Author: Benjamin Prewitt
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The problemSince being hired with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in September of 2021, I have worked diligently to rejuvenate the atmosphere and activeness of the Whitley County Farmers Market. With housing two different cities within the perimeters of Whitley County, the Whitley County Farmers Market takes place in two different locations on a weekly basis. In years past, there was an overwhelming difference in the number of Vendors as well as Market-Comers in each of
Author: Jessica Bessin
The Mercer County Farmers Market has been under the guidance of Mercer County Cooperative Extension for more than 20 years. In the past two years the market has seen an increase in membership and market participation. After much discussion the market voted to branch out on their own. This move comes as a testament to the market's growth and popularity within the community, as well as its increasing autonomy and confidence.The Mercer County Horticulture Agent connected the farmers marke
Author: Lynn Blankenship
The problemEdmonton is the seat of Metcalfe County and has only two small grocery stores selling fresh produce. The produce on offer at the grocery’s is often poor in quality, limited variety, and costly. The educational program responseThe Metcalfe County Farmers Market (MCFM) was started in 2008 by the Metcalfe County Extension Agents for Family and Consumer Sciences and Agriculture Education in response to repeated requests from community members for access to purchasing lo
Author: James Morgeson
Lactobacillus-fermentation programs were requested and taught not only to Washington County residents, but surrounding county participants and the Horticulture Agent even traveled (at the request of a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent) for over an hour to teach the art of lactobacillus-fermentation. Eager participants attended with curiosity and a desire to learn the age-old tradition of lactobacillus-fermentation. Participants learned the history, needs, and science behind lactobacillus-fermen
Author: Jessica Morris
Over the past decade, people have taken more interest in where their food comes from and what is in their food. In Breathitt and surrounding counties, interest in heritage skills has increased as a way to preserve skills of grandparents as well as extending their food dollar and taking pride in creating food for their family. This can be seen by the popularity of country ham programs for youth and adults in Kentucky.The Breathitt County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Reed Gr
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
The problem: Food producers are responsible for producing safe and wholesome produce. The educational program response: Five Produce Best Practice Trainings were held to educate producers on food safety.The participants/target audience: Farmers Market vendors .Other partners (if applicable) NAProgram impact or participant response. Sixteen Farmers Market vendors completed the Produce Best Practices certification training, passed the test and received their PBPT diploma.
Author: Jason Phillips
Fresh food accessibility can be minimal when operating on a limited budget. This can be especially true without knowledge of how to properly grow and prepare fresh food products. Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority expressed an interest in learning more about growing fresh vegetables, proper gardening techniques and utilization of fresh vegetables in recipes. In response, the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Simpson County NEP Ass
Author: Amanda Sears
Our community wants to be more resiliency and sustainable. One way to promote that is by offering a seed swap. Having seeds to swap was not a requirement to attend. In addition to the seeds brought by clients, seed packets were available that had been donated by the local Ace Hardware.Before the swap began, seeds were placed on tables according to type of plant. Then the Agent gave a brief presentation on how to save and store seeds, as well as guidelines on how to proceed with the swap. On
Author: Trent Adkins
The Living on a Few Acres Farm Conference brought together 52 participants from five different counties across Kentucky, fostering an exchange of knowledge and ideas on sustainable farming practices. UK Cooperative Extension Agents from Pulaski, McCreary, Russell, and Casey counties organized and led a series of classes that delved into various aspects of small-scale agriculture, including soils management, beekeeping, vegetable gardening, poultry, rabbits for meat production, small ruminant car
Title: From Farm to Table: A Journey of Culinary DiscoveryIn a small, bustling community nestled between rolling hills and fertile fields, a remarkable educational series unfolded, weaving together the threads of culinary curiosity and the essence of farm-to-table living. This journey of gastronomic enlightenment began with a humble invitation: "Come learn about where your food comes from."Class One: Crafting Summer SausageThe inaugural session of the series set the stage for a hands-o
Author: Adam Leonberger
During the “Local Foods, Local Places” community discussion in Frankfort, people voiced a desire for increased school gardens and more locally sourced foods in school meals. As a response to this need, the Love Local Lunch initiative was established for Frankfort Independent Schools. This project emerged through the collaborative efforts of the Farm to School Coordinator, The Farmers Market, and dedicated community volunteers.The Love Local Lunch pr
Many downtown Frankfort residents face difficulties in accessing fresh and high-quality produce, as the nearest grocery store is more than 3.5 miles away. To address this challenge, the Franklin County Farmer’s Market and Franklin County Cooperative Extension Service have collaborated to improve the food access for low-income households in Frankfort. The Farmer's Market has seen a remarkable growth in sales and customers, reaching over $610,000 from more than 60 local producers, a
Author: Keenan Bishop
In the Frankfort "Local Foods, Local Places" community conversation, people expressed a need for more school gardens and more local foods to be served in school meals. The Love Local Lunch idea was created for Frankfort Independent Schools by the Farm to School Coordinator through the efforts of The Farmers Market and community volunteers. The free meal to all students, staff and parents celebrated local farmers, community partners, and the work of feeding each other. The Franklin
Author: Brandon George
Success Story 04/13/2024Brandon George, Kenton County Horticulture Extension Agent Sharing Extension Knowledge and Resources with the people of Belize On the morning of Friday, January 26, eleven extension specialists and agents presented at the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative in the village of San Antonio, Belize. As part of a study tour of Belize, led by Dr. Jennifer Hunter, our group was tasked with presenting on topics within our scope of expertise that would provide relevant
Author: Adam Barnes
A sausage making success. Learn made fun through Sausage Making Livingston County ANR joined forces with neighboring counties; Calloway, Marshall, McCracken, and Graves, to host a summer sausage-making class in Graves County. The event drew a diverse crowd, sparking overwhelming interest in Livingston County residents. Responding to demand, Livingston ANR hosted a class with exceptional turnout and enthusiasm. Participants, ranging from high schoolers to seniors
Author: Kristen Fristoe
In 2021 Magoffin County had 23.1% food insecurity rate compared to the 12.9% average for Kentucky.The Farmer's Market offers residents another option for buying fresh produce. There are only a handful of options to buy fresh produce otherwise, as Magoffin County is a food desert. The Farmer's Market also promotes the local economy by supporting local growers. Our Market offers vouchers to senior citizens and WIC participants through grants and we also participate in the Kentucky Dou
Author: Von Barnes
The problem students aren't familiar with eating locally.The educational program response a majority of the class.The participants/target audience were Newburg Middle School students. Other partners (if applicable) were the teachers in Newburg Middle.Program impact or participant response were students with excited about eating locally. Roughly 80% - 85% were more excited while 15% - 20% of the student were not impressed with change.Newburg Middle School recently held a career explorati
Author: Raul Villanueva
The Dominican Republic was the first producer of organic bananas during past years but in 2023 it was displaced by Ecuador. A new invasive pest, the banana russet mite, is causing havoc in this country and farmers are not able to control this new pest. Yields are being reduced more than 30% in 2023 compared with 2022. This pest was identified for the first time in this republic in 2020 as the banana rust mite, Phyllocoptruta musae. I visited this country from the 28th to 30th of November, invite