Horticulture, CommercialMajor Program

21869.398

Total Hours

Contributed.

744707

Contacts

with Local Stakeholders.

877

Hours

of Multistate Efforts.

333

Total Number

of Volunteers Engaged.

Program Indicators

Number of farmers and farmer market vendors who gained knowledge on crop diversification  

1231

Number of growers who adopted techniques that extended the growing season

804

Number for growers who diversified crop production

584

Number of growers who conducted foliar tissue testing

204

Number of growers who implemented irrigation systems

489

Number of growers who gained knowledge in commercial horticulture including: improved pest and disease management, improved soil management, how to interpret a soil test and apply fertilizer accordingly, recommended crop varieties, improved crop management such as trellising, pruning, harvesting, timing of operations, etc.

2089

Number of growers who planned and practiced crop rotation

1030

Stories

Small Fruit Production For New Growers

In an effort to offer more educational classes for growers wanting to make the jump from backyard growers to more commercial, the Mercer County Horticulture Agent teamed up with one of the UK Horticulture Extension Specialist to offer two small fruit webinars in early 2022. The two topics selected were strawberry and blueberry production. Originally these webinars were planned to be broadcasted in only the central part of the state. Once discussing with other agents how often they are asked prod...

Read More

Small Fruit Production For New Growers

Stories Behind the Numbers

  • Enhanced marketing opportunities

    The agent continues to work closely with the local leadership and market management to provide a commercial outlet for producers who are in the business of marketing horticultural products. The Bath C... Read More

  • Heron's Landing Apple Orchard

    In 2013 a local cattle farmer contacted the Madison County Horticulture Agent and told her he would like to start an apple orchard. The Agent invited the University of Kentucky Fruit Specialist, Dr. J... Read More

  • Mum Field day

    In 2020 the Buffalo Trace Ag & Horticulture agents offered a class on mum for Farm School for Women. After the program, a local agriculture tourism company contacted the Mason County Extension office,... Read More

  • Helping By Teaching

    A local distillery contacted the Horticulture Agent for help after the distillerys horticulturist had taken a new position at the height of the growing season. The staff needed immediate direction on ... Read More

More Stories