Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Major Program: Community Engagement
Due in part to the COVID-19 Pandemic and because of a position vacancy, Garrard County’s FCS program was experiencing somewhat of a slump in educational classes and attendance. 1 homemaker club continued to meet and most classes that were once full of excited participants had all but vanished. The goal of the FCS Agent the last 2 years was to revitalize this program and bring people back into the office, new and old. In the past year and a half, large accomplishments have been made i
Author: Allison Keeton
Major Program: Community Engagement
Elliott County Extension has not had a field day in a long time. So, I decided for my intern project to introduce the idea of highlighting all program areas of extension with a field day. To advertise for this event, we put a flyer in the newspaper, called the local radio, posted flyers around town, advertised on Facebook, and handed out flyers at our other extension programs. There were booths set up to showcase some of the things Elliott Extension does and some of the great businesses we
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Community Engagement
Describe the Issue or Situation.The Jone’s family hosted the 2024 Farm City Field Day on their diversified multi generational farm. Vegetable production and Agritourism are their main farm enterprises supported by beef cattle, forages and some row crops. They also have other satellite agricultural enterprises to supplement the three generations that farm today.This year’s Field Day was fairly unique as it focused solely on large scale vegetable production, highlighting the roughly se
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Community Engagement
Henderson County is growing. New business’ are opening, new restaurants, and new road construction are all contributing to healthy economic growth. Working closely with the local officials, Extension was called upon to help with beautification of the new I69 interchange. Beginning in 2022, the city and county started looking at the impact of I69 and how it was going to effect traffic flow into the city. Hwy 351 / I69 interchange likely will be a new entry poin
Author: Jeremy Williams
Major Program: Community Engagement
Harlan County faces a significant issue with heirs property due to inadequate estate planning. This leads to uncertainty, legal complications, and potential economic burdens for heirs.The Harlan County Extension Service, in collaboration with the Harlan County Extension Council and Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN), organized a Will Clinic and Heir Property Education Program. This program provided free legal advice and assistance to county residents.Fifteen Harlan County residents a
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Community Engagement
The 2024 McLean County Farm to Fork program was held August 6th, 2024, at the Extension Facility located on the grounds of Myer Creek Park in Calhoun, KY. Farm to Fork programs are used to increase the awareness of the local food movement by partnering with organizations to benefit a charity in our community. This program provides an educational background about local foods and where our food comes from as well as the farmers that grow it. The McLean County Cooperative Extension Service hosted t
Author: Linda McClanahan
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Mercer County Extension Council hosted a Summer Open House to increase awareness about programs, activities and services available through the Mercer County Extension Office. The event is advertised via social media, signage, flyers and program newsletters published by each agent with the intent to bring more people to the extension office. Although this program has been held for a number of years, each year the committee which plans the open house comes up with new ideas for continued impro
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Mercer County Extension Council hosted a Summer Open House to increase awareness about programs, activities and services available through the Mercer County Extension Office. The event is advertised via social media, signage, flyers and program newsletters published by each agent with the intent to bring more people to the extension office. Although this program has been held for several years, each year the committee which plans the open house comes up with new ideas for continued improveme
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Community Engagement
Extension is the best kept secret" is a phrase every extension employee has heard at one point in time. Clark County Extension decided to try and spread the news about all of the wonderful services extension offers and hopefully reach new people thru a 2024 Fall Fest event. This event was free and open to everyone of all ages. Many steps were made in advertising this event including articles in the local newspaper, newsletters, local organizations, and shows on local radio. Many activities
Author: Eric Comley
Major Program: Community Engagement
In a September 2024 online article by the American Red Cross, 11 survival skills were detailed in an effort to help people become more prepared for a situation that demands basic skills and minimal preparation to stay alive (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/articles/11-survival-skills-to-know). Articles, like this one, are the result of a movement for people to become more self-reliant and an increase in outdoor recreation participation (https://outdoorindustry.org/press-release/o
Author: Tara Duty
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Mercer County Extension Council hosted a Summer Open House to increase awareness about programs, activities and services available through the Mercer County Extension Office. The event is advertised via social media, signage, flyers and program newsletters published by each agent with the intent to bring more people to the extension office. Although this program has been held for a number of years, each year the committee which plans the open house comes up with new ideas for continued impro
Author: Kenna Knight
Major Program: Community Engagement
Our recent 12-state Agricultural and Heritage Tour in New England was a resounding success, bringing together 34 travelers on a memorable journey through diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. With a focus on hands-on experiences and educational stops, participants had the unique opportunity to dive into the heart of New England’s agricultural practices, local heritage, and breathtaking sights.Highlights of the JourneyFor seven individuals, this tour marked their first adventure and pa
Author: Katie Hughes
Major Program: Community Engagement
Describe the Issue or Situation.During the eclipse many of the towns had hosted events for people to watch the eclipse. Afterwards I saw where people could donate their glasses so others in South America could enjoy the upcoming eclipse. So I post out a flyer and ask the other agents in the office to share and promote donating used glasses to the extension office where then we would mail them to Eclipse Glasses USA. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if app
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Community Engagement
Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of Webster County, Kentucky, contributing significantly to both local employment and economic output in the surrounding area. According to national statistics, Kentucky is one of the top agricultural producers in the U.S., with a strong emphasis on crops like tobacco, soybeans, and corn, along with livestock operations. According to Community and Economic Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK), 77% of land in Webster County is in farms. Poultry, our nu
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Community Engagement
The face of Kentucky is changing. In the last 20 years the state has lost 17,000 farms and 1.4 million acres of farmland. The population of Madison County, Kentucky in 2022 was 95,187, 14% up from the 83,471 who lived there in 2010. Over time, there is more and more of a disconnect with agriculture. The annual Farm City Banquet held at the Madison County Extension office is a way to unite the increasingly more urban and agricultural communities. The Madison County H
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Community Engagement
“Extension is the best kept secret in the county.” This is a common statement heard after helping clients. The Madison County Extension Council wanted to provide a program that would help the community know more about the programs offered at the Madison County Extension Office.After brainstorming, the Council decided to host a Home, Farm and Garden Expo. The Extension Council and Agents decided to not partner or accept sponsorships from outside groups. They hoped to instead on just E
