Author: Kristin Hildabrand
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
The Business in Bloom's Short Course, a unique collaboration with the Kentucky Horticulture Council, provided cut flower growers an exclusive educational opportunity to acquire new marketing and design skills for their operations. In conjunction with the July Cut Flower Month promotion, this innovative program also facilitated in-person networking experiences among growers. The event statistics underscore the success of this initiative. This one-day event was marketed on the Kentucky Ho
Author: Gary Bell
Pumpkin production in Kentucky has gradually increased over the past several years. This increase is due largely to producers transitioning from other crops, farm diversification, and agritourism venues. The Metcalfe County ANR agent has been involved in pumpkin production since 1994 and has been able to take experience coupled with Extension research and help producers throughout Kentucky to have successful crops.The Metcalfe County ANR agent has presented at the KY Fruit and
Author: Adam Leonberger
The C1 and C2 County Extension Agents for Horticulture, in partnership with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, recently hosted a successful statewide in-service training for horticulture agents. This event, held on September 10-11, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky, brought together a diverse group of agents and specialists from across the state to share knowledge, network, and learn about the latest developments in horticulture.The training was designed to prov
Author: Robert Amburgey
Describe the Issue or Situation.The Amish community are major producers of horticulture, tobacco and crops in Bath County. Over the years, the extension office has steadily increased its visibility and educational efforts with this group in the county. It takes some time to develop a trust with this group and once this trust is established, it must be maintained. This group has a major economic impact on the community and as their numbers continue to increase, that impact also
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Commercial pesticide application has many risks; both to the public and to the applicator. Legal risks are also a major concern to enterprises engaged in applying control products as well as environmental concerns with improperly used or over used pesticides.Holding a commercial applicator's license requires continuing education or retesting on a three year cycle. Although CEUs can be obtained from attending numerous trainings across the state, travel costs can add up impacting ever tighteni
Author: Tyler Miller
Describe the Issue or Situation.A field day was help in conjuction with the Amish in the crab orchard area. This group handles a lot amount of produce by providing an auction for local growers. We partnered with the Amish community and visited two farms. I had invited two of our University Specialist to help educate the local growers on crop management and care. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The local produce growers learned what might h