Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

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Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Cooperative Extension Service

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

Impacts

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Fiscal Year: 2025

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2025

Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

2025 Chick Incubation Project

Author: Ryan Spicer

Major Program: Agriculture

The problem: Livestock and livestock products account for about half of Kentucky’s farm income.The educational program response: Therefore, the role of livestock and livestock projects in the Kentucky 4-H curriculum is fundamentally important. Youth must understand the role of agriculture in their daily lives, and the importance of livestock and livestock products in the type, kind and quality of the foods that they eat.The participants/target audience: To ensure this is accomplished in Br

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Metcalfe County Family and Consumer Sciences Program Advisory Council - Annual Baby Safety Fair

Author: Lynn Blankenship

Major Program: Family Development General

Stronger parenting and relationship building skills is included in the top fifteen identified issues/needs for family and individual development, from the most recent survey of Extension.  According to the 2024 Kentucky Child Fatality Review, in 2023 SUID or sudden unidentified infant death was the leading cause for infant death in Kentucky.  Annually, motor vehicle related cause of death for all children under age 18 is included in the top five causes of child deaths in Kentucky. &nbs

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Hands-on Heritage: Learning Through the 4-H Country Ham Project

Author: Jocelyn Kemp

Major Program: Agriculture

The 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment revealed that Hardin County residents view youth life skill development as a critical need, with 75% of respondents expressing concern about youth being unprepared with basic skills for adulthood. Additionally, over 74% of participants identified top community issues as being agriculture-related, including the sustainability of family farms and the need to preserve and manage agricultural land. As rural traditions fade and fewer young

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Food, Farming, and Community: Connecting Urban Youth to Agriculture

Author: Jocelyn Kemp

Major Program: Agriculture

In Hardin County, most youth have limited exposure to the local food system and few opportunities to explore agricultural careers. According to a recent community needs assessment, 75% of respondents felt youth in Hardin County need more life skills training. Additionally, over 74% of respondents identified agricultural-based issues as top community needs—specifically, the sustainability of family farms, preserving/managing agricultural land, and ensuring access to affordable, nutritious f

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Cultivating Creativity and Community through Wreath-Making in Grant County

Author: Chris Ammerman

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

In 2024, the Grant County Cooperative Extension Office partnered with a local farm family, Miles Christmas Tree Farm, to host a wreath-making workshop aimed at promoting sustainable forestry use. With over 26,000 acres of forest in Grant County, the program taught 35 participants how to responsibly harvest natural materials like cedar, pine, and grapevine to create decorative wreaths.Participants learned tree identification, sustainable pruning, and marketing basics for selling wreaths locally.

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Brains and Barn Boots: Succeeding with 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon

Author: Jocelyn Kemp

Major Program: Agriculture

According to the 2023 statewide community needs assessment, the top two priority issues for Hardin County are the sustainability of family farms and the preservation and management of agricultural land. Preparing youth to address these long-term agricultural challenges is essential. Through the State 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon contest, young people are building the knowledge and skills needed to make positive contributions to Hardin County’s future. The Hardin County 4-H Livestock Club has

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Master Gardener Program Cultivates Confidence and Community Impact in Bourbon County

Author: Anthony Tackett

Major Program: Master Gardener

In Bourbon County, the rising interest in sustainable gardening, local food production, and community beautification has highlighted a growing need for trained horticulture volunteers who can support these efforts with research-based knowledge. Many residents are eager to contribute but lack formal training and connection to Extension resources. In response, the Bourbon County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service implemented the 2025 Master Gardener Program to addre

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Farm profits really can grow in the trees

Author: Chris Ammerman

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Grant County, Kentucky, with its rich woodland resources, has historically been rooted in agriculture. According to the 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture, the county had 811 farms covering 96,780 acres, with 20% classified as woodland . However, economic challenges and a decline in traditional farming practices have prompted the community to seek alternative, sustainable sources of income.Recognizing the untapped potential of maple syrup production, local organizations, including the University of

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Local Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training Saves Money and Promotes Safe Pesticide Handling Practices

Author: Annette Heisdorffer

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

Commercial pesticide applicators are required to attain continuing education units to avoid a large fine during the relicensing process. In November, the Daviess County Extension Agent for Horticulture Education organized a training program to help fulfill requirements for 32 professional pesticide applicators covering the city parks, home lawns, sports turf, and landscape management. The agent taught two sections along with two Kentucky Cooperative Extension Specialists. Through a survey taken

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Logan County 4-H Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop

Author: Maci Venable

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

Describe the Issue or Situation.In Logan County, youth often express interest in starting their own businesses, but lack access to structured opportunities to learn the essential skills needed to turn their ideas into successful ventures. With limited local resources focused on youth entrepreneurship, there was a clear need for a program that could introduce business basics in an engaging and age-appropriate way, helping students develop confidence and real-world skills.Describe the Outreach or

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Agriculture Leadership In Adair County

Author: Nick Roy

Major Program: Community Leadership Development

The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service plays a pivotal role in fostering leadership development within the agricultural community, impacting individuals and organizations alike. One example is the Adair County Cattlemen's Association, which boasts a membership of 338 cattle producers. Through workshops, seminars, and networking events organized by the Extension Service, members have honed their leadership skills, resulting in a stronger, more cohesive community. These efforts have no

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Improving Feeder Calf Management

Author: Nick Roy

Major Program: Beef

In the Fall of 2023, the Adair County Agriculture Advisory Council identified practices to reduce risk as one of their top three priorities for the upcoming plan of work.   Activity monitoring systems for cattle have the ability to detect when animals may be experiencing a health event.   These technologies can alert farmers of health concerns sooner than they may be able to detect them on their own.   In response, the Adair County Cooperative Extension service secured funding thr

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Wildlife Management

Author: Nick Roy

Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education

The Adair County Agriculture Advisory Council identified wildlife crop damage as a priority issue for extension programming to address in 2024.  Through multiple collaborations, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Office led a comprehensive efforts to provide education on wildlife depredation options while also encouraging greater participation during legal hunting seasons.  The first effort was the inclusion of the local KDFWR wildlife biologist during the Adair County Grain Crops

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Lead to Read

Author: Rachel Hance

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Youth need opportunities to develop social skills, civic and leadership skills, create strong connections with caring adults, have access to safe places to interact with their peers, and support services to allow them to become more independent adults (Blank, M.J., 2017). The past few years the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service has offered the Lead to Read program at our elementary schools partnering with the school FRYSC and classroom teachers.  The program is planned by the

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Sweet Summertime at the Farmer's Market

Author: Rachel Hance

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

For the past few years, our extension staff has hosted a community event to educate and invite our clients to the farmer's market.  This year's event was Sweet Summertime at the Farmer's Market.  The goal of the event is to provide family friendly incentives to youth that encourages families to get active together as well as to introduce the youth to the farmer's market and what they can find and how they can benefit from the farmer's market.  An additional ben

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Leaping Into Fitness

Author: Vanessa Harris

Major Program: LEAP

 According to the Herald Leader, Kentucky is not hitting the gym. A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the state is the second-least physically active in the country. A third of Kentucky residents — 32.5%, do not engage in exercise or any physical activity unless it is work-related. In response to this, the Menifee County Nutrition Education Program Assistant Senior partnered with the Menifee County School District to teach LEAP (Litera

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College Reality

Author: Annette Buckman

Major Program: Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development

“College Reality” Program Union CountyBackground & NeedUnion County faces educational attainment challenges that limit career advancement and economic mobility. Workforce data shows:25.09% of residents hold an associate degree or higher.90.75% have at least a high school diploma.Detailed educational breakdown:2.95% did not complete 9th grade6.31% completed some high school (grades 9–12, no diploma)44.9% are high school graduates20.76% completed some college, no degree14.04%

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The Lincoln Trail Homemakers Kick-off Create Welcoming Clubs

Author: Lynnette Allen

Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

As their membership ages, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers recognize the challenge that is facing their mission of providing education, community service and leadership development. To address this challenge, the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemaker Kick-off program is held annually to build excitement and provide resources for the new program year. In planning for the 2024 event, the LTA Homemakers Council applied, and they were awarded a $500 KEHA Development Grant to sponsor the kick-off.

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Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
S107 Ag. Science Center North
Lexington, KY 40546-0091
+1 (859) 257-4302

© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment