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

Culinary Journey Across Kentucky

Author: Jill Harris

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Culinary Journey Across Kentucky

The culinary history of Kentucky is important for several reasons, as it reflects the state's rich cultural heritage, diverse influences, and its role in shaping Southern and American food. Additionally, Kentucky is renowned for its bourbon, which as deeply influenced Kentucky’s culinary identity as well as being a driver of tourism. Moreover, family gatherings often center around traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations, plus food connects people to their past

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Housing Authority Garden Project

Author: Jason Phillips

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Fresh food accessibility can be minimal when operating on a limited budget.  This can be especially true without knowledge of how to properly grow, prepare and preserve fresh food products.  Residents and administration of the Franklin Housing Authority expressed an interest in collaborating with the Simpson County Extension Service to grow a demonstration garden on the Housing Authority property.  In response, the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resourc

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Precision in Practice – Beef Reproduction Field Day Delivers Hands-On Impact

Author: Chelsea Sapp

Major Program: Beef

In Central Kentucky, where beef cattle are a cornerstone of the agricultural economy the Marion and Washington County Cooperative Extension offices, in partnership with the Loretto Motherhouse, hosted a Beef Reproduction Field Day.Held in May, the field day brought together 42 participants from across the region to dive deep into reproductive strategies. Dr. Les Anderson, University of Kentucky Extension Beef Specialist, guided attendees through the science and practice of pregnancy checking met

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Precision in Practice – Beef Reproduction Field Day Delivers Hands-On Impact

Author: Taylor Graves

Major Program: Beef

In Central Kentucky, where beef cattle are a cornerstone of the agricultural economy the Marion and Washington County Cooperative Extension offices, in partnership with the Loretto Motherhouse, hosted a Beef Reproduction Field Day.Held in May, the field day brought together 42 participants from across the region to dive deep into reproductive strategies. Dr. Les Anderson, University of Kentucky Extension Beef Specialist, guided attendees through the science and practice of pregnancy checking met

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D-Clutter It, Clean-It, Organize It

Author: Deborah Messenger

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

"De-Clutter It, Clean It, Organize It" was a program implemented by request of the Burkesville Housing Authority to address issues related to healthy homes among its residents. Chief complaints of the maintenance staff supervisor that was in charge of quarterly home inspections was the continued presence of cockroaches in homes. These homes were regularly treated for bugs and insects, however continued clutter and lack of cleaning/disinfecting worked against the efforts of the treatmen

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Building Better Flocks: Small Ruminant Bootcamp

Author: Taylor Graves

Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

Building Better Flocks: Small Ruminant Bootcamp

Over 40 small ruminant producers gathered for the Small Ruminant Boot Camp, an educational event hosted collaboratively by the Washington, Nelson, and Marion County Cooperative Extension offices and the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. This event provided producers—both new and experienced—with invaluable hands-on training in core small ruminant management practices, including body condition scoring, FAMACHA eye scoring, and lambing and kidding basics.Kentucky is home to m

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Kentuckians Learn about Alpha Gal Syndrome: How to Live with It and How to Avoid It

Author: Shad Baker

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic condition caused by the bite of certain ticks, most notably the lone star tick, which introduces a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the human body. This triggers a delayed allergic reaction to red meat and other mammal products, causing symptoms ranging from hives and stomach pain to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Because the condition is poorly understood by the public and often misdiagnosed, raising awareness is critical, especially among those most at risk

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35% Women in Ag Conference

Author: Vicki Shadrick

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

35% Women in Ag Conference

The 2022 US Ag Census reported that women make up 35% of the total producers in Kentucky. In response, ANR agents from Henderson, Union, Webster, and Crittenden counties collaborated to plan, implement, and evaluate the "35% Women in Agriculture Conference," held on March 14th, 2025, at the Union County Fairgrounds.The conference featured five hands-on sessions led by extension specialists, emergency management services, and local producers. Topics included basic first aid, planter and

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Progressive Agriculture Farm Safety Day

Author: John Tucker

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Hickman County, is deeply rooted in agricultural tradition. Since its founding, the county’s economy, culture, and community values have been shaped by generations of farm families. Agriculture remains a way of life, and many young residents are actively engaged in farming activities from an early age.Recognizing the importance of equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to stay safe on the farm, the Hickman County Extension Office collaborated with Hickman County Schools, Hickman Cou

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West ANR/ Hort Agent Update In Service

Author: Andy Mills

Major Program: Staff Development

Describe the Issue or Situation.Every year Extension professionals need continuing education training in order to stay well informed and up to date in their profession.  Administrators asked this ANR agent to be on one of the state planning committees to structure a 2 day training for other ANR and Horticulture agents in the western part of the state.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Another ANR agent and myself met several times to discuss

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"Let's Celebrate the 'angels of agriculture' during Pollinator Week in the Bluegrass"

Author: Tamara Potter

Major Program: Beekeeping

Describe the Issue or Situation. Pollinator Week will be celebrated from June 16-21st.  As the former recipient of the 2010 Pollinator Advocate of the Year (this is an international award), I was asked to help coordinate pollinator activities to celebrate this week in Lexington and Frankfort.  I wrote an article to distribute, also highlighting the 2024 Pollinator Highway Management winners (the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet).  This article was published in the Lexington Herald-

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Todd County Farmer Outreach

Author: Traci Johnson

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Todd County Farmer Outreach

Todd County is home to many types of agriculture enterprises.  According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, crop and livestock sales are nearly equal, with marketed crop value at 124 million dollars and marketed livestock value at 100 million dollars.  Top enterprises include grain crops, tobacco, poultry and eggs, cattle and milk, vegetables, and nursery/greenhouse crops.  Strengthening the local food and agriculture industry is one of the top three issues identified in Universit

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Raising the Steaks

Author: Traci Johnson

Major Program: Beef

Raising the Steaks

Spurred by food shortages during the Covid 19 pandemic, local meat demand has remained strong in Kentucky.  This demand continues to raise farmer interest in finishing animals for processing.  Building on the success of prior offerings in the Louisville Area, the four-part series 'Raising the Steaks' was offered by Todd, Christian, and Logan County Extension Services.Thirty-three participants attended one or more sessions and learned about: Facilities & Finishing Nutrition;

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Progressive Experiences Increase Confidence and Critical Thinking Skills

Author: Janet Turley

Major Program: Leadership

What makes a great leader? Confidence, connection, commitment, and courage are well known attributes of leadership. The 4-H program does a great job developing these skills in young people by providing progressive experience opportunities for youth between the ages of 9-18 years old. Progressive experiences can lead to a progressive mindset, an essential skill to function in today’s world. This leadership strength helps youth to be confident, resilient, adaptable, optimistic, and great pro

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The Power of Volunteers

Author: Janet Turley

Major Program: Leadership

Warren County has the 4th largest population in Kentucky encompassing 142,229 residents. With 32 schools (22 elementary, 5 middle, 5 high schools), and only two 4-H Youth Development Agents and no program assistants, it is difficult to make significant impact on positive youth development. To extend the reach of 4-H youth programming, it became imperative to empower volunteers to lead clubs, project groups, and chaperone campers at 4-H Camp.The Warren County 4-H program has a thriving volunteer

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Life Skills Botvin for Munfordville & LeGrande

Author: Sonya Carter

Major Program: Substance Use & Mental Health

According to the Center for Disease Control, 14.4% of Kentucky children had their first drink of alcohol before age 13 and 6.1% of Kentucky children tried marijuana for the first time before age 13. Additionally, 11.9 % of high school students currently use marijuana. As substance abuse continues to devastate our communities, the Family Consumer Science agent provided Life Skills Training to 6th graders in the county. The Botvin Life Skills training is an evidence based prevention program for sc

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Addressing Youth Mental Health in Clay County Through 4-H

Author: Alissa Ackerman

Major Program: Health & Wellbeing

Mental health challenges among youth are an increasing concern in Kentucky and across the nation. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, 16% of youth struggle with depression and anxiety, and 17% of high school students have reported having thoughts of suicide. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, both the 4-H Council and the County Extension Council identified youth mental health as a critical area of focus.In response, Clay County Extension partnered with Clay County Public Sch

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Empowering Youth Through Public Speaking: Clay County 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest

Author: Alissa Ackerman

Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts

Public speaking was identified as a significant area of need by both the Clay County Extension Council and 4-H Council members. This concern was echoed by students across various classrooms, who expressed that public speaking felt intimidating and uncomfortable.As part of Clay County’s commitment to preparing youth with essential life skills, a collaborative program was launched to address this challenge. In partnership with local schools, teachers, and parents, Clay County 4-H created an

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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