Extension
It Starts With Us
Commercial Horticulture
Strengthening Barren County’s Local Food System with Commercial Horticulture and Farmers Market Education
Schalk, Tarry, Crain
Local Food Systems
Horticulture, Commercial
Commercial horticulture is on the rise in Barren County. Several new commercial horticulture businesses and large scale produce operations are up and running. High tunnels structures have been appearing throughout the county due to cost-share funding through the NRCS office and more interest in producing locally grown food. With the large growing area in high tunnels, producers are seeking research-based educational information and trainings from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service on how to produce a high quality, yielding, safe commercial fruit and vegetable product to sell at a local farmers market. Community farmers’ markets have also reached out to the Extension Office to assist in providing required trainings for the new vendors joining the market each year
*Commercial horticulture producers will maintain or increase economic stability of their farm operations.
*Community farmers’ markets will see an increase in the number of vendors present at the markets as well as more variety of local farm products available at the market.
*The Glasgow and Barren County community will increase access to local foods in restaurants, schools, and other institutions.
*Commercial horticulture producers will implement best horticulture production practices by following fertility guidelines listed on a University of Kentucky soil test form, planting recommended varieties, expanding into other produce availability options, utilizing agricultural products to extend the growing season, practicing integrated pest management controls, and applying food safety practices to better market their superior food crops.
*Commercial horticulture producers will also gain various certifications to sell fresh produce and value-added products (Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, sampling certificates, Produce Best Practices Training (PBPT), Home-based and Microprocessor certificate, Kentucky Proud member, etc).
*Commercial horticulture producers in the area will gain new knowledge and skills related to production such as recommended varieties of fruits and vegetables, ideal site selection characteristics and soil preparation, how to install a drip irrigation system, identify integrated pest management (IPM) controls, know proper food handling procedures, develop a water quality plan, understand different strategies for marketing crops, and practices to reduce food safety issues on the farm.
Long-term Outcome: Increase of commercial horticulture producers present at community farmers markets, producers gaining more income from their commercial horticulture operations
Indicator: Number of new vendors/growers present at the farmers market and number of producers showing increase in income from sales
Method: Written surveys, personal observations
Timeline: July - June
Intermediate Outcome: Utilize best management horticulture production practices gained from Extension educational programming, producers gain several certifications to sell their farm products at community farmers’ markets.
Indicator: Increase in horticulture crop yields, change in varietal selections, site visits, farmers market visits, phone calls, follow up, and observation
Method: Evaluations, group discussion, personal interviews, and surveys
Timeline: July - June
Initial Outcome: New knowledge and skill in recommended commercial horticulture production practices learned from Extension programming.
Indicator: Total number of commercial horticulture producers noting knowledge or skill gained after attending educational programs and classes
Method: Pre- and Post-meeting Evaluations, group discussion, personal interviews, and surveys
Timeline: Immediately following educational program
Audience: Commercial Horticulture Producers
Project or Activity: Fruit and Vegetable Conference
Content or Curriculum: Extension related
Inputs: Agents, Specialists
Date: January each year
Audience: Commercial Horticulture Producers
Project or Activity: High Tunnel Production Update, Vegetable Production Meetings/Trainings
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension related publications, curriculum, materials
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, KDA, Center for Crop Diversification
Date: Winter, or early Spring
Audience: Farmers Market Vendors
Project or Activity: Various farmers market trainings
Content or Curriculum: PBPT (Produce Best Practices Training), Homebased Microprocessor Workshop, Sampling, Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Marketing, etc.
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, UK Extension related publications, state and federal agencies (KDA, Public Health Department, etc.), Food Systems Innovation System
Date: Winter meetings
Audience: Community Members and Residents
Project or Activity: Barren County Farm, Home, and Garden Expo
Content or Curriculum: UK Extension publications and materials
Inputs: Extension Master Gardeners, Agents
Date: April of each year
Audience: Farmers Market Vendors and Concerned Local Leaders
Project or Activity: Sustainable Glasgow Board Monthly Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Grants, UK Extension related publications
Inputs: Agents, Specialists
Date: July – June
Audience: Barren County and Glasgow residents
Project or Activity: Community Events
Content or Curriculum: Extension related publications and materials, SNAP-ED promotional items
Inputs: Agents, Specialists
Date: Quarterly: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Audience: Barren County and Glasgow residents
Project of Activity: Educational Webinar Series
Content or Curriculum: Agents & Specialists presentations, UK publications and materials
Inputs: Agents, Specialist and commodity guests
Date: Year round efforts
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
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Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
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