Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Produce Best Practices Training
Author: Kristen Stumbo
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Produce Best Practices Training educates producers about FSMA requirements and the latest on produce safety and is a basic training requirement for All Samples certificate from KDA. So, if Farmer's Market Vendors want to offer their customers samples this is a training they must complete. Vendors expressed interest in expanding their products and offering samples to help promote sales of their products, so we offered several PBPT workshops at the Magoffin County Extension Office. This t
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Ag Education in Henderson County
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Henderson Ag is strong and the local business community understands the importance of agriculture in our community both as an economic driver and for it’s cultural importance. The local Chamber of Commerce organized an Agriculture Committee to help promote and support local producers. They called on Extension to help. The Chamber Ag committee is responsible for planning and organizing the annual Farm to Table Dinner that highlights local produce growers.
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Continued Work with Local Livestock Producer
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Issue or Situation:Initial Issue: A local producer who owns a slaughter facility and imports mature/cull sheep for processing was missing out on potential profits due to improper feeding and handling of sheep prior to slaughter. The sheep, which were held for a short period, were not being evaluated for health or nutritional needs, leading to missed opportunities for weight gain and thus higher profit margins on the mutton. The lack of proper care during the holding period resulted in lower yiel
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Partnership Strengthens local food revitalization
Author: Chadwick Conway
Major Program: Local Food Systems
After the 2022 catastrophic flood, many family gardens suffered significant loss of rich nutrient soil. Fortunately, during the spring of 2024, Grow Appalachia, a sustainable-based gardening program funded through Berea College, returned to the Hindman Settlement School. As the need for locally grown foods began to rise, the Knott County Agriculture Agent, with the help of Grow Appalachia and the Hindman Settlement School was able to reach new families. Together, they enrolled sixty-four familie
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Implementation of Rowan County Community Craft and Farmers Market
Author: Amanda Potter
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Rowan County Farmers Market has been in affect in Rowan County since the 70's and has survived several moves and reiterations over the years. However, within the last few years it has been brought to my attention by both previous vendors and customers that there is a lack of variety within the market. The goal was to establish another market within Rowan County that could include a variety of different producers, crafters, and home bakers, and be more accessible to those throughout the c
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The Power of Mechanized Equipment
Author: Benjamin Prewitt
Major Program: Local Food Systems
In Whitley County, Kentucky, located in the foothills of Appalachia. There is not a shortage of individuals who are still utilizing manual labor to grow a successful garden. Often times, being able to afford mechanized equipment that could make life easier is simply not an option for most. Thanks to the addition of the Shared Use Equipment program at the Whitley County Extension Office, folks in the community now have access to some mechanized equipment that was not an option
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The Old Pioneer Farmers' Market
Author: David Hull
Major Program: Local Food Systems
As a result of the fact that the farmers' market in Sparta, KY was not going to reopen, the Gallatin County Extension Service and the Gallatin County Free Public Library started meeting during the fall of 2023 to discuss the potentiality of forming a new farmers' market in Warsaw, KY. Other organizations that got involved in the planning stages were the Gallatin County Health Department, Gallatin County Tourism, and the Gallatin County Family Resource Center.It was decided that the name
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Farm to Fork event
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Local Food Systems
On August 28, 2024, the Allen County Cooperative Extension Service and the Farm to Fork Committee co-hosted the second Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork Fundraising Dinner. The event aimed to promote Kentucky Proud foods and support the Allen County 4-H Program. The dinner featured a delicious Kentucky Proud meal by a local caterer, Allen County Homemakers, and 4-H students. This provided an opportunity to enjoy local food while contributing to a good cause. The dinner, was held at Peach Tree Farm and
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Local Farmer Offers New Product to Aid with Food Dessert Issues
Author: Lori Bowling
Major Program: Local Food Systems
In Boyd County there are neighborhoods that are considered to be food desserts due to the lack of local grocery stores close by. This has posed a problem for some of the community members that are elderly or not able to drive to stores that are outside of their immediate area. A local vendor at the county farmers market worked with the horticulture agent to look into alternative ideas for food items that would have a fairly long shelf life but be a nutritional meal options for those who li
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Housing Authority Garden Project
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
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Harmony Harvest Farm to Fork Dinner Highlights Local Food Systems
Author: Steven Musen
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The recognition of the benefits of locally grown foods in terms of superior flavor, food safety and availability of heritage vegetable varieties has caused the popularity of Farmers Markets to steadily increase, especially in urban and sub-urban areas. Jessamine County enjoys two vibrant and growing Farmers Markets, the long-running Wilmore Market and the the more recently established , Nicholasville Farmers Market. The two Farmers Markets are filling a growing demand for locally-grown, health a
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Market Days
Author: Jason Vaughn
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Seniors and Farmers in Powell County value the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The program provides residents who meet economic threshold and age guidelines, market vouchers worth 48 dollars. Seniors use the vouchers as cash at the Powell County Farmers’ Market and the farmers return the vouchers to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for reimbursement. The program is a win-win providing seniors access to locally produced nutrition while supporting our
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Farmers Markets For All
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Local Food Systems
In most counties, farmer’s markets are located in the same location during certain days, and Shelby County is no different. There are a few farmer’s markets open one day a week in specific locations. To reach underserved communities in the county, the Shelby County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences partnered with the Shelby County Health Department to host a trial run of a monthly pop-up farmer’s market. The markets were held in July, August, and September, eac
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Local produce growers shine at local festival
Author: Shane Bogle
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Downtown Princeton was bustling with activities on Saturday September 7 during the annual Black Patch Heritage Festival as well as providing an opportunity for free farmer’s market produce, provided by Black Soil, a community-supported Agriculture organization.Thanks to a grant from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Ashley Smith, co-founder and CEO of Black Soil, and 103.3 WPKY collaborated with Caldwell County Agriculture Agent Shane Bogle to enlist local farmers in bringing their s
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Showcasing Local Agriculture Prodcuts
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Local Food Systems
In development...Farm to Fork for CEC in Fall and Upcoming Chamber MeetingDescribe 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 pro
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Ag Day Event
Author: Emily Davis
Major Program: Local Food Systems
In Pike County, where we lack a county fair, Ag Day provided a much-needed opportunity for the community to engage with agriculture. Pike County ANR and the Pikeville Farmers Market partnered with the Pike County Soil Conservation District to host an Ag Day, hosted on National Farmers Day as a way to recognize our local farmers and provide an educational event that highlighted local farming and sustainability. This was a Fall Festival type event for families and youth to participate in educ
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Farmers' Market Carnival
Author: Kara Back-Campbell
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Describe the Issue or Situation.The Taylor County Farmers' Market experiences lower customer numbers during the fall months. As produce wanes, the horticulture agent created a carnival to attract families to the market. Also, families are targeted to try to increase WIC voucher participation. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Children were able to play carnival games, win prizes, and enjoy freshly popped popcorn. Provide the Number
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Kid's Day at the Farmer's Market
Author: Carrie Spry
Major Program: Local Food Systems
"Where does your food come from" is an age old topic that is always in need of being taught to the youth of today. When this topic can be tackled and taught while supporting local farmers, that is a winning opportunity. The Clark County Extension Office joined efforts with the Winchester Clark County Farmers Market to host Kid's Day. Extension offered $10 vouchers to the first 100 kids that were redeemable from each vendor at the Farmers Market. More than 200 youth were in attendan
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Tri State Homesteading Conference
Author: Daniel Allen
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Regional Homestead Conference a Huge Success Because of the urban location on Northern Kentucky many of our farms are small operations and they present several unique opportunities for the Cooperative Extension Service. Many of these small operations fit the USDA’ s definition of a homestead. The USDA defines a subsistence homestead as a plot of land with a simple, inexpensive house and outbuildings where a family can grow a large portion of their food. Boone and Kenton C
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Nutritious Foods
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Tasting Through the Garden: Raised Bed Edition Success Story Describe the Issue or Situation In Lee County, many residents have limited exposure or access to diverse vegetable varieties and may lack knowledge of how to prepare them in healthy and appealing ways. Encouraging residents to explore fresh, locally grown produce can promote healthier eating habits and increase awareness of the benefits of gardening.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if
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Spencer County Ag Day
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Children need to learn about agriculture to understand where their food comes from and appreciate the importance of farming in providing sustenance. It also helps them develop a deeper connection to the environment and learn about the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry, which is crucial for sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.The Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service, along with school administration and staff from the two elementary schools, s
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Empowering Local Farmers Through the Regional Farmers Market
Author: Amanda Potter
Major Program: Local Food Systems
In 2024, the Regional Farmers Market (RFM), a multi-county program serving local farmers and food producers, took a bold step toward creating a more sustainable and vibrant food system. The initiative, which spans across several counties, works to connect small-scale farmers with restaurants, wholesalers, and consumers. This year, the market program brought in a specialist for local food systems to help strengthen these connections, enhancing the relationship between farmers and food service bus
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Healthy Options for Homeless and Low-Income Populations
Author: Lori Bowling
Major Program: Local Food Systems
With an increase in the local homeless population and the number of residents that are below the poverty line, it has become important for those individuals to be able to have access to nutritious food options. A large number of these populations suffer from poor health due to the dietary choices they have access to. The local organizations that help to offer them food items and meals are sometimes limited to what they receive through donations, which are most often choices that do
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Growing Connections
Author: Asa Conkwright
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Due to the recognition of the benefits of local food production there has been an increase in people seeking locally grown and produced products or learning how to produce fruits and vegetables themselves. Not only do customers enjoy the enhanced flavors of locally produced foods there is a perceived sense of security in knowing where your food comes from. Community markets are also a great way to bring the community together to work towards a common goal and can be used to foster relationships
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Poultry Processing
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Poultry Program Success StoryDescribe the Issue or SituationA local homemaker approached the Lee County Extension Office seeking guidance on how to process chickens she planned to purchase. This request highlighted a broader need within the community for education on poultry management, processing, and preservation techniques. Many individuals lacked the knowledge and confidence to raise and process broilers effectively, creating an opportunity to address these gaps through a targeted educationa
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