otherwise, they must purchase pumpkins elsewhere to meet the demand and make it through the entire season. A grower started to notice significant crop loss late in th
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Ag Teacher Pesticide Safety Program
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
It is very common to find a greenhouse at a high school these days, especially in rural communities. These greenhouses are often used as part of the agricultural program’s curriculum. Students gain experience growing and caring for plants as well as business management and communications skills while interacting with the public. The Mercer County Horticulture agent works closely with the two ag teachers in their community assisting with any issues the teachers may run into with their
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Aquaponics on Cornett Farm
Author: Steven Mobley
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
In this time of higher input costs and uncertain market prices it is important that farms operate as efficiently as possible. An aquaponics system allows for protein production from fish as well as vegetable production from lettuce, all while using the fewest inputs possible. The waste from the tilapia is used to supplement the fertilizer needs of the lettuce. Water is recycled and conserved as much as possible. Any solid fish waste that cannot be used to fertilizer the lettuce
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Local Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training Saves Money and Promotes Safe Pesticide Handling Practices
Author: Annette Heisdorffer
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Commercial pesticide applicators are required to attain continuing education units to avoid a large fine during the relicensing process. In November, the Daviess County Extension Agent for Horticulture Education organized a training program to help fulfill requirements for 32 professional pesticide applicators covering the city parks, home lawns, sports turf, and landscape management. The agent taught two sections along with two Kentucky Cooperative Extension Specialists. Through a survey taken
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Growing Elderberries
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Recently, Agriculture and Horticulture Agents across the state began receiving questions regarding growing elderberries as a commercial crop. Based on the increased interest, Dr. Shawn Wright, UK Horticulture Specialist, reached out to the Horticulture Agent in Madison County to host a regional meeting.Agents across the state advertised the free program that was scheduled for June.At the meeting, Dr. Wright spoke to the group about production of elderberries. He also discussed native plants that
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Taylor County Master Gardener Plant Sale
Author: Kara Back-Campbell
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Taylor County has not had a plant swap / sale for five years. For the past three years there have been requests to have the sale started back. The initial plant swap had to be discontinued due to Covid-19, lack of interest, and lack of plants to provide to sell. The Horticulture agent along with two master gardeners and the vendor coordinator from a large local plant sale met to discuss how to attract vendors. Additional Taylor County Master Gardeners assisted during the plant sale day with
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Tri-State Green Industry Conference
Author: Robert Brockman
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The horticulture, or green industry, field is constantly changing due to the shifting environment and consumer needs, changing regulations, and the addition of new diseases and pests. Because of this, horticulture professionals are required to get continuing education hours to keep their pesticide applicator's license. While much of the season is challenging for professionals to get away from work to keep abreast of current issues, the winter is the perfect time to attend trainings. To
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Commercial Vegetable Production Twilight Tour
Author: Kelsey Marcum
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or Situation:Vegetable producers in the county have expressed a need for updated, research-based practices to improve profitability and address production challenges in high tunnels, sweet corn, watermelon, and tomato systems. Key concerns included managing disease pressure, maintaining soil fertility, and exploring grafting techniques to improve tomato vigor and yield.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable):In response, the Cooperat
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David Weisbrodt - Peach Pruning
Author: Daniel Becker
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
I have worked with David Weisbrodt for several years advising on pruning and disease management of fruit trees. David has a several acre peach and apple orchard in Allen County that he uses to sell fruit locally at farmers markets and through on-farm sales. When David first reached out to me, he had recently planted his fruit trees and did not know how to properly prune them. Over the past four years of working together David’s skills have improved and has the confidence to make basic prun
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Midwest Fruit Workers Meeting
Author: Shawn Wright
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or SituationGrowers across the Midwest rely on the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide to help them make wise decisions to keep their operations sustainable. We had not met in person since COVID so I coordinated with our partners to hold our first in-person meeting since COVID and get the group functional again. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Update to ID-232 was begunProvide the Number and Description(s) of
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Flood Recovery
Author: Shawn Wright
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or Situation.Greenhouse Contruction CompletedDescribe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.We use the greenhouse for production of our own material and for education purposesProvide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesse
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Agent Training for Understanding Soil Test Results and Making Recommendations Increases Agent Confidence and Knowledge
Author: Rachel Rudolph
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Annual soil testing is recommended for vegetable production in order to prevent and manage nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. More than 200 soil samples related to commercial vegetable production were processed by UK Regulatory Services in 2024. Despite the testing, many county agents and growers do not know how to interpret the results of the soil tests, let alone make the proper management decisions based on the soil test results. When soil fertil
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Organic Elderberry
Author: Shawn Wright
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or Situation.New elderberry growers contacted their county Agent after having already spent a significant sum on organic elderberry cuttings without determining if their was a price premium that would justify the expense of organic certification.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).I made a farm visit and discussed the National Organic Program and other types of certification that would better align with their goals and the potent
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Bridging the Information Gap: AgMatters Newsletter Connects Amish Farmers with Timely Resources
Author: Kelly Jackson
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Access to timely and accurate agricultural information is critical to farm success. While digital tools like blogs, videos, and online training have transformed how most farmers learn and adapt, a significant gap remains for Amish and Mennonite growers—many of whom have limited access to phones and the internet.Recognizing this disparity, the Christian County Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) and Horticulture agents launched the AgMatters newsletter in 2021. The goal was to reach Ami
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Fruit Extension Social Media
Author: Elayna Stirn
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Scientific publications are long and difficult to understand for those who are not well versed in the Horticulture industry. Accessing concise, easy to understand information is necessary for us to overcome the gap in knowledge between researchers and growers. Brent Arnoldussen and I created a Facebook page, Instagram Page, and YouTube page for Fruit Extension so we can post resources we develop and share other resources in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment as well as those create
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Irrigating Apple Trees
Author: Elayna Stirn
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Growers who are planting apples for the first time have a common misconception about the quantity of water the crop requires. The spring weather in Kentucky has also given growers a false sense of security due to the frequency of rainfall we have received. This became evident when we came across this issue with more than one grower running into this issue, starting with one of our grape growers who just planted his first apples this spring. Brent Arnoldussen and I worked with Sara
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Hort Culture Podcast
Author: Alexis Amorese Sheffield
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The demand for accessible, relevant horticulture information continues to grow among Kentucky producers, gardeners, and Extension agents. In response, a team of Extension Specialists with the Center for Crop Diversification and county Horticulture Agents launched Hort Culture, a weekly podcast focused on timely topics in horticulture, small farm production, and sustainable practices. By combining on-the-ground experience with research-based insights, the podcast aims to meet the needs of a diver
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Mapping Light for Year-Round Greenhouse Success in Kentucky
Author: Qinglu Ying
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.
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Reviving Float Beds for New Crop Opportunities in CEA
Author: Qinglu Ying
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Interest in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is rapidly increasing in Kentucky, as it provides an opportunity to grow local, year-round fruits and vegetables. Among all the hydroponic systems, many former tobacco growers already have access to float bed systems, originally used to grow tobacco transplants. These systems are underutilized and present a cost-effective option for producing high-value crops like leafy greens and vegetable transplants. However, there is limited guidance avail
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