S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091
+1 (859) 257-4302
craig.wood@uky.edu
Author: Nancy Doyle
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
KEHA is a volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through volunteer service, leadership development, and education. The organization operates in partnership with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. County Extension agents for Family and Consumer Sciences work closely with KEHA members and clubs to provide educational programming and coordinate community activities.The Simpson County Extension Homemakers are an acti
Author: Kenneth Clayton
Major Program: Turfgrass
In December of 2024 the University of Kentucky partnered with the Midwestern Regional Turfgrass Foundation at Purdue University to offer a day long herbicide workshop at the Shelby County Extension Office. This was the first time this event had been offered at a Kentucky location and 56 turfgrass professionals attended the meeting. Registration was cut off at this point because of limited space, but we anticipate more would attend with a larger venue. Attendees were able to learn about best mana
The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association is an extensive network of women sharing information that would make their domestic lives easier including home economics, new technologies and goods. The Cultural Arts and Heritage program area of KEHA covers a wide range of content that includes fine arts and crafts, heritage and history of Kentucky. Members of the Mammoth Cave Area Extension Homemakers requested a Tobacco stick craft to highlight Kentucky heritage as well as offer a means of
Author: Elizabeth Easley
Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts
On May 16, 2025, an EF4 tornado devastated Laurel County, including a direct hit to the southern side of London. More than 800 homes were damaged, 280 destroyed, and 17 lives lost. This disaster left countless families and children facing significant emotional distress, displacement, and uncertainty about their futures.In a crisis like this, emotional healing is just as important as food and shelter. A 2024 study from the National Institutes of Health reviewed 85 research studies and found that
Author: Sally Mineer
Describe the Issue or Situation. The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association saw a need to recruit and retain strong leaders in their organization to fill the many officer/chairman positions. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).In March 2023 the 2nd Leadership Academy was held with participants attending a 3-day training and expectation from being in this program they would do a payback of 40 volunteer hours in one year. The leadership acad
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
In 2024, the Laurel County Community Needs Assessment identified youth life skills training as a top priority. Norman and Jordan (2006) define life skills as “learned abilities” that help people function well in their daily lives. Families, schools, and community leaders voiced the same concern: youth need practical skills to help them succeed in life.4-H life skill development meets this need. Through hands-on learning, 4-H teaches critical thinking, communication, and problem-solvi
Author: Cathy Sparks
Major Program: Camping
Describe the Issue or Situation.Many children in Magoffin County cannot afford to attend a week of 4-H camp or are too young to attend. The decision was made to offer a 4-H Day camp to allow those students an opportunity to attend an educational and fun day camp.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).We partnered with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Kentucky Reptile Museum, and the Kentucky Ag Bus to provide programming for the day camp. Children were giv
Author: Owen Prim
Major Program: Agriculture
Horses are an important agriculture industry and past time in Campbell County. According to the Kentucky Horse Council and the last Kentucky Equine Survey, there are about 1600 horses in Campbell County with a value of goods and services of over 12 million dollars. The 4-H Horse Program continues to grow in popularity. We currently have 7 certified horse volunteers working with our Saddle Up 4-H Club members. The need for youth to learn how to properly and safely care for
Author: Allison Croslin
Describe the Issue or Situation. Youth in Graves County have been looking for more opportunities to express themselves through creative and artistic outlets. Over the past year, there has been a growing interest in classes that surrounded around fiber arts such as crochet, hand embroidery, etc. In response to these request, a crochet day camp for youth was developed.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).This day camp became popular very fast. Th
Author: Jason Vaughn
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or Situation. Although fruit and vegetable gardening is proven to increase food security and enhance health and well-being, the cost of seeds and transplants can be prohibitive to many gardeners in Powell County. A Master Gardener volunteer secured year-old seeds from Lowes that were to be thrown away. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). A Seed Giveaway was organized by the Powell County Extension O
Author: Brandon Sears
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership - ANR
With many new residents moving to the county, Madison County Extension Agents want and need to bring attention and awareness to the local community. The Madison County Extension Council decided to host an event that will help bring attention and awareness to the unique resources available through the Madison County Extension Office.The Madison County Extension Farm, Home and Garden Expo utilized various options for outreach for the event including billboards, radio announcements, and social medi
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Community Engagement
“Extension is the best kept secret in the county.” This is a common statement heard after helping clients. The Madison County Extension Council wanted to provide a program that would help the community know more about the programs offered at the Madison County Extension Office.After brainstorming, the Council decided to host a Home, Farm and Garden Expo. The Extension Council and Agents decided to not partner or accept sponsorships from outside groups. They hoped to instead on just E
Major Program: Forages
Kentucky has long been known for our Bluegrass Pastures and green, rolling hills. We have an abundance of forages with nearly 5 million acres of hay and pasture lands. Recent programming surveys by the UK Beef Extension group indicate that about only 35% of livestock producers test hay for quality. Utilizing hay testing to determine nutrient content allows for more efficient feeding of livestock through the winter by matching high quality hay with livestock that have the greatest nutrient requir
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
In Kentucky, agricultural landowners, farmers, Extension Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources, and other interested residents are in need of a reliable source of information for determining the value of agricultural land and cash rental rates. Many UK Agricultural and Natural Resource agents, including myself worked with Dr. Greg Halich from the Martin Gatton College of Agriculture Food and Environment, Agricultural Economics Department to collect information from landowners regardi
Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization
Invasive plants have major biological, economical and aesthetic impacts on Kentucky by degrading native habitats, decreasing the richness of native species and contributing to the loss of biodiversity. Also, invasive plants may negatively affect the state’s economy when they effect forestry and agriculture production. Additionally, the removal of invasive plants typically requires a significant investment of time and money. Questions or concerns about controlling invasive plants is a
Author: Alivia Faris
Major Program: Aging-General
This year the Scott County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences collaborated with several community partners to host a Senior Resource Fair in Scott County. This fair demonstrated how collaboration can positively impact a community. Recognizing the need for improved access to services for older adults, the FCS agent brought together a wide network of local partners to host a one-stop event designed to connect seniors with the support they need. This collaborative event united over 15
Madison County continues to rank in the top 3 in the state of Kentucky for hay with approximately 43,600 acres produced. To help market local hay, the Madison County Extension ANR agent and the Madison County Fair Board partnered to coordinate a regional hay auction at the county fairgrounds.On Saturday January 18th, 2025 our 18th annual hay auction took place with 96 lots of hay and straw offered for sale. The Madison County ANR agent coordinated some deliveries, and load out, and provided radi
Describe the Issue or Situation. Agricultural landowners, farmers, Extension Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources, and other interested persons are in need of a reliable source of information for determining the value of agricultural land and cash rental rates for agricultural land. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). Kentucky Agricultural and Natural Resource agents worked with Dr. Greg Halich from the Martin Gatton Colle
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