Allen County CES

County Emphasis:

Supporting Small Farms in Allen County

Concentration 1:

Small Farm Development

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.

County Situation:

According to the 2022 Ag Census and the Statewide Community Needs Assessment, Allen County is a small farm focused county. With 80% of farms being 180 acres or less and 75% of farms having $25,000 or less in sales, helping small farmers find success is imperative for an overall successful agriculture county. Most every beginning farmer who purchases land is going to begin as a small farmer, and the county is frequently seeing more people start up small operations. By connecting with community leaders and large agriculture producers, the mission to support small farmers was built from ideas and concerns of the people who have been in the shoes of small farmers or know the tools they need to find success.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets. 
• Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected. 
• Strive to have all participating small farms fully implement sustainable practices that protect and enhance natural resources. 

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. 
• Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies. 

Initial Outcomes:

• 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:

Inital Outcome: Increased Knowledge of Cattle Management Practices

Indicators: 

• Number of Producers who learned new herd health practices
• Number of Producers who learned nutrition-related issues
• Number of Producers who learned new grazing and forage strategies
• Number of Producers who intend to adopt facilities upgrades for easier handling
• Number of Producers who learned new marketing methods for direct-to-consumer sales

Method: Surveys 

Timeline: Immediately following Master Cattlemen Course Sessions

Intermediate Outcome: Farmer's Market Vendor Sales

Indicators: 

• Number of Vendors setting up for the first time
• Number of Vendors who introduced new products
• Number of Vendors who increased profits or expanded operation
• Total sales of the market by month and by vendor
• Number of Customers who made purchases throughout the season

Method: Weekly Recording Keeping of Customers and Sales

Timeline: Monthly meetings to discuss progress and end of season overview to determine growth

Longterm Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for speciality crops 

Indicators: 

• Number of producers who reported increased yield.  
• Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers. 
• Number of producers who reported improved produce quality. 
• Number of trained volunteers.
• Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
• Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
• Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.

Method: Grower Reports, Yearly Record Keeping, Direct Observation and Feedback

Timeline: Pre-Season evaluation of previous yields and methods from years past. Post-Harvest comparison from previous harvests, methods, inputs and trends.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Specialty Crop Growers and Value Added Producers

Project or Activity: Allen County-Scottsville Farmer's Market

Content or Curriculum: Vendor Trainings, Social Media Marketing, Publications, Field Visits, Email and Phone Calls

Inputs: County Agents, Local Officials, Chamber of Commerce

Date: On-Going 

Audience: Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen for Mammoth Cave Area

Content or Curriculum: Sessions with Specialists, Workshops, Publications, Field Visits, Email and Phone Calls

Inputs: Extension Specialists, County Agents, Various County Cattlemen's Associations

Date: October-November 2025

Audience: Small Scale Producers or Homeowners

Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Applicator Training

Content or Curriculum: Training Courses, National Core Manuals, Record Keeping Materials, Publications, Field Visits, Email and Phone Calls

Inputs: Extension Specialists, County Agents

Date: January-February, Annually

Evaluation:

Inital Outcome: Increased Knowledge of Cattle Management Practices

Indicators: 

• Number of Producers who learned new herd health practices
• Number of Producers who learned nutrition-related issues
• Number of Producers who learned new grazing and forage strategies
• Number of Producers who intend to adopt facilities upgrades for easier handling
• Number of Producers who learned new marketing methods for direct-to-consumer sales

Method: Surveys 

Timeline: Immediately following Master Cattlemen Course Sessions

Intermediate Outcome: Farmer's Market Vendor Sales

Indicators: 

• Number of Vendors setting up for the first time
• Number of Vendors who introduced new products
• Number of Vendors who increased profits or expanded operation
• Total sales of the market by month and by vendor
• Number of Customers who made purchases throughout the season

Method: Weekly Recording Keeping of Customers and Sales

Timeline: Monthly meetings to discuss progress and end of season overview to determine growth

Longterm Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for speciality crops 

Indicators: 

• Number of producers who reported increased yield.  
• Number of new or beginning specialty crop growers. 
• Number of producers who reported improved produce quality. 
• Number of trained volunteers.
• Number of commercial growers who reported improved produce quality.
• Number of commercial growers who reported increased yield in specialty crops (fruit, vegetables, herbs, etc.).
• Number of commercial growers who reported that they expanded or developed new markets for specialty crops. 
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported adoption of new technologies (acquisition of greenhouse, high tunnel, lighting, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported improved management practices (soil sampling, foliar sampling, integrated pest management, cover cropping, etc.)
• Number of commercial specialty crop growers who reported reduced production inputs/costs.

Method: Grower Reports, Yearly Record Keeping, Direct Observation and Feedback

Timeline: Pre-Season evaluation of previous yields and methods from years past. Post-Harvest comparison from previous harvests, methods, inputs and trends.