Nicholas County CES

County Emphasis:

Cultivating Community: Strengthening Family Farms and Sustainable Local Food

Concentration 1:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Concentration 2:

Small Farm Development

Situation:

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s natural resources, including woodland, water systems, and agricultural lands, is essential for the well-being of current and future generations, yet it faces numerous and interconnected challenges. Economic pressures, urban development, workforce limitations, and a lack of access to sustainable technologies hinder many landowners and small farmers from adopting responsible land management practices. Kentucky is rich in natural assets with it’s hardwood forests covering half the state, supporting over 28,000 jobs, and contributing $13 billion annually to the economy. Forests, found in all 120 counties, not only drive economic development but also provide recreational opportunities, protect biodiversity, and help combat climate change. At the same time, small farms—defined by NIFA as operations with gross cash farm income of $250,000 or less and comprising over 90% of U.S. farms—play a critical role in maintaining rural economies, food security, and environmental health. These farms, typically family-owned and operated, face mounting challenges including aging ownership, farm consolidation, and increasingly volatile climate patterns. Both forests and farms are under threat from invasive species, soil degradation, and extreme weather events such as the 2021 tornado and 2022 flooding, which reflect Kentucky’s growing vulnerability to climate change. Urban small-scale farming is emerging as a promising solution to local food needs and economic diversification, yet barriers like limited access to capital, markets, and knowledge about sustainable practices persist. Kentucky Cooperative Extension is actively addressing these issues by developing adaptive management strategies, promoting soil and water conservation in both urban and rural areas, and offering education and resources to small farm and woodland owners. Through the promotion of whole farm planning, sustainable forestry, estate transitions, risk management, and specialty crop production, Extension is strengthening the foundation for resilient rural and urban communities. The intertwined development of small farms and the protection of natural ecosystems is not only vital for Kentucky’s agricultural and economic future, but for the broader goal of environmental stewardship and generational sustainability.

County Situation:

Agriculture remains a vital part of Nicholas County’s economy, heritage, and community identity. Family farms are the backbone of local food production and rural life, yet many face challenges related to economic sustainability, aging farmer populations, land access, and shifting market demands. As larger agricultural operations grow, small and mid-sized family farms often struggle to remain viable, putting the county’s agricultural diversity and local food resilience at risk. 

A 16% decline in the number of farms in Nicholas County has far-reaching consequences for the local economy, environment, and community. Economically, fewer farms mean reduced agricultural output and income, impacting not only farmers but also the local businesses that support them, such as equipment suppliers and feed stores. This decline also results in fewer job opportunities and a shrinking tax base, which can affect funding for public services and infrastructure. With less local food being produced, the community may become more dependent on imported goods, potentially raising food costs and reducing access to fresh, healthy options. Environmentally, the loss of small, family-operated farms can lead to a decline in sustainable land management and biodiversity, as these farms often act as stewards of the land. Socially and culturally, the decrease threatens the county’s rural identity and traditions, weakening community connections and reducing opportunities for youth to engage in agricultural education and leadership. Perhaps most critically, the decline in small farms poses a challenge to the future of agriculture in Nicholas County, as fewer farms mean fewer chances for the next generation to carry on the farming legacy.

Developing and supporting small farm enterprises is essential to preserving Nicholas County’s agricultural future. By promoting sustainable farming practices, increasing access to resources and education, and encouraging innovation and diversification, local farmers can build more resilient operations. Strengthening small farms not only supports food security and environmental stewardship but also contributes to the local economy and the long-term vitality of rural communities.

Long-Term Outcomes:

The sustainability of agricultural and forestry operations is increased and opportunities for further growth are improved.

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

Intermediate Outcomes:

New or improved practices, behaviors, or choices will occur in participants or communities because of the knowledge or awareness they gained from their contact with Extension (these are behavior change outcomes that are typically measured in follow-up evaluations because they require time to mature.) 

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:

Develop the skills and ability of Woodland owners and Ag producers to actively manage wildlife-related damage and nuisance. 

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

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

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife. 
• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry. 
• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.   

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains) 

Timeline: At program 

 

Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of safe/effective pesticide application methods 

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators attending continuing education credit Extension events (both private and commercial) 
• Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on integrated pest management techniques  
• Number of people self-reporting behavioral changes regarding risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application 

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline: ONGOING

 

Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty 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 survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

• Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 
• Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 
• Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 
• Number of trained volunteers. 
• Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 
• Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Learning Opportunities:

 

Audience: Adults 

Project or Activity: IPM and Pesticide Programs 

Content or Curriculum: Educational materials and program delivery 

Inputs: UK and subject matter Specialists 

Dates: 2025-2029

 

Audience: Specialty Crop Growers 

Project or Activity: Programming for commercial or pre-commercial (training to be commercial growers) specialty crop production and management 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, governmental agencies (NRCS, FSA, etc.) 

Dates: TBD

Audience: Non-commercial urban and community gardeners 

Project or Activity: Programming for specialty crop production and management that is non-commercial 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, community advocacy and faith-based groups, schools 

Dates: TBD

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased awareness of wildlife, forestry, and natural resources issues 

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they gained knowledge of wildlife. 
• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of forestry. 
• Number of participants who reported they gained their awareness of natural resources.   

Method: Survey (Self-Assessment of Learning Gains) 

Timeline: At program 

 

Outcome: Increased awareness of and use of safe/effective pesticide application methods 

Indicator: 

• Number of certified applicators attending continuing education credit Extension events (both private and commercial) 
• Number of people self-reporting knowledge gain on integrated pest management techniques  
• Number of people self-reporting behavioral changes regarding risk mitigation strategies for pesticide application 

Method: Surveys at CEU events 

Timeline: ONGOING

 

Outcome: Improved commercial production practices for specialty 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 survey, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

• Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 
• Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 
• Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 
• Number of trained volunteers. 
• Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 
• Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing