Extension
It Starts With Us
Fixating the Focus on the Local Food Supply
Elevating Local Food Systems
Ammerman, Conkwright, Veach
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 2023
Audience: Goat Producers
Project of Activity: Meat Goat Updates
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications, KSU specialists
Date: March 2024
Audience: Sheep and Goat Farmers
Project of Activity: Small Ruminant Workshop
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications KSU specialists
Date: March 2024
Audience: 4H Livestock Youth
Project of Activity: 4H Youth Livestock Clubs
Content or Curriculum: Getting your Goat, Stepping Out, Showing the Way
Inputs: Dairy Goat Club members and leader
Date: All year Long
Audience: Forage Farmers
Project or Activity: Controlling Weeds in Pastures and Hayfields
Content or Curriculum: UK Agronomy
Inputs: Agent and UK website
Date: March 2024
Audience: Forage Farmers
Project or Activity: Pasture Renovation
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: Feb 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: Fall 2023
Audience: Dairy and Beef Farmers
Project of Activity: Silage Production Update
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: UK publications,
Date: March 2024
Audience: Grain Farmers
Project of Activity: Early Bird Grain Meeting
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: Jan 2024
Audience: Vegetable Farmers
Project of Activity: Extending the Growing Season
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: Feb - March 2024
Audience: Vegetable Farmers
Project of Activity: Producers Best Practices Training
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: Feb 2024
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: winter 2023 throughout the growing season
Audience: Farmer’s Markets SNAP-Ed
Project of Activity: Sampling
Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Publications
Inputs: UK publications and specialists
Date: ongoing throughout the year
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 2024
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 2024
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Grant County Farm to Table shines a spotlight that showcases local farm products. Consumers have moved their decisions by making choices that have increased for demand for locally grown fresh produce, meat and eggs. Supply chain scarcity has pushed consumer focus away from the grocery shelf and toward the farm stand. Quite simply consumers want to know the person that is growing their food by name. Local farmers and farmers markets have become the consumer&rsqu
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Agritourism Planning
In the heart of the countryside, against the backdrop of the serene Buck Ridge Farms, a remarkable success story unfolded with the enchanting event, "Yuletide Harvest Haven at the Barn." This festive gathering not only celebrated the spirit of the season but also addressed a challenge faced by local artisans and craftsmen – the lack of opportunities to showcase their talents.Recognizing this need, the Cooperative Extension Service stepped in with a thoughtful response. The Barn a
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Consumer choice continues to migrate away from grocery store shelves toward the farm gate. Many local farmers' markets are now becoming the go-to source for safe, fresh, and nutritious food for communities across the state, including Grant County. Over the past growing season, many individuals have turned away from the conventional food supply, leading to increased demand for locally grown fresh produce, meat, and eggs.In response, a community-wide effort was launched to raise awarenes
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The scope of agriculture in Grant County has evolved over the past 20 years. Burley tobacco production no longer remains the economic driver for farm revenue. Farmers looked to supplement the loss of tobacco income with more and additional sources for farm revenue. The Grant County Agriculture Development Council has been proactive in utilizing funds from the Master Settlement Agreement to assist farmers. These efforts allow farmers to merge their businesses with the late
