Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Reaching Farther with Hort Webinar Wednesdays
Author: Amy Aldenderfer
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
What began as a short-term stopgap for in person programming during the 2020 Pandemic, has become a much-attended weekly horticulture program. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Due to the continuing popularity of the Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays program a team of Kentucky Horticulture agents have continued to present weekly Wednesday webinars at 12:30 ET (11:30 CT) as a “lunch and learn” horticultural program. This team also i
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State Wide Horticulture Agent In-Service Training
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or SituationThe Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service sought to enhance the knowledge and skills of horticulture agents across the state to better serve their communities. This was achieved through a statewide in-service training that focused on the latest developments in horticulture, including new research findings, pest and disease management strategies, sustainable gardening practices, and emerging trends in the industry.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Respon
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Horticulture In-Service Training
Author: Carrie Spry
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The C1 thru C4 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 pro
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Statewide Horticulture Agent In-Service Training
Author: Jessica Hopkins
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or SituationThe Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service sought to enhance the knowledge and skills of horticulture agents across the state to better serve their communities. This was achieved through a statewide in-service training that focused on the latest developments in horticulture, including new research findings, pest and disease management strategies, sustainable gardening practices, and emerging trends in the industry.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Respon
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Invasive Species
Author: Steven Mobley
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
I attended an invasive species training in Frankfort. Several invasive species were identified. These invasive species have harmed the natural environment in several different ways, including out competing native species and not providing food for wildlife like the native plants have done in the past. Invasive plants and native plants have distinct characteristics and impacts on their ecosystems:Native PlantsAdaptation: Native plants are naturally found in a specific region and have adapte
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Garden Design Workshop: Enhance Your Outdoor Space
Author: Brandon George
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
There was a strong demand by residents for help with designing their gardens and landscapes but many often feel overwhelmed by the information and process required. As a result, a program was designed to help support those residents.On August 29th, September 3rd, and 12th, 2024, participants attended the Garden Design Workshop: Enhance Your Outdoor Space program at the Kenton Lands facility. This was attended by twenty-four people with the intended outcome of having a basic understanding of the
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The More You Know the Better You Grow Series
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
In gardening, knowledge is power. Like life, much of gardening is outside our control. But by educating ourselves on the basic fundamentals of gardening we can learn how to recognize problems when they arise and how to manage them not only now but also in the future.In the spring of 2024, the Madison County Horticulture Agent offered a series of classes called "The More You Know the Better You Grow". These were designed for all levels of gardeners. After each class she sent an evaluati
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Supporting the Local Food and Agriculture Industry
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
According to the University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment Survey results, strengthening/supporting the local food and agriculture industry is listed as a top priority indicator. To address this need, Knox County community members were educated of the importance and development of local food/local grown products/markets and the agriculture industry, the agriculture agent and FCS agent provided 5 educational opportunities with transportation provided to visit a local dairy farm, loc
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Seed Library in Lobby of Jefferson County Extension in conjunction with SNAP ED recipes.
Author: Jennifer Palmer
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or Situation.Lack of free seeds to community members.A seed library is a valuable community resource that promotes sustainable gardening, biodiversity, and food security. Here are the key reasons for creating or supporting a seed library:1. Preserving BiodiversitySeed libraries help preserve heirloom and rare plant varieties that are often not available commercially. By encouraging the saving and exchange of diverse seeds, these libraries contribute to maintaining genetic dive
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Hydrangea Toolbox
Author: Savannah Gilbert
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service hosts a Toolbox Garden Series which takes place on the first Tuesday of each month. Every session covers a different topic to educate the public on a variety of horticulture subjects. September’s Toolbox, that took place September 3rd, was all about hydrangeas, which seems to be a common topic in the community. Unfortunately, the Agent who was supposed to present had retired shortly before the planned session. The Horticulture Assistant an
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Weed Identification Is The First Step To Their Control
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Gardening is a rewarding hobby that brings joy to many, but it comes with its challenges, particularly when it comes to managing weeds. Gardeners in Washington County asked the horticulture agent to help them identify and give weed control recommendations. Weeds compete for nutrients, water, and light and can also harbor pests and diseases that may harm desired plants. To maintain a healthy garden, gardeners must be able to identify different weed species and understand their growth habits, as s
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Extension Master Gardener Demonstration Garden Used to Educate Public About Raised Bed Gardening
Author: Annette Heisdorffer
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Gardening in raised beds has grown in popularity as people want to grow more of their own food. Limited space and lack of power equipment are barriers for implementing a vegetable garden in the backyard. Raised bed gardening fits in small spaces and only requires hand tools. With the leadership of the Extension Master Gardeners, they developed and maintained the Raised Bed Demonstration Garden at the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service Office. The “Extensi
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Ag Grow Crazy Day
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Less than 2% of the population in the United States is made up of farm and ranch families according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Despite millions of dollars invested by farm organization less than 25% of U.S. adults have a high degree of trust in information they get about food production.In a collaborative effort with Grant County Schools, Grant County High School FFA, Grant County Soil Conservation, Grant County Farm Bureau Federation, Grant County Family Resource Officers and
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Controlling Invasive Plants
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Invasive plants can have major biological, economical and aesthetic impacts on Kentucky by degrading native habitats, decreasing the richness of native species and contributing to the loss of biodiversity. Invasive plants may negatively affect the state’s economy when they intrude on commercial fishing, aquaculture operations, forestry and agriculture as their removal comes at a cost. When recreational events such as hunting, hiking, fishing, swimming and boating are no longer possible or
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Regional Agent Trainings on Grafting and Pruning
Author: Brent Arnoldussen
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or Situation.ANR and Hort agents across the state provide grafting and pruning of fruit crops as part of their consumer horticultural program. These are both issues that are very popular with local clientele. In the past, the former fruit specialist would travel the state doing these demos in concert with agents at their events. With the changes in responsibilities of the new fruit specialist role, a gap exists for agents who might want to do this type of programing, therefore
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Wreath Program
Author: Mary Dossett
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
People in the community wanted a hands-on program to learn how to use their cuttings from trees to make beautiful wreaths. We limit the number of participants to 50 people so the horticulture assistant and I can fully prepare for the program. We cut all of the greenery for the participants and supply all of the materials needed. Such as pruners, tree picks, accessories, bows, and much more! We ended up having 45 make wreaths and lots of volunteers. We had a homemaker present with several he
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Hort Culture: A Podcast Dedicated to Cultivating Knowledge, Growing Success
Author: Anthony Tackett
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
We are proud to spotlight Hort Culture, a locally produced and managed podcast hosted by Extension Agents and Specialists dedicated to fostering a thriving horticultural community. Since its inception, Hort Culture has blossomed into a valuable resource for both home gardeners and commercial producers, reaching listeners across the globe.With 98 engaging episodes averaging an hour each, Hort Culture boasts an impressive reach, exceeding 10,000 streams and downloads. This remarkable a
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Holiday Wreathmaking Classes Continues to Expand Outreach
Author: Sharon Flynt
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or Situation. As outreach to underserved audiences of Scott County continues to be a goal of the Scott County Cooperative Extension Horticulture Program, effective community engagement and outreach takes careful planning and acknowledgement. Each population that we (extension) work with is unique and offers us opportunities to increase our cultural competence by broadening our understanding of what cultural competence is and how it affects o
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Hort-Culture Podcast
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Hort Culture: Cultivating Knowledge, Growing SuccessWe are proud to spotlight Hort Culture, a locally produced and managed podcast hosted by Extension Agents and Specialists dedicated to fostering a thriving horticultural community. Since its inception, Hort Culture has blossomed into a valuable resource for both home gardeners and commercial producers, reaching listeners across the globe.With 98 engaging episodes averaging an hour each, Hort Culture boasts an impressive reach, exceedi
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Wreath Making Workshop Brightens The Holidays
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
During horticulture program evaluations and surveys conducted by the horticulture agent, it was apparent that Washington County citizens enjoy and want the Horticulture Agent to offer hands-on horticulture opportunities such as making wreaths with fresh greenery. During this workshop, participants learned about the types of greenery to use, how to cut it for use, care for fresh greenery, and l each participant made a wreath with the materials provided. There were 32 participants in the workshop
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Holiday Plants
Author: Emma Lee
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
There had been many calls and questions about holiday cacti and other plants, so I offered a class about holiday plants. I had two individuals attend, however, the impact on just two was very great. We went through the presentation together and they were actively asking questions. I taught them to propagate their holiday cacti, and how often they should water them. They were concerned with some of the problems they were seeing with their plants and they stayed after the class to ask additional q
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Christmas Tree Care
Author: Cheyenne Lamb
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Many homeowners like to decorate around the holidays with lively and lush Christmas Trees. Many times the full and vibrant tree on December 12th becomes dull and dry by the 25th. The issue at hand is the proper care being administer to the tree during the time it is in the consumers' care and also in the distributors' care. Based on a publication from the University of Kentucky I created a presentation teaching consumers and homeowners how to pick the right tree for them, how to care for
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Live Wreaths
Author: Kristen Stumbo
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Members of the community are looking for new ways to create extra income during the holiday season, and learn new skills with a class welcome to all ages. The Educational Program focused on a live wreath-making class aimed at teaching participants of all ages how to create seasonal wreaths using greenery collected from their own properties. The class emphasized not only the technique of wreath-making, but also how to keep the cut greenery alive throughout the season, providing lasting beaut
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Garden Success
Author: Chelsea Sapp
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Early last spring, I assisted a new client and their family with planning their first garden. They were new to gardening so I provided them many helpful resources to aid in their knowledge. We took soil tests and determined the next steps for the garden. This helped with picking the location of the garden. Then, my client and I put together a map of where vegetables should be planted and created a guide for planting dates and expected harvest. They planted carrots, potatoes, lettuce, tomat
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Sweet Success: Maple Syrup Program Inspires Whitley County Residents
Author: Benjamin Prewitt
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Sweet Success: Maple Syrup Program Inspires Whitley County ResidentsThe Whitley County Horticulture Program, led by Agent Ben Prewitt, recently hosted a well-received educational event at the Whitley County Extension Office in Goldbug, Kentucky. Focused on maple syrup production, the program attracted 57 eager participants and provided an in-depth look at this rewarding agricultural practice.Special guest speaker Shad Baker, Letcher County’s Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, joined P
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Salsa Gardening
Author: Lorilee Kunze
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or Situation.County residents need access to healthy choices, food prep and fresh vegetables. Develop more later.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
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Indoor Herb Gardening
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Seventy-eight percent of Todd County’s land is in farms, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Despite being a rural county, the Todd County Extension office also receives some home garden and landscape questions. One way Extension serves the need for this interest is through inclusion of home horticulture information in newsletters and social media posts. This also serves to gauge interest in future programs.In September 2024, the Todd County Agriculture Extensio
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Backyard Fruit Class
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The Madison County Horticulture Agent offered a class called "Backyard Fruit" in late March. The class was offered twice, once during the day and once in the evening. It focused on what the Agent felt was the three most important things to consider before planting fruit.1. Choose the right variety2. Location3. Common problems and how to avoid themIn addition to the presentation, the Agent also offered several handouts and publications such as backyard spray guides, information about so
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Blooming Buddies Partnership
Author: Carrie Spry
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Learning how to grow one's own food is a topic that has increased in popularity over the past couple years. When a community partner reached out to the Clark County Extension Horticulture Agent about partnering for a session in their youth horticulture group, the opportunity to teach youth about vegetable gardening was quickly agreed upon. Legacy Grove Park hosts a series call Blooming Buddies, which offers a unique outdoor learning experience for youth aged 5-12. Extension joined in for a s
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Living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Author: Carrie Spry
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
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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Homesteading Series
Author: Kennedy Cannon
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
The Buffalo Trace Homesteading Series is a hands-on educational initiative to empower community members with sustainable agriculture skills. The program focuses on practical techniques in food preservation, gardening, mushroom cultivation, and meat processing. The need for homesteading has been on the rise for the last few years as many are wanting to go back to living off the land.Designed to promote self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship, the series provides participants with the knowl
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Mushroom Log Workshop
Author: Kristen Stumbo
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Magoffin County, Kentucky, has vast forested areas and an agricultural heritage, yet many residents lack knowledge about alternative farming opportunities like mushroom cultivation. With increasing interest in sustainable agriculture and economic diversification, educating the local community on mushroom farming can provide food security, business opportunities, and environmental benefits. It also allows residents to utilize wooded areas on their properties to provide a food source for their fam
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Ag Week Seed Giveaway
Author: Cheyenne Lamb
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Access to fresh produce and knowledge about home gardening remains limited for many households in Montgomery County. Additionally, while the Cooperative Extension Service offers a variety of resources, public awareness of these programs is still growing. Ag Week provided an opportunity to address both challenges by engaging the community in a meaningful and accessible way. From this the ag week seed giveaway project was born.To celebrate Ag Week, the Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Offic
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Container Gardening with Heritage Place Senior Citizens
Author: Amanda Potter
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
This spring, a unique two-part gardening series at the Senior Citizens Center blossomed into something truly special—offering not just skills and smiles, but meaningful moments of connection for older adults in the community.The series began with a flavorful twist. In the first session, the Family and Consumer Sciences agent led a fun, hands-on lesson in making homemade salsa, while the Agriculture agent introduced participants to the concept of a “salsa garden”—a homegro
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Kentucky Homeowners
Author: Sarah Imbus
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Kentucky homeowners continue to garden or landscape at home for a variety of reasons such as: environmental benefits, improve property value, connecting with nature, social benefits, and economic impact.Now that Spring has sprung many NKY residents continue to seek resources and information about gardening. The Campbell County Horticulture team offers over a dozen classes focusing on home horticulture, which include:Winter Pruning, Getting Your Lawn Ready, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Houseplan
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Cultivating New Gardeners at the Whitley County Extension/ Beginning Gardening
Author: Benjamin Prewitt
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Success Story: Cultivating New Gardeners at the Whitley County ExtensionEngaging First-Time Participants in the Joy of GardeningThe Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service proudly hosted its Annual Beginning Gardening Class, drawing a full crowd of 23 enthusiastic participants—20 of whom were first-time attendees at any Extension program. This overwhelming response is a testament to the growing interest in self-sufficiency, healthy living, and community engagement through garden
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Gardening Series Gets Families Started Properly
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
With so many challenges in the food system since the pandemic, more and more families seek to grow their own vegetables. However, they have not had the instruction needed to garden successfully. This is especially important in the context of evolving pest issues, updated varieties, and new production techniques.Seeing their patrons in search of production resources, the Johnson County Public Library planned a giveaway of garden seeds that are appropriate for the area's climate and traditions
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Restore Collaboration at Bernheim Forest
Author: Lorilee Kunze
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or Situation.Restore Program Collaboration with 4H and Bernheim Forest update and fill in more information laterDescribe 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 com
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Preserving An Heirloom
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
This spring, the Horticulture Agent hosted a very popular workshop: “Grafting Heirloom Apple Trees.” More than 20 participants from diverse backgrounds gathered to learn the ancient art of grafting. The class focused on preserving a rare, easy-to-grow, local apple variety only known as a Spice Apple. Attendees learned how to graft scion wood from local trees onto hardy rootstock. By the end of the class, each participant went home with two grafted apple trees of their ow
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Community Gardens
Author: Paul Sizemore
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
With the increase in Food prices at the market it has become more important to produce your own food. Owsley County Cooperative Extension Service has partnered with Owsley County Farmers Market and Grow Appalachia to offer a Community Garden for participants to produce their own Produce either at home or at a central location.With funding from Grow Appalachia we are able to provide Seeds, Plants, Fertilize and Equipment at no cost to allow each participant to grow a garden for their famili
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Gardening Series Increases Knowledge on Growing Vegetables
Author: Erika Wood
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
A gardening lunch and learn series was conducted at the Hopkins County Extension Office over the course of three months. The series included the following classes: Vegetable Abiotic Disorders, Vegetable Diseases, and Vegetable Pests. The purpose of the series was to help gardeners identify and learn how to manage and control various vegetable ailments. A survey was conducted at the end of each class. Based on the survey results, 100% of the participants stated that they w
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Stepping Stone Class
Author: Katie Hughes
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or Situation.Held a stepping stone class to where people could come create one of their own and add to their home garden. This brought in alot of new people to the extension office from young kids to adults. Even the homemaker group decided to do this program as one of their monthly meetings. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).It showed how to make your own stepping stone and what materials are needed to do so. And discuss
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Homesteading Series on Jelly and Salsa Making
Author: Katie Hughes
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or Situation.The homesteading series had different classes throughout the year, to help people learn more about the topics but also be able to do these classes by themselves. This one focus on canning and making jelly and salsa. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The people that attended these classes learn how to make jelly and salsa and the different steps that went into making them. Also the processes of canning and what
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