Oldham County CES

County Emphasis:

Small Farms

Concentration 1:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 2:

Animal Production and Management

Concentration 3:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 4:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

Small farm development is a crucial aspect of the Kentucky agricultural sector, especially in the context of supporting rural economies and ensuring food security. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) defines a small farm as an operation with a gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less. These farms are typically family-owned and operated, and they represent more than 90 percent of farms in the U.S. These farms face challenges such as urbanization, an aging farmer population, farm consolidation, new and beginning farmers, and changing climate patterns.

Small farms play a vital role in the competitiveness and sustainability of rural and farm economies, protecting and enhancing natural resources and the environment, and maintaining rural populations. Urban small scale farm production is an emerging and fast grow segment of farm economies. The development and sustainability of small farms is important in providing a nursery for new enterprises and marketing systems, which is crucial for innovation and diversification in agriculture. Small farm development can be hindered by access to capital, markets, and technology. Additionally, owners of small farms may lack the knowledge or resources to implement sustainable practices that could improve their economic viability and environmental stewardship.

Kentucky Cooperative Extension will continue to aid small farm owners by providing educational opportunities and increasing awareness of resources offered through various programs and online platforms. This includes developing new and improved practices to reduce production costs, protect and improve soil and water resources, and offer options for specialty crop production. Extension personnel will also promote whole farm plans, estate planning, farm transitions, risk management, and market opportunities.

The development of small farms is imperative for the health of Kentucky’s agricultural sector, rural communities and emerge urban agriculture.

Optimizing plant, crop and forage production is paramount as Kentucky producers navigate the challenges of economics, climate variability, and evolving consumer demands. Key challenges and strategies to enhance sustainable practices across various agricultural domains include:  rising input costs (seeds, fertilizers, machinery), crop price fluctuations, knowledge of soil health, and water management to produce high yielding crops for long-term productivity.

Producers use data-driven approaches for efficient resource utilization while exploring new crop varieties for pest resistance and yield improvement. As technology advances, producers will need to adopt remote sensing technologies to monitor soil health, moisture, and other parameters to increase efficiency. Implementing conservation practices that protect soil and water resources will ensure the long-term sustainability of Kentucky farmland and improve resilience to climate variability.

Current and continuing practices involve cover crops to reduce erosion resulting in enhanced soil health as well as rotating crops to break pest cycles, improve soil fertility, and reduce disease pressure. Extension programming will encourage diverse crops and horticulture species to reduce risk and explore specialty crops, such as berries, herbs, and ornamental plants. Extension Specialists continue to educate farmers on forage species selection for hay production and livestock nutrition, advise on implementing integrated pest management and organic production practices (to minimize chemical inputs while still effectively managing pests), select climate-adapted crop varieties, and prepare for extreme weather events through adaptation and disaster readiness programs.

To meet the needs of producers, agents and specialists will continue to disseminate research-based information, offer workshops, field days, online resources, support local farmer’s markets, community gardens, community supported agriculture, and urban horticulture initiatives.

Optimizing plant, crop and forage production is paramount as Kentucky producers navigate the challenges of economics, climate variability, and evolving consumer demands. Key challenges and strategies to enhance sustainable practices across various agricultural domains include:  rising input costs (seeds, fertilizers, machinery), crop price fluctuations, knowledge of soil health, and water management to produce high yielding crops for long-term productivity.

Producers use data-driven approaches for efficient resource utilization while exploring new crop varieties for pest resistance and yield improvement. As technology advances, producers will need to adopt remote sensing technologies to monitor soil health, moisture, and other parameters to increase efficiency. Implementing conservation practices that protect soil and water resources will ensure the long-term sustainability of Kentucky farmland and improve resilience to climate variability.

Current and continuing practices involve cover crops to reduce erosion resulting in enhanced soil health as well as rotating crops to break pest cycles, improve soil fertility, and reduce disease pressure. Extension programming will encourage diverse crops and horticulture species to reduce risk and explore specialty crops, such as berries, herbs, and ornamental plants. Extension Specialists continue to educate farmers on forage species selection for hay production and livestock nutrition, advise on implementing integrated pest management and organic production practices (to minimize chemical inputs while still effectively managing pests), select climate-adapted crop varieties, and prepare for extreme weather events through adaptation and disaster readiness programs.

To meet the needs of producers, agents and specialists will continue to disseminate research-based information, offer workshops, field days, online resources, support local farmer’s markets, community gardens, community supported agriculture, and urban horticulture initiatives.

A disproportionate number of Kentuckians live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentuckians, compared to 15% nationally). Further, most Kentucky households are concerned with financially sustaining a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive in an economically challenged society. From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state.

Copy and paste state situations that correspond to concentrations

County Situation:

The Extension Community Assessment has illuminated a crucial demand for targeted educational resources and support systems tailored to the unique needs of small and family farms. This includes practical training in sustainable and low-chemical farming methods, reflecting a growing interest in environmentally conscious agricultural practices. Furthermore, the assessment highlights the importance of training programs focused on farmland preservation techniques, ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural land. Essential components also include farm safety and food safety training for both on-farm operations and farmers markets, alongside initiatives that bolster market support for locally produced foods. 

Oldham County remains in a transition from a mostly rural county to a more urban-like county. According to the last agriculture census, around 50% of farms residing in Oldham County are between 10 and 50 acres. Also, most farmers remain at an age around 50-60 years old, even if the number of new and beginning farmers has increased. As urbanization increases, small farms like these are becoming increasingly important for educating residents in the processes of growing, harvesting, and producing seasonality. Small farms also play a pivotal role in connecting urban populations to rural populations. Extension efforts to support small farm creation and development will, in turn, support the connectivity of the residents in Oldham County. The ANR/Hort Council has identified areas such as small farm succession, beginning a new farm, and bringing more people into agriculture as pivotal topics. Oldham County Extension remains to be diligent in creating programs that support new farmers and small farm business growth. Finally, the community expresses a need for educational resources on self-sufficiency, encompassing topics such as off-grid living and home gardening, indicating a desire for greater control over resource consumption and food production.

 

 

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Establish networks of urban farms that are integral to their local food systems, providing fresh produce and fostering urban-rural agricultural links. 

Equip small farms to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of changing climate patterns, ensuring their sustainability and resilience. 

Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects. 

Support the establishment of new farm enterprises that can offer innovative products and practices, enhancing the economic resilience of the small farm sector. 

Provide robust support for estate planning and farm transitions to ensure the longevity of small farms across generations. 

Initial Outcomes:

Organize community events and workshops that foster networking among small farm owners and promote the sharing of best practices and innovations. 

Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners. 

Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability for small farm owners. 

Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales channels and improve income stability. 

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome: Improved production practices for specialty crops.

Indicator: Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Initial Outcome: Improved production practices for specialty crops.

Indicator: Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program

Long-term Outcome: Improved production practices for specialty crops.

Indicator: Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers & Landowners

Project or Activity: Agriculture Estate Planning

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Resources

Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, Agriculture Agent, Local and State Specialists

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Oldham County Cattlemen's Association Meetings

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension or special topic materials

Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, Local Producers

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Residents

Project or Activity: Oldham County Master Gardeners Association

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Materials

Inputs: Horticulture Assistant, Agriculture Agent

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Residents

Project or Activity: Home Vegetable and Home Fruit Production Classes

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Materials

Inputs: Horticulture Assistant, Agriculture Agent, Master Gardener Volunteers

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

Audience: Landowners & Residents

Project or Activity: Horse Field Day

Content or Curriculum: UK Extension Materials

Inputs: UK Extension Specialists, Agriculture Agent, Local Partners

Date: Spring/Summer 2025-2026

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Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome: Improved production practices for specialty crops.

Indicator: Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Initial Outcome: Improved production practices for specialty crops.

Indicator: Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers

Method: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program

Long-term Outcome: Improved production practices for specialty crops.

Indicator: Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 

Method: Survey

Timeline: End of program year