Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Inaugural Cattleman’s Ball – A Community Partnership with Lasting Impact
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
In August 2024, the Pendleton County Beef Cattle Association (PCBCA) teamed up with the Pendleton County Cooperative Extension Service to launch a new community event that would not only showcase local beef but also foster stronger connections and support for the agricultural community. The idea for the inaugural Cattleman’s Ball was sparked by Lindie Huffman, Pendleton County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, but it was through the passion and commitment of PCBCA’s
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Hart County Farm to Table Dinner
Author: Timothy Estes
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
On June 28, 2024, the entire Hart County Extension team as well as several volunteers participated in the Hart County Cattlemen’s Farm to Table Dinner. This event is an annual event held just prior to the beginning of the Hart County Fair. What started as an idea to promote beef and products grown in the county has become an event looked forward to by many, creating eagerness amongst sponsors to be a part of it as well as excitement at ticket sale time. For the past coupl
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First Fall Fest Draws New Attention to Extension in Graves County
Author: Miranda Rudolph
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Like many other community organizations, the Graves County Extension Office has been trying to regain interest in volunteerism and participation since the pandemic in 2020. To complicate things even further, our community suffered a devastating tornado in 2021 and we are still feeling the effects of it to this day. Just before the tornado, our office was also moved out of the city center to a new location on the north end of town that is less visible. All of these factors have had a hand in the
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2024 Boyle County Investment in Youth Sale
Author: Joseph Ray
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
The Boyle County Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent established a meaningful partnership with the Boyle County Investment in Youth Sale Board in 2024, focusing on advancing the program’s educational impact and financial sustainability. This collaboration empowered the ANR Agent to address the educational needs of participants while providing strategic guidance to enhance the profitability of fundraising events and the annual sale.The Boyle County Investment in Youth Sale (IYS) p
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Utilizing Social Media to Expand Reach and Distribution of Educational Material
Author: Joanna Coles
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Social media represents a massive potential for outreach for the Cooperative Extension Service. Warren County Agriculture focuses on timely agricultural and horticulture educational information, event promotion, agriculture awareness campaigns, and recognition of local farmers. Since January 2024, Warren County Agriculture’s Facebook page has reached 275369 accounts and engaged 2664 people with 3.4K followers. Social media blue book values each post on the page at almost
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Resurrecting my Ag Advisory Council
Author: Gracey Moffitt
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Describe the Issue or Situation.When I started my position last fall, I was informed that I would need to host an Ag Advisory Council Meeting. In doing my research of the previous meetings, I found little recorded information from the last 7 years pertaining to minutes and member status. So I learned very quickly that I would need to start from scratch. I picked a date and began getting the word out as soon as possible. I mailed the postcard invitation to everyone on my mailing list, posted it o
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Butler County Rural Development Organization
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
The Butler County Rural Development organization has a rich history of success. It is part of community culture and continues to be seen as an important driver for community development by extension leaders. There are currently 5 rural development clubs that operate community centers and hold regular educational programs for their members. The Rural Development Program in Butler County has beef functioning for 67 consecutive years. Clubs that have monthly meetings. Aver
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A Journey of Connection, Discovery, and Renewal Through the Agricultural & Cultural Heritage Tour
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
For many Pendleton County residents, experiences outside the county lines are rare. A trip to Lexington or popular destinations like the Smokies or the beach is often the extent of travel. The Agricultural and Cultural Heritage Tour through New England changed that, offering 34 travelers a journey of discovery and connection across 12 states—a trip many "thought they would never take".Highlights of the JourneyOver seven days, participants encountered New England’s agricultu
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Madison County Farm, Home and Garden Extension Expo 2024
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Madison County Extension Agents want and need to bring attention and awareness to the local community to keep Extension from being the "Best Kept Secret." Madison County Extension Council decided to host an event that will help bring attention and awareness to the unique resources available through the Madison County Extension Office.The Madison County Extension Farm, Home and Garden Expo utilized various options for outreach for the event including billboards, radio announcements, and
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Newsletter Format Changes
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Describe the Issue or Situation The traditional ANR newsletter primarily targeted agricultural producers and landowners. While effective for reaching this audience, it limited outreach to underserved groups such as small farmers, homeowners, and gardeners. Additionally, the content and distribution format constrained opportunities for volunteer engagement and the ability to update event information efficiently.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicabl
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Newspaper Partnership
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
Describe the Issue or SituationNon-extension groups and diverse community members in Calloway County often lack awareness of available agricultural programs and resources. Traditional communication methods have not effectively reached certain populations, limiting engagement and participation in programs addressing topics such as sustainable farming and home gardening.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable)To address this issue, I collaborated with The
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