S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091
+1 (859) 257-4302
craig.wood@uky.edu
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
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
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Sustainable living can benefit citizens financially, environmentally, and provide for a healthier planet for future generations. The goal of 'Spring into Green: Sustainable Living Edition' is to share what sustainable living is, why it matters, and how to start living more sustainably. The event was hosted by the Purchase Area Family & Consumer Sciences agents and took place in Marshall County.The 2025 Spring into Green workshop hosted presenters who shared information on topics of u
Author: Linda Burgard
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
Research consistently shows that clutter can negatively impact an individual's health by increasing stress and anxiety, reducing focus and productivity, and contributing to mental health issues like depression or mood disorders. Additionally, clutter can pose physical dangers in the home, increasing the risk of accidents like tripping and can exacerbate allergies and other respiratory issues due to dust accumulation. The effects extend beyond individual health—clutter can a
Author: Katie Hughes
Major Program: Forages
Describe the Issue or Situation.Each year the Union Co Extension Office host a hay show during the county fair for producers to bring in their hay to be tested by the state hay trailer. This is opened for not only Union co producers but also for Crittenden, Henderson and Webster county producers. People could bring in their hay and get samples put from it the day of the show or they could pull their own samples and bring to the office incase they were unable to attend the show. Describe the
Author: Susan Grimmett
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Fruits are Fun to TouchAccording to the KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, Kentucky’s childhood obesity rate is 35.3%, the 6th highest in the nation.Teachers for a Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms contacted the Boyd County Nutrition Education Program Assistant expressing concern that children in this age group did not know the difference between fruits and vegetables. The teachers requested a series of lessons using the Organ Annie and The Organ Wise Guys program with
Walking the CourseAccording to the Lane Report for Statistics, Kentucky adults have the sixth highest obesity rate in the United States. The director of a recovery center contacted the Boyd County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Nutrition Education Program (NEP) assistant expressing concern regarding the weight gain of the residents. Of particular concern was that the clients were gaining weight from being inactive and lack of exercise. Research shows that thi
Hide and Go EatAccording to the KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, Kentucky’s childhood obesity rate is 35.3%, the 6th highest in the nation.The director of a shelter contacted the Boyd County Nutrition Education Program Assistant expressing that parents were concerned about children did not like to eat vegetables. During a program, ideas were discussed on increasing intake of vegetables for the children. Research proves that the more a child helps to prepare a meal/snack, t
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Leadership
Stuck in the Middle at West Kentucky 4-H Camp is a unique and impactful event designed specifically for middle school youth (6th-8th grade). This event was a success, bringing together young people from 13 counties in Western Kentucky for a weekend of fun, friendship, and growth. With 81 youth participants, 21 teen leaders, and 23 Extension personnel/ adult volunteers in attendance, the program highlighted the importance of social connection, hands-on engagement, and supportive environments for
Major Program: Natural Resources
Describe the Issue or Situation.Mom and Me flower class was done close to mother's day. This was to have some fun for mom and kids. This also included some grandmas as well. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Everyone got to create a flower container that contained 3 types of flowers and everyone got hands on with making the container to enjoy at home after class. I provided information on what the flowers were and how to care for them.&n
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Child Development General
In Fulton County, Kentucky, access to early childhood daycare options is limited, posing a significant challenge for families with young children. Many parents struggle to find affordable, high-quality daycare, which can delay crucial early learning experiences. This lack of access not only affects a child’s kindergarten readiness but also means some children start school without the foundational social, emotional, and academic skills they need to thrive. The shortage of early education op
Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home
Describe the Issue or Situation.The homesteading series had different classes throughout the year, to help people learn more about the topics but also be able to do these classes by themselves. This one focus on canning and making jelly and salsa. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The people that attended these classes learn how to make jelly and salsa and the different steps that went into making them. Also the processes of canning and what
Author: Lorin Fawns
Major Program: Local Food Systems
The Buffalo Trace Homesteading Series is a hands-on educational initiative to empower community members with sustainable agriculture skills. The program focuses on practical techniques in food preservation, gardening, mushroom cultivation, and meat processing. Designed to promote self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship, the series provides participants with the knowledge and confidence to apply these practices in their own homes and farms. With over 75 participants from diverse background
Describe the Issue or Situation.Held a stepping stone class to where people could come create one of their own and add to their home garden. This brought in alot of new people to the extension office from young kids to adults. Even the homemaker group decided to do this program as one of their monthly meetings. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).It showed how to make your own stepping stone and what materials are needed to do so. And discuss
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Substance Use & Mental Health
The 2024 Community Needs Assessment Survey revealed that Substance Misuse Prevention and Recovery, Minimizing Youth Substance Use, and Improved Mental Health Services are among the top concerns of Carlisle County residents. Substance Misuse Disorder has been an ongoing concern in Carlisle County for many years. Research shows that substance misuse can cause permanent changes in a developing brain, potentially leading to mental health struggles and addiction disorders later in life, making it imp
Author: Erika Wood
A gardening lunch and learn series was conducted at the Hopkins County Extension Office over the course of three months. The series included the following classes: Vegetable Abiotic Disorders, Vegetable Diseases, and Vegetable Pests. The purpose of the series was to help gardeners identify and learn how to manage and control various vegetable ailments. A survey was conducted at the end of each class. Based on the survey results, 100% of the participants stated that they w
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Describe the Issue or Situation.The average age of US farmers increases every year. More and more families, operators, and farm organizations are becoming alarmed as more and more farms are lost. Farm transition from one operator to the next is in the spotlight. UK and KSU agriculture extension agents in the West 8 area identified a need for programming on farm transition planning and implementation. The need was identified after County Extension Councils were polled in
Author: Gary Bell
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