Beginner Farming Courses

Author: Kristen Stumbo

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

There are a lot of new residents in Magoffin County that have a goal of homesteading on their new land, who request guidance on how to get started and what the options are for them to grow or raise. A lot of these clients have bought their property sight unseen and the lack of flat land to work with paired with taking on a brand new task can be overwhelming and discouraging. We hosted several "beginner" workshops covering a multitude of topics, including maple syrup production, sa

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Mushroom Log Inoculation

Author: Michelle Brock

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Our mushroom log inoculation program which occurred in late winter was an engaging, hands on educational program that introduces participants to the fascinating world of fungi cultivation. During the program, participants learn how to inoculate logs with mushroom spores, a process that allows mushrooms to grow and fruit over time. This hands-on experience often proves to be both enjoyable and rewarding, as participants get to witness the transformation of ordinary l

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Bridging Cultures through Agriculture and Technology

Author: Laura Rogers

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

The issue centered around the difficulty of engaging underserved Hispanic and small farm communities in Whitley County through agricultural education. Many were unaware of available resources or lacked access to relevant programs. To bridge this gap, the Spanish-to-English Program was launched in February 2024, offering monthly bilingual sessions on key agricultural topics. The program has reached 380 participants, including 279 Hispanic contacts, with many returning each month, demonstrating on

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Kentucky State University 4th Wednesday Beef Cattle Workshop March 27, 2024; 6pm – Location: Blue Grass Stock Yard, Lexington, Kentucky Topic: Reproductive Management & Marketing Your Livestock.

Author: Edwin Chavous

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Describe the Issue or Situation.Title: Kentucky State University 4th Wednesday Beef Cattle Workshop March 27, 2024; 6pm – Location: Blue Grass Stock Yard, Lexington, Kentucky Topic: Reproductive Management & Marketing Your Livestock.Limited Resource Minority producers received technical information Reproductive Management & Marketing Beef Cattle.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).For a two hour period Limited Resource Minority p

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KSU 4th Wednesday Beef Cattle Workshop July 24, 2024; 6pm - Location Harold R. Benson Research & Demonstration Farm – Topic: Summer Grazing and Forage Management

Author: Edwin Chavous

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Describe the Issue or Situation.Title: KSU 4th Wednesday Beef Cattle Workshop July 24, 2024; 6pm – Location Harold R. Benson Research & Demonstration FarmTopic: Summer Grazing and Forage ManagementIssue: Limited Resource Minority producers received technical information Summer Grazing and Forage Management for beef cattle.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).For a two hour period Limited Resource Minority producers received resea

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“KSU Small Farm Program Continue to Provides Technical Assistance for Minority Pasture Poultry Farmer in Madison County, Kentucky”

Author: Edwin Chavous

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

August 14, 2024“KSU Small Farm Program Continue to Provides Technical Assistance for Minority Pasture Poultry Farmer in Madison County, Kentucky”The Kentucky State University (KSU) Small Farm Program is an Extension program designed to help farm families with decision-making skills to solve farm and home problems. It includes educational programs that emphasize farm production, farm management, and marketing.  It also includes the use and understanding of local county programs a

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Kentucky State University “Third Thursday Thing” Field Day Location: Harold R. Benson Research & Demonstration Farm July 27, 2024; 9am

Author: Edwin Chavous

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Describe the Issue or Situation.Title: Kentucky State University “Third Thursday Thing” Field Day; Location:  Harold R. Benson Research & Demonstration Farm July 27, 2024; 9amIssue: A field day was conducted for farmers in all counties across the state of Kentucky.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).What has been done: The field day consisted of six field stations, six walking stations and ten booths with different su

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Farm School for Women

Author: Lorin Fawns

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

The Farm School For Women program is an annual program hosted by the Buffalo Trace County area Cooperative Extension Offices, consisting of Bracken, Fleming, Lewis, Mason, and Robertson Counties.  The program addresses agriculture/farm topics that are of expressed interest by the group or realized topic of interest based upon the issues of the year.  The 2024 topics included Beekeeping 101, with a hands-on activity of making candles and Chapstick with beeswax; Pond Management; Plant Di

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Value-Added Ag Workshops to Create Small Business and Farm Diversification Opportunities in Graves County

Author: Miranda Rudolph

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Graves County is one of the biggest agricultural counties in the state of Kentucky. It ranks 1st in ag sales, 1st in livestock production, and 4th in crop production. The economy has been built on the back of "big" agriculture thanks to the poultry industry and row crop farms growing soybeans, corn, wheat, and tobacco. However, we see many producers looking for ways to inject cash flow into their operations through other side ventures and diversifying their farms. Graves County has als

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Farm Value-Added Soap Making Sparks Excitement Among Farmers

Author: Laura Rogers

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Describe the Issue or Situation. The issue was a lack of accessible, hands-on learning opportunities for farmers to explore traditional value-added products, such as soap making, to diversify their farm income and skills. Many participants believed that making lye soap was too tricky or complicated, leading to a hesitation to try it themselves. Additionally, there was a gap in understanding the science behind the soap-making process and how to customize it with scents or natural ingredients

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