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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Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Direct Meat Marketing Coalition Formed

Author: Brett Wolff

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Describe the Issue or Situation:Small-scale livestock producers in Kentucky face persistent barriers to successfully marketing meat, egg, and other animal products directly to consumers. Despite being the majority of operations—82% of cattle farms, 89% of hog farms, and 96% of egg farms fall into small-scale categories—these producers often lack access to tailored training, market price information, and processor connections necessary for success in direct-to-consumer markets.Describ

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The Old Pioneer Farmers' Market

Author: David Hull

Major Program: Local Food Systems

The Old Pioneer Farmers' Market

As a result of the fact that the farmers' market in Sparta, KY was not going to reopen, the Gallatin County Extension Service and the Gallatin County Free Public Library started meeting during the fall of 2023 to discuss the potentiality of forming a new farmers' market in Warsaw, KY. Other organizations that got involved in the planning stages were the Gallatin County Health Department, Gallatin County Tourism, and the Gallatin County Family Resource Center.It was decided that the name

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Kentucky Farm to School Network

Author: Cindy Finneseth

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Farm to School (F2S) is made up of three core elements: 1) procurement of local food by schools, 2) agriculture, food, health and nutrition education, and 3) school gardens. According to the 2023 Farm to School Census, 74.2% of school districts in Kentucky participate in some form of F2S activities, with 55.7% serving locally-produced foods in school meals and 9.8% managing school gardens (USDA NIFA, 2023). F2S has been shown to have strong economic development, public health, education, environ

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Supporting Sustainability Initiatives at Fayette County Public Schools

Author: Cindy Finneseth

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) have 64 sustainability coordinators across the network of elementary, middle and high schools. As part of the recent launch (2024) of the 5-Year Action plan in partnership with Green Schools National Network, FCPS is committed to preparing students for college and career and empowering students to evaluate decisions in the context of sustainability. UK is a key community partner along with students, parents, teachers, community partners, and others to help th

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Farmer's Market Expansion

Author: Adam Thomas

Major Program: Local Food Systems

The LaRue County Farmers’ Market has grown exponentially since 2022.  The number of market vendors increased by 100% with 16 registered vendors selling in 2024. According to the latest Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, the overall food insecurity rate in LaRue County is 12.9% and even higher among children.  In addition, when asked to what extent practical education/assistance in ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious food needed in

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Homesteading 101

Author: Nancy Doyle

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Based on recent producer numbers released in the 2022 Census of Agriculture and the population for Simpson County from the U.S. Census Bureau, only 3.35% of Simpson Countians are considered agricultural producers.  Due to a growing disconnect from the farm and food production, clientele have expressed a desire to become better educated about becoming more self-sufficient and expanding knowledge about the food production process.  As a result, the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agri

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"Growing Community" Addresses Food Insecurity in Fayette County

Author: Reena Martin

Major Program: Local Food Systems

"Growing Community" Addresses Food Insecurity in Fayette County

Food insecurity in Fayette County, Kentucky, is a pressing issue that affects over 33,000 residents, with a notable disparity among children. Approximately 12.8% of children in the county experience food insecurity, higher than the county’s average of 10.3% for the general population. In some neighborhoods these rates are significantly higher.This problem is multifaceted and has significant implications. For children, inadequate access to nutritious food can lead to developmental and acade

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Growing Health and Access — Sprouts & Microgreens Workshop Flourishes in Urban Community

Author: Ola Donahue

Major Program: Local Food Systems

On March 20, 2025, a dynamic collaboration between Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent Denise Donahue and Horticulture Agent Brandon George brought healthy living and hands-on gardening directly to the community with their workshop, “Sprouting Health: Growing Microgreens at Home.” Over 31 participants gathered to learn how to grow sprouts and microgreens in small, indoor spaces — a practice ideal for urban residents with limited access to outdoor gardening or fresh produce

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Commercial Orchard

Author: Sarah Imbus

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Dennis Walters, farmer and owner of local vineyard of Stonebrook Winery is always looking for business opportunity and market trends. Dennis approached extension to seek information about growing apple tree desirable for cider production. With Dennis’s extensive research, he understands the market trends and they have shown that younger generations are buying more cider products.  UK horticulture agent, Sarah Imbus and UK fruit specialists Brent Arnoldussen and associate Elayna S

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Metcalfe County Farmers Market Success

Author: Lynn Blankenship

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Metcalfe County is a small, rural, Appalachian Kentucky County with a population of 10,558 (2024, Census).  According to America’s Health Rankings, Kentucky is ranked 45th in food insecurity with 14.5 % of households unable to provide adequate food for one or more family members.  Only 8.9 % of Kentucky adults report consuming the RDA for fruits and vegetables daily.   20.9 % of Kentucky children live in poverty.The Metcalfe County Farmers Market (MCFM) has grown annually si

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State & National Representation of Farmers Market Research at Conferences

Author: Savannah Columbia

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Farmers markets are an important market outlet for many specialty crop growers and producers. The need for understanding consumer values at the market, innovations for improvement, and more help aid farmers markets in being a successful market outlet for growers and producers.  In February of 2025, Savannah Columbia attended the Southern Agricultural Economics Association’s Annual Meeting in Irving, Texas to sh

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Retail Readiness Marketing Workshop

Author: Savannah Columbia

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Many local food growers and value-added producers are outgrowing their direct-to-consumer market channels, such as the farmers market, and are looking for a place to sell their products with a wider reach. However, some growers and producers are in need of technical assistance as they move into retail and wholesale markets. In a Kentucky Proud Member Showcase Survey conducted in the fall of 2024, nearly 2 out of 3 (64%) respondents&nbsp

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MarketReady Train-the-Trainer Goes National

Author: Savannah Columbia

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Many local food growers and value-added producers are outgrowing their direct-to-consumer market channels, such as the farmers market, and are looking for a place to sell their products with a wider reach. However, some growers and producers are in need of technical assistance as they move into retail and wholesale markets. The MarketReady Producer Training Program, developed by Dr. Timothy Woods, aims to help growers and value-added producers selling frui

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Plate It Up Tastings and Sales at the Hardin County Farmers’ Market

Author: Amy Aldenderfer

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Describe the Issue or Situation.Many residents of Hardin County struggle to incorporate enough fresh fruits and vegetables into their diets, despite having access to locally grown produce at the Hardin County Farmers’ Market. Shoppers often lack ideas for how to prepare unfamiliar produce or are unsure of how to use fresh ingredients in healthy meals. At the same time, the Farmers’ Market seeks to increase customer traffic and sales for local vendors. To address both the community&rs

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Sowing the Seeds of Change: Elevating Kentucky's Local Food Systems Summit

Author: LaToya Drake

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Sowing the Seeds of Change: Elevating Kentucky's Local Food Systems Summit

When Kentuckians choose to purchase locally grown food, studies show that up to $7 out of every $10 spent stays within the local economy, directly supporting Kentucky’s farmers and community-based businesses. With this in mind, the 2025 Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit + F.E.A.S.T. aimed to unite food system professionals, farmers, chefs, and community leaders to explore solutions for creating a more sustainable and vibrant local food economy. To ensure the summit&rsq

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Momentum at the Market: Friday Night Fun at the Farmers Market

Author: Nicole Rhein

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Following years of operating out of a parking lot, the Marshall County Farmers Market officially opened its new pavilion in 2025—and the response from the community has been encouraging.The season kicked off with record-breaking energy and engagement. One standout moment came during the “Friday Night Fun at the Farmers Market” event, which welcomed over 300 attendees. The evening featured two food trucks, 10 local vendors, and six free family-friendly activities, transforming t

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2025 Community Garden

Author: Evan Tate

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Exercise and Activity for residents of assisted living centers is a necessity for good health. Residents often enjoy have day to day task and these routines can be apart of an exercise regiment that promotes mobility and wards off obesity.  Additionally, assisted living centers often operate on tight budgets and are constantly looking for sources of healthy food at an affordable price.The Hancock County Cooperative Extension Service, Audubon Area Community Services and local businesses all

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Reduced Pesticide Use

Author: Ted Johnson

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Describe the Issue or Situation. Many gardeners where concerned about the amount of pesticide residue on their sweet corn that they where having to apply to reduce the insects on their sweet corn. In the past several years gardeners have had to deal with higher than average rain fall, resulting in insect control chemicals applied to their garden being less effective due to excessive rain fall washing the chemical from the plants allowing the insects to attack the plants. Describe the Outrea

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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