Extension
It Starts With Us
Fixating the Focus on the Local Food Supply
Elevating Local Food Systems
Ammerman, Conkwright, McFarland
Local Food Systems
Horticulture, Commercial
Nutrition and Food Systems General
Recent community needs assessment coupled with the global pandemic have shifted consumers focus from large chain grocery stores toward locally sourced items to fulfill their need for food staples.
Consumer demand for locally grown and processed foods continues to climb. Farmers recognize and respond to consumer demand and retaliate by matching with supply.
Farmer's look toward alternative methods of production and sales of off farm products. Farm respond quicker to consumer demands.
Farmers acquire knowledge to understand new and emerging markets. Farmer's also adjust production and marketing practices to reach new consumer populous.
Increase in farm gate revenues, More consumers purchase locally raised foods.
Audience: Cattle Owners
Project or Activity: Building Better Beef
Content or Curriculum: UK Beef IRM
Inputs: Agent and UK website
Date: monthly throughout the year
Audience: Beef Farmers
Project of Activity: Master Cattlemen
Content or Curriculum: UK Beef IRM and UK Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: Fall 2024
Audience: Goat Producers
Project of Activity: Meat Goat Updates
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications, KSU specialists
Date: March 2025
Audience: Sheep and Goat Farmers
Project of Activity: Small Ruminant Workshop
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications KSU specialists
Date: March 2025
Audience: Forage Farmers
Project or Activity: Controlling Weeds in Pastures and Hayfields
Content or Curriculum: UK Agronomy
Inputs: Agent and UK website
Date: Spring 2024
Audience: Forage Farmers
Project or Activity: Pasture Renovation
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: Spring 2024
Audience: County Ag Investment Program Farmers
Project of Activity: Hay Storage to increase profits
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: Year Round
Audience: Dairy and Beef Farmers
Project of Activity: Silage Production Update
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: UK publications,
Date: March 2025
Audience: Vegetable Farmers
Project of Activity: Producers Best Practices Training
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: April 2025
Audience: Farmer’s Markets
Project of Activity: SNAP-Ed, WIC and Senior Coupons
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: Jan 2025 throughout the growing season
Audience: 6,7, & 8 Graders
Project of Activity: GCMS Garden
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists, agent and volunteers
Date: March –Sept 2025
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project of Activity: 4-H Horticulture Club
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists, agents and volunteers
Date: March – Oct 2025
