Bourbon County CES

County Emphasis:

Bourbon County Extension Local Food Systems Education

Concentration 1:

Plant Production and Management

Concentration 2:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Situation:

Bourbon County is a highly agricultural county, with 846 farms utilizing 99.1% of its land area. While livestock represents the largest share of agricultural sales, crop production, including nursery and greenhouse crops, contributes a notable market value of $31,443,000. The local food system involves 38 farms selling food directly to consumers and 27 farms selling to retail markets, institutions, or food hubs for local products. Feedback from the 2023 UK Extension Community Needs Assessment indicates a perceived community need for practical education and support in local agriculture, farming, and gardening, specifically mentioning home gardening and food safety on farms. Furthermore, respondents highlighted a need for education related to food access, nutrition, healthy eating, and growing/preserving food, underscoring the importance of horticultural production and management for both commercial purposes and addressing community food security and quality concerns in Bourbon County, particularly in light of the county's poverty rates.

County Situation:

Bourbon County, Kentucky, is characterized by significant agricultural activity. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, there were 846 farms in the county, utilizing 183,749 acres of land, which represents 99.1% of the county's land area. This is a substantially higher percentage of land in farms compared to the statewide figure of 49.2%. The average farm size in Bourbon County was 217 acres, larger than the state average of 179 acres.

The market value of all agricultural products sold in Bourbon County in 2022 totaled $250,819,000. On average, this amounted to $296,476 per farm, significantly higher than the state average of $115,315 per farm. While the market value of livestock, poultry, and their products ($219,376,000) was the dominant share, crops, including nursery and greenhouse crops, still represented a notable $31,443,000 in market value. The principal producers in the county averaged 57.6 years of age.

Regarding food systems and access, the 2022 Census of Agriculture data shows that 38 farms in Bourbon County marketed food directly to consumers, and 27 farms marketed food directly to retail markets, institutions, and food hubs for local or regionally branded products. Additionally, 23 farms reported selling processed or value-added agricultural products, and 7 farms earned income from agri-tourism and recreational services. The official poverty rate in Bourbon County was 16.5%, with a child poverty rate (ages 0-17) of 22.9% in 2022, indicating potential challenges related to food access for some residents.

Insights from the 2023 UK Extension Community Needs Assessment survey provide additional context regarding community perceptions of needs related to these areas. Among the 65 respondents in Bourbon County who provided open-ended comments, 8 (12.3%) noted a need for Support for Local Agriculture, Farming, and Gardening. Specific needs mentioned in this category included practical education and support for small and family farms, new farmers, organic or sustainable farming, low chemical farming, farmland preservation, farm safety, food safety on farms, farmers markets, market support for locally produced foods, off-grid living, and home gardening. Another significant area mentioned by respondents was Food Access, Nutrition & Healthy Eating, identified by 4 respondents (6.2%). Topics needing practical education and support in this area included hunger and food insecurity, food banks and pantries, nutrition education, access to healthy food, and education on growing, preserving, and canning food.

These data points from the Census of Agriculture and the Community Needs Assessment highlight the importance of agriculture in Bourbon County's economy and land use, alongside perceived community needs for education and support in areas encompassing both commercial/home plant production and management, and broader food systems, including safety and access. These resources were provided as part of the Plan of Work resources for Extension personnel.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Stronger Commercial Horticulture: Education helps commercial horticulture producers adopt sustainable practices, improve food safety, access local markets (like direct to consumers or retail/institutions/food hubs, currently done by 38 and 27 farms respectively), and potentially increase the sector's notable $31,443,000 market value. This supports small and family farms and potentially encourages new farmers.
• Increased Food Security & Home Gardening: Educational programs focusing on home gardening, growing food, and food preservation/canning can help residents, especially those facing poverty (16.5% overall, 22.9% for children), to access nutritious food and enhance their food security.
• More Accessible Local Food: By supporting farmers markets and improving access to healthy food through education, these efforts can make the local food system more robust and ensure residents have greater access to quality local produce.
• Improved Food Safety and Quality: Education on food safety practices for farms and for growing/preserving food at home leads to safer, higher-quality local and home-produced food options.
• More Resilient Farm Businesses: Supporting farmers with education on processed/value-added products and agri-tourism, building on existing activities (23 farms selling value-added, 7 farms with agri-tourism income), can help diversify income and strengthen the economic resilience of farm operations in the county.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Increased Adoption of Improved Production Practices: Commercial horticulture producers and home gardeners in Bourbon County will adopt recommended sustainable, low-chemical, and efficient plant production practices. Educational support for "organic (or sustainable) and low chemical farming" and "home gardening" aims to change how plants are grown, leading to better yields, reduced environmental impact, or more resilient crops.
• Enhanced Implementation of Food Safety Measures: Commercial producers will implement and follow on-farm food safety protocols, while residents engaging in home food production will adopt safe food preservation techniques such as canning and freezing for home-grown produce. This directly addresses the mentioned need for "food safety on farms" and education on "preserving, and canning food", leading to safer food within the local system.
• More Effective Marketing and Sales of Local Products: Commercial horticulture producers in Bourbon County will more effectively utilize direct-to-consumer markets such as farmers markets and increase sales to retail markets, institutions, or food hubs by improving their marketing skills for locally produced foods. This builds on the existing activity of 38 farms marketing food directly to consumers and 27 farms marketing to retail/institutions/food hubs and aims to increase these numbers and the profitability of these sales.
• Greater Participation in Home Food Production and Preservation: Bourbon County residents, particularly those interested in improving food access, will increase their participation in home gardening and the safe preservation of food, contributing to improved access to fresh, healthy food options within households. This is a direct response to the expressed need for education on "home gardening" and "growing, preserving, and canning food".
• Demonstrated Knowledge and Skills by Target Audiences: Small and family farms, new farmers, and residents interested in gardening and food preservation will demonstrate increased knowledge and practical skills in the specific areas covered by educational programs. This reflects successful learning transfer from educational activities to the intended audiences, equipping them to make changes in their practices.
• Increased Community Capacity for Food Access: Local food system components, such as farmers markets and potentially linkages with food banks or pantries, may see increased capacity or efficiency, facilitating better community-wide access to local and healthy food options. Educational efforts supporting farmers markets and addressing food insecurity and food banks contribute to strengthening these community resources.

Initial Outcomes:

Increased Knowledge and Awareness: Participants in educational programs will gain immediate knowledge about topics such as sustainable gardening practices, on-farm food safety protocols, effective marketing strategies for local products, or safe food preservation techniques like canning. Residents might also become more aware of local food access points like farmers markets or food banks.

• Development of Foundational Skills: Individuals will acquire basic practical skills related to the educational focus, such as preparing a home garden plot, implementing initial steps of a farm safety checklist, or understanding the process for safely jarring and sealing preserved foods.
• Changes in Intentions and Attitudes: Educational activities can quickly influence intentions. Commercial producers may express an intention to try a new marketing channel or adopt a low-chemical farming method. Home gardeners might plan to start a new vegetable crop or attempt canning for the first time. Residents might express a greater willingness to utilize local food sources.
• Increased Engagement with Resources: A direct short-term outcome is increased participation in educational activities themselves, such as attending workshops, field days, or visiting the Extension office for information on home gardening, farming, or food preservation. This indicates immediate uptake of available support and education.

Evaluation:

Educational Program Area: Workshop Series or Field Days on Sustainable Production & Marketing (Targeting Commercial Producers)

Initial Outcome: Participants will increase their knowledge regarding specific sustainable/low-chemical farming techniques, on-farm food safety practices, or effective marketing strategies for local products.

Indicator: Percentage of participants demonstrating increased understanding of key concepts or practices covered in the workshop, as measured by a post-workshop quiz or survey.

Method: Administer a short quiz or survey at the end of the workshop asking specific questions about the techniques, practices, or strategies taught. Compare responses to gauge knowledge gain or clarity of understanding.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).

 

Initial Outcome: Participants will demonstrate foundational skills related to implementing on-farm food safety protocols or preparing produce for direct marketing.

Indicator: Observation or self-report of participants correctly identifying critical steps in a farm safety checklist or properly handling produce for market.

Method: Include a practical demonstration or role-playing exercise during the workshop. Use a checklist to note how many participants perform key steps correctly. Alternatively, use a survey question asking participants about their confidence in performing specific skills learned.

Timeline: During the workshop (for observation/demonstration) or immediately following the workshop (for self-report).

 

Initial Outcome: Commercial producers will express an intention to adopt or modify specific production practices (sustainable/low chemical), marketing approaches (farmers markets, direct sales), or food safety measures on their farms.

Indicator: Percentage of participants stating their intent to implement at least one new practice or strategy discussed in the workshop.

Method: Include a question on the post-workshop evaluation survey asking participants to identify which specific practices or strategies they intend to try on their farm in the near future.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).

 

Initial Outcome: Participants will increase their engagement with Extension resources related to sustainable farming, food safety, or marketing.

Indicator: Number of participants who sign up for follow-up communications, request specific printed materials, or express intent to contact their local Extension agent for further assistance.

Method: Provide sign-up sheets for mailing lists or follow-up resources. Track requests for specific publications or expressed intentions to contact agents via the post-workshop evaluation.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).

Educational Program Area: Community Workshops on Home Food Production and Preservation (Targeting Residents)

Initial Outcome: Residents will increase their knowledge about basic home gardening techniques, growing specific food crops, or safe food preservation/canning methods.

Indicator: Percentage of participants demonstrating increased understanding of key gardening principles or steps for safe canning/preservation, as measured by questions or exercises during or after the workshop.

Method: Use interactive elements during the workshop (e.g., Q&A, short activities) to check understanding or provide a brief post-workshop quiz or survey assessing knowledge gained.

Timeline: During or immediately following the workshop (same day).

 

Initial Outcome: Residents will develop foundational skills in practical home gardening tasks or safe food preservation techniques.

Indicator: Observation of participants correctly performing basic tasks during hands-on demonstrations (e.g., preparing a seed flat, using canning equipment properly) or correctly answering steps in a process.

Method: Incorporate hands-on activities into the workshop. Use a simple checklist to observe participants' performance or ask participants to list the steps for a process.

Timeline: During the workshop.

 

Initial Outcome: Residents will express an intention to start or expand their home garden or attempt safe food preservation methods like canning or freezing.

Indicator: Percentage of participants stating their intent to begin gardening, try a new preservation method, or plant a specific crop discussed.

Method: Include a question on the post-workshop evaluation survey asking participants about their plans related to gardening or food preservation based on what they learned.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).

 

Initial Outcome: Residents will increase their engagement with Extension or community resources related to home gardening, food preservation, or local food access.

Indicator: Number of participants who sign up for Master Gardener program information, request gardening guides or canning charts, or express interest in local farmers markets mentioned.

Method: Provide sign-up sheets for related programs or resources. Track requests for materials or noted interests on the post-workshop evaluation.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).

 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Commercial Producers (Small/Family Farms, New Farmers), Existing Crop Producers, Those Selling Directly

Project or Activity: Workshop Series or Field Days on Sustainable Production & Marketing

Content or Curriculum: Topics could include sustainable/low chemical farming techniques tailored to various crops grown in Bourbon County, farm safety training, implementing on-farm food safety protocols such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), effective strategies for participating in and maximizing sales at farmers markets, and market support for locally produced foods, potentially covering aspects like branding, pricing, and direct sales methods to consumers, retail, institutions, or food hubs. Content could also address challenges specific to small and family farms and new farmers.

Inputs: Expertise from Extension specialists in horticulture, sustainable agriculture, food safety, and agricultural economics/marketing, local Extension agents, access to demonstration farms or research plots, printed and digital educational materials, meeting or field day venues.

Date: [To be determined]

 

Audience: Bourbon County Residents interested in Home Gardening, Individuals interested in Food Access & Healthy Eating, Those wishing to Grow or Preserve Food

Project or Activity: Community Workshops or Master Gardener Training focused on Home Food Production and Preservation

Content or Curriculum: Practical education on home gardening basics including site selection, soil preparation, planting, pest and disease management using sustainable methods, techniques for growing various food crops suitable for the local climate, and safe methods for preserving and canning food from the home garden or local sources. Workshops could also incorporate nutrition education and emphasize the connection between home gardening and access to healthy food.

Inputs: Expertise from Extension agents in horticulture and family and consumer sciences, trained Master Gardener volunteers, demonstration garden sites (potentially at the Extension office or community gardens), equipment and materials for hands-on preservation demonstrations, educational handouts and guides.

Date: [To be determined]

 

Audience: Commercial Producers, Farms Marketing Directly to Consumers or Institutions, Residents Engaged in Home Food Production/Preservation

Project or Activity: Targeted Training Sessions on Food Safety

Content or Curriculum: This could involve separate tracks or sessions: Food Safety on Farms training covering risks, hygiene, and best practices to minimize contamination for commercial producers; and training on Safe Growing, Preserving, and Canning Food for home use, emphasizing critical control points and validated preservation methods to ensure safety and quality.

Inputs: Certified Extension specialists or educators in food safety, potentially regulatory partners (if applicable to farm sales), demonstration materials for both on-farm practices and home preservation techniques, appropriate training facilities.

Date: [To be determined]

 

Audience: Commercial Producers selling value-added products, small and family farms and new farmers

Project or Activity: Educational Sessions on Value-Added Products and Market Expansion

Content or Curriculum: While not explicitly listed as a top community need comment, supporting processed or value-added agricultural products aligns with market support for locally produced foods and can enhance farm resilience. Content could cover developing value-added products from horticultural crops (e.g., jams, sauces, dried herbs), regulations for selling processed foods, business planning for value-added enterprises, and marketing these products through various channels, including direct-to-consumer or retail/institutional markets.

Inputs: Expertise from Extension specialists in food processing, marketing, and business development, successful value-added producers as guest speakers, resources on food regulations and business planning.

Date: [To be determined]

Evaluation:

Educational Program Area: Workshop Series or Field Days on Sustainable Production & Marketing (Targeting Commercial Producers)

Initial Outcome: Participants will increase their knowledge regarding specific sustainable/low-chemical farming techniques, on-farm food safety practices, or effective marketing strategies for local products.

Indicator: Percentage of participants demonstrating increased understanding of key concepts or practices covered in the workshop, as measured by a post-workshop quiz or survey.

Method: Administer a short quiz or survey at the end of the workshop asking specific questions about the techniques, practices, or strategies taught. Compare responses to gauge knowledge gain or clarity of understanding.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).

 

Initial Outcome: Participants will demonstrate foundational skills related to implementing on-farm food safety protocols or preparing produce for direct marketing.

Indicator: Observation or self-report of participants correctly identifying critical steps in a farm safety checklist or properly handling produce for market.

Method: Include a practical demonstration or role-playing exercise during the workshop. Use a checklist to note how many participants perform key steps correctly. Alternatively, use a survey question asking participants about their confidence in performing specific skills learned.

Timeline: During the workshop (for observation/demonstration) or immediately following the workshop (for self-report).

 

Initial Outcome: Commercial producers will express an intention to adopt or modify specific production practices (sustainable/low chemical), marketing approaches (farmers markets, direct sales), or food safety measures on their farms.

Indicator: Percentage of participants stating their intent to implement at least one new practice or strategy discussed in the workshop.

Method: Include a question on the post-workshop evaluation survey asking participants to identify which specific practices or strategies they intend to try on their farm in the near future.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).

 

Initial Outcome: Participants will increase their engagement with Extension resources related to sustainable farming, food safety, or marketing.

Indicator: Number of participants who sign up for follow-up communications, request specific printed materials, or express intent to contact their local Extension agent for further assistance.

Method: Provide sign-up sheets for mailing lists or follow-up resources. Track requests for specific publications or expressed intentions to contact agents via the post-workshop evaluation.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).

Educational Program Area: Community Workshops on Home Food Production and Preservation (Targeting Residents)

Initial Outcome: Residents will increase their knowledge about basic home gardening techniques, growing specific food crops, or safe food preservation/canning methods.

Indicator: Percentage of participants demonstrating increased understanding of key gardening principles or steps for safe canning/preservation, as measured by questions or exercises during or after the workshop.

Method: Use interactive elements during the workshop (e.g., Q&A, short activities) to check understanding or provide a brief post-workshop quiz or survey assessing knowledge gained.

Timeline: During or immediately following the workshop (same day).

 

Initial Outcome: Residents will develop foundational skills in practical home gardening tasks or safe food preservation techniques.

Indicator: Observation of participants correctly performing basic tasks during hands-on demonstrations (e.g., preparing a seed flat, using canning equipment properly) or correctly answering steps in a process.

Method: Incorporate hands-on activities into the workshop. Use a simple checklist to observe participants' performance or ask participants to list the steps for a process.

Timeline: During the workshop.

 

Initial Outcome: Residents will express an intention to start or expand their home garden or attempt safe food preservation methods like canning or freezing.

Indicator: Percentage of participants stating their intent to begin gardening, try a new preservation method, or plant a specific crop discussed.

Method: Include a question on the post-workshop evaluation survey asking participants about their plans related to gardening or food preservation based on what they learned.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).

 

Initial Outcome: Residents will increase their engagement with Extension or community resources related to home gardening, food preservation, or local food access.

Indicator: Number of participants who sign up for Master Gardener program information, request gardening guides or canning charts, or express interest in local farmers markets mentioned.

Method: Provide sign-up sheets for related programs or resources. Track requests for materials or noted interests on the post-workshop evaluation.

Timeline: Immediately following the workshop (same day).