Kenton County CES

Title:

Economic Development

MAP:

Developing Strong Communities and Leaders

Agents Involved:

Dan Allen

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Agritourism Planning

Situation:

Recent trends in our area indicate there is a great interest in agritourism operations as family-friendly events and educational opportunities. Farmers in our county are realizing there are economic opportunities in agritourism. Also, Kenton County has a very underutilized recreational resource in the Licking River.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Positive economic impact for agritourism operators. Allow entrepreneurs to create recreational opportunities along the Licking River.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Marketing of agritourist attractions in Kenton County. Assist recreational entrepreneurs as they explore possibilities.

Initial Outcomes:

Continue with the annual Kenton County Farm Harvest Tour, and Today's Heritage Farm Tour, and survey of the landowners along the Licking River.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased revenue for Farm Tour participants, and start up a local agriculture tourism organization.
Indicator: Start up new ventures and continued interest in the Farm Tour.
Method: Survey
Timeline: Ongoing, September 2019, September 2020

Intermediate Outcome:   Opportunity for agritourism expansion.

Long-Term Outcome:  Reliable family farm income.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Residents interested in Agritourism
Project or Activity: Field Trips to Agritourism Operations, Kenton County Farm Harvest Tour, Farm Heritage Days
Content or Curriculum: CED Publications
Inputs: Kenton County ANR Agent, and UK Specialists
Date: Various/ongoing

Audience: Equine Owners
Project or Activity: NKY Equine Conferences
 Content or Curriculum: One-day Seminar, UK Specialists

Inputs: Ag Agents of NKY
 Date: November 2019

Success Stories

Kenton County Farm Tour 2019 Kentucky State University Participation

Author: Linda Brown-Price

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Many people do not know where their food comes from, other than the grocery store. In Kenton County   there is a diverse population where many residents live in urban or suburban and settings. For the past 8 years the Kenton County Extension Service Office has held a Farm Harvest Tour for its residents. One of the goals of the tour is to educate the urban and suburban population in the county on the connection of food to land and enhance appreciation of the rich heritage of farmers for many

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Senior Farmers Market Voucher

Author: Joan Bowling

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program provides eligible low-income seniors with redeemable vouchers for fresh, unprocessed local fruits, vegetables, hone, and herbs at approved Farmer’s Markets, The program helps improve nutrition for low-income families, by providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The program also increases local farm sales and encourages individuals to shop at the local Farmers Market. The voucher syste

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Online Agriculture Education Programs Offered for the First Time

Author: Daniel Allen

Major Program: Local Food Systems

On-line Agriculture Programs Offered for the First TimeMany things have changed within Extension Service because of the COVID19 pandemic.  The biggest change came in the way we offer educational programs to our residents. Kenton County offered agriculture classes on-line as a way of continued service to the residents in Kenton County.  There were 6 classes offered in spring and early summer to over 40 farmers.  Topics included Backyard Poultry, Farm Ponds, Fencing Basics, Forest I

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