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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2024
2025

Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

2025 Increasing Market opportunities for small farms

Author: Evan Tate

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Small farms who raise niche crops and small scale produce are often at a disadvantage when marketing their products on a regional scale. Additionally, small operations often do not have the facilities to further process crops toward a market ready value added convenience item to further drive sales and profitability.The Hancock Co Cooperative Extension Service has invested significant time in gathering resources for small farm operations so that these entities could move further toward sustainab

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Ag Day Event

Author: Emily Davis

Major Program: Local Food Systems

In Pike County, where we lack a county fair, Ag Day provided a much-needed opportunity for the community to engage with agriculture. Pike County ANR and the Pikeville Farmers Market partnered with the Pike County Soil Conservation District to host an Ag Day, hosted on National Farmers Day as a way to recognize our local farmers and provide an educational event that highlighted local farming and sustainability. This was a Fall Festival type event for families and youth to participate in educ

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Fighting Hunger in Pendleton County: Turning Awareness into Action

Author: Lindie Huffman

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Fighting Hunger in Pendleton County: Turning Awareness into Action

In a community of 14,000, hunger is more than just a statistic—it’s a reality for many families, seniors, and children who struggle to put food on the table. The PENco Hunger Helpers, an informal working group of the Pendleton County Extension Office County Extension Council, has been leading efforts to measure the need, coordinate services, and break the stigma surrounding food assistance. Through collaboration and strategic action, they are making a tangible impact in the fight aga

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Webster County Farm To Fork

Author: Vicki Shadrick

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Webster County Farm To Fork

Farm to Fork Program connects Kentucky farmers with local consumers by promoting the use of locally grown and raised food in communities across the state. The program provides funding to organizations that host farm-to-table events, where locally sourced meals are served, and attendees learn about the benefits of supporting Kentucky agriculture. The events highlight local farmers, Kentucky Proud farm products and local chefs while raising money for a local approved organization.These events are

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Meat Your Farmer Event Brings Consumers and Local Meat Producers Together

Author: Dee Heimgartner

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Meat Your Farmer Event Brings Consumers and Local Meat Producers Together

Describe the Issue or Situation.  Several local livestock farmers have started selling meat through a closed grocery store turned vendor mall.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). Marion & Co. is a vendor mall that is located in a closed grocery store. A local grass fed beef producer started working with Marion & Co. to sell their beef through the store and form a joint effort with other producers to sell local meat of all types. T

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Farmers Market Improvements 2024

Author: Jessica Morris

Major Program: Local Food Systems

This past season we have made lots of improvements to our Wolfe County Farmer's market that lead to increased sells and a better selection of fresh local produce for customers (our local community members). For years we have received complaints about not knowing when the market was open and not having enough fresh local produce to purchase using the WIC & SFMNP vouchers. The first item we tackled was getting them more organized. They all were in agreeance so that they could be eligi

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Growing Connections

Author: Asa Conkwright

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Growing Connections

Due to the recognition of the benefits of local food production there has been an increase in people seeking locally grown and produced products or learning how to produce fruits and vegetables themselves. Not only do customers enjoy the enhanced flavors of locally produced foods there is a perceived sense of security in knowing where your food comes from. Community markets are also a great way to bring the community together to work towards a common goal and can be used to foster relationships

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Poultry Processing

Author: Ted Johnson

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Poultry Program Success StoryDescribe the Issue or SituationA local homemaker approached the Lee County Extension Office seeking guidance on how to process chickens she planned to purchase. This request highlighted a broader need within the community for education on poultry management, processing, and preservation techniques. Many individuals lacked the knowledge and confidence to raise and process broilers effectively, creating an opportunity to address these gaps through a targeted educationa

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Healthy Options for Homeless and Low-Income Populations

Author: Lori Bowling

Major Program: Local Food Systems

With an increase in the local homeless population and the number of residents that are below the poverty line, it has become important for those individuals to be able to have access to nutritious food options.   A large number of these populations suffer from poor health due to the dietary choices they have access to.  The local organizations that help to offer them food items and meals are sometimes limited to what they receive through donations, which are most often choices that do

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Empowering Local Farmers Through the Regional Farmers Market

Author: Amanda Potter

Major Program: Local Food Systems

In 2024, the Regional Farmers Market (RFM), a multi-county program serving local farmers and food producers, took a bold step toward creating a more sustainable and vibrant food system. The initiative, which spans across several counties, works to connect small-scale farmers with restaurants, wholesalers, and consumers. This year, the market program brought in a specialist for local food systems to help strengthen these connections, enhancing the relationship between farmers and food service bus

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Spencer County Ag Day

Author: Bryce Roberts

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Children need to learn about agriculture to understand where their food comes from and appreciate the importance of farming in providing sustenance. It also helps them develop a deeper connection to the environment and learn about the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry, which is crucial for sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.The Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service, along with school administration and staff from the two elementary schools, s

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Nutritious Foods

Author: Ted Johnson

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Tasting Through the Garden: Raised Bed Edition Success Story Describe the Issue or Situation In Lee County, many residents have limited exposure or access to diverse vegetable varieties and may lack knowledge of how to prepare them in healthy and appealing ways. Encouraging residents to explore fresh, locally grown produce can promote healthier eating habits and increase awareness of the benefits of gardening.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if

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Tri State Homesteading Conference

Author: Daniel Allen

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Regional Homestead Conference a Huge Success Because of the urban location on Northern Kentucky many of our farms are small operations and they present several unique opportunities for the Cooperative Extension Service.   Many of these small operations fit the USDA’ s definition of a homestead. The USDA defines a subsistence homestead as a plot of land with a simple, inexpensive house and outbuildings where a family can grow a large portion of their food.  Boone and Kenton C

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Kid's Day at the Farmer's Market

Author: Carrie Spry

Major Program: Local Food Systems

"Where does your food come from" is an age old topic that is always in need of being taught to the youth of today. When this topic can be tackled and taught while supporting local farmers, that is a winning opportunity. The Clark County Extension Office joined efforts with the Winchester Clark County Farmers Market to host Kid's Day. Extension offered $10 vouchers to the first 100 kids that were redeemable from each vendor at the Farmers Market. More than 200 youth were in attendan

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Farmers' Market Carnival

Author: Kara Back-Campbell

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Describe the Issue or Situation.The Taylor County Farmers' Market experiences lower customer numbers during the fall months. As produce wanes, the horticulture agent created a carnival to attract families to the market. Also, families are targeted to try to increase WIC voucher participation. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Children were able to play carnival games, win prizes, and enjoy freshly popped popcorn. Provide the Number

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Showcasing Local Agriculture Prodcuts

Author: Nick Roy

Major Program: Local Food Systems

In development...Farm to Fork for CEC in Fall and Upcoming Chamber MeetingDescribe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the pro

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Local produce growers shine at local festival

Author: Shane Bogle

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Local produce growers shine at local festival

Downtown Princeton was bustling with activities on Saturday September 7 during the annual Black Patch Heritage Festival as well as providing an opportunity for free farmer’s market produce, provided by Black Soil, a community-supported Agriculture organization.Thanks to a grant from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Ashley Smith, co-founder and CEO of Black Soil, and 103.3 WPKY collaborated with Caldwell County Agriculture Agent Shane Bogle to enlist local farmers in bringing their s

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Farmers Markets For All

Author: M. Elizabeth Coots

Major Program: Local Food Systems

In most counties, farmer’s markets are located in the same location during certain days, and Shelby County is no different. There are a few farmer’s markets open one day a week in specific locations. To reach underserved communities in the county, the Shelby County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences partnered with the Shelby County Health Department to host a trial run of a monthly pop-up farmer’s market. The markets were held in July, August, and September, eac

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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