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

Licking River Area Skills Day

Author: Alexandra Sallie

Major Program: Community Engagement

The Licking River Area extension agents for Family and Consumer Sciences, partnered with local businesses and Licking River Area Homemakers to host an annual Skills Days.  The FCS Agents come together at a hosting county extension office once a year, to promote different homemaking skills to local community members. We partner with local businesses and/or artist to come in to teach a new craft that participants can then take home or share the project with others. Everyone comes ready to be

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Agricultura Appreciation Dinner

Author: Meredith Hall

Major Program: Community Engagement

Describe the Issue or Situation.Boyd County has approximately 187 farms. Of these farms only 87% have internet access.This contributes to the issue of people who are involved in agriculture often feeling isolated with few events to come together with each other and other community leaders and members.   Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The Ag Appreciation dinner directly combats the problem of poor mental health due to isolation. This

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Meals on Wheels Partnership and Programming

Author: Richard Sellnow

Major Program: Community Engagement

Through the ad hoc Northern Kentucky Digital Literacy Advisory Council in tandem with the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, the Extension Digital Literacy Agent was made aware of Meals on Wheels Digital Connect of Northern Kentucky's desire to provide basic technology skills and digital literacy lessons to seniors in their shared service area.Meals on Wheels Digital Connect earned a grant allowing them to distribute up to 100 Samsung Tablets to seniors on fixed / limited incomes a

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Spring Into Green – Promoting Sustainable Living in Western Kentucky

Author: Debra Hixon

Major Program: Community Engagement

Describe the Issue or Situation.  Each year, Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Agents from eight counties in western Kentucky come together to host a regional seminar designed to bring informal, research-based education to our communities. This year’s theme, Spring Into Green – Sustainable Living, focused on environmental stewardship and practical ways individuals can reduce their ecological footprint at home. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and

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Books in the Barnyard

Author: Linda McClanahan

Major Program: Community Engagement

The Mercer County Public Library identified need to provide some agricultural programming for their clientele. The Mercer County ANR Agent partnered with the public library and Mercer County Farm Bureau Federation to develop the Books in the Barnyard program. The program was promoted through the Extension Office facebook page, Extension Office newsletters, MCPL Facebook and MCFBF facebook pages. The MCPL and MCFBF each provided 25 accurate agriculture books so the first 50 families that came to

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Giant Pumpkin Contest and Teal Pumpkin Project Trunk or Treat

Author: Jessica Hopkins

Major Program: Community Engagement

Giant Pumpkin Contest and Teal Pumpkin Project Trunk or Treat

Describe the Issue or SituationCynthiana and Harrison County, Kentucky, are well-known for their fall festivities, earning the title of the #1 Fall Destination in the state. To enhance community engagement during the fall season, the Harrison County Extension Office sought new ways to participate in local traditions. After discussions with the Tourism Director, the idea of hosting a Giant Pumpkin Contest emerged, which evolved in its second year to include a Teal Pumpkin Trunk or Treat event for

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Giant Pumpkin Contest and Teal Pumpkin Project Trunk or Treat

Author: Shelley Meyer

Major Program: Community Engagement

Giant Pumpkin Contest and Teal Pumpkin Project Trunk or Treat

Describe the Issue or SituationCynthiana and Harrison County, Kentucky, are well-known for their fall festivities, earning the title of the #1 Fall Destination in the state. To enhance community engagement during the fall season, the Harrison County Extension Office sought new ways to participate in local traditions. After discussions with the Tourism Director, the idea of hosting a Giant Pumpkin Contest emerged, which evolved in its second year to include a Teal Pumpkin Trunk or Treat event for

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Pendleton Senior Center - Digital Literacy Program

Author: Richard Sellnow

Major Program: Community Engagement

In 2024 CES identified a need for Digital Literacy focused programming in northern Kentucky (C7/C8). This led to the hiring of a Digital Literacy Agent to serve the 8 counties of Northern Kentucky in late September 2024.In October 2024 the Digital Literacy Agent began reaching out to various community partners as well as extension networks to establish awareness of the new initiative across the C7/C8 Area. In one such county, Pendleton, the Digital Literacy Agent was able to build off of the ext

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Home, Farm and Garden Expo

Author: Amanda Sears

Major Program: Community Engagement

“Extension is the best kept secret in the county.” This is a common statement heard after helping clients. The Madison County Extension Council wanted to provide a program that would help the community know more about the programs offered at the Madison County Extension Office.After brainstorming, the Council decided to host a Home, Farm and Garden Expo. The Extension Council and Agents decided to not partner or accept sponsorships from outside groups. They hoped to instead on just E

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2024 Farm City Banquet

Author: Amanda Sears

Major Program: Community Engagement

2024 Farm City Banquet

The face of Kentucky is changing. In the last 20 years the state has lost 17,000 farms and 1.4 million acres of farmland. The population of Madison County, Kentucky in 2022 was 95,187, 14% up from the 83,471 who lived there in 2010. Over time, there is more and more of a disconnect with agriculture. The annual Farm City Banquet held at the Madison County Extension office is a way to unite the increasingly more urban and agricultural communities. The Madison County H

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Webster County Farm City Tour

Author: Vicki Shadrick

Major Program: Community Engagement

Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of Webster County, Kentucky, contributing significantly to both local employment and economic output in the surrounding area. According to national statistics, Kentucky is one of the top agricultural producers in the U.S., with a strong emphasis on crops like tobacco, soybeans, and corn, along with livestock operations. According to Community and Economic Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK), 77% of land in Webster County is in farms.  Poultry, our nu

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Eclipse Glasses

Author: Katie Hughes

Major Program: Community Engagement

Eclipse Glasses

Describe the Issue or Situation.During the eclipse many of the towns had hosted events for people to watch the eclipse. Afterwards I saw where people could donate their glasses so others in South America could enjoy the upcoming eclipse. So I post out a flyer and ask the other agents in the office to share and promote donating used glasses to the extension office where then we would mail them to Eclipse Glasses USA. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if app

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Addressing Estate Planning and Heir Properties

Author: Jeremy Williams

Major Program: Community Engagement

Harlan County faces a significant issue with heirs property due to inadequate estate planning. This leads to uncertainty, legal complications, and potential economic burdens for heirs.The Harlan County Extension Service, in collaboration with the Harlan County Extension Council and Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN), organized a Will Clinic and Heir Property Education Program. This program provided free legal advice and assistance to county residents.Fifteen Harlan County residents a

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Agricultural and Heritage Tour: Exploring New England’s Treasures

Author: Kenna Knight

Major Program: Community Engagement

Agricultural and Heritage Tour: Exploring New England’s Treasures

Our recent 12-state Agricultural and Heritage Tour in New England was a resounding success, bringing together 34 travelers on a memorable journey through diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks. With a focus on hands-on experiences and educational stops, participants had the unique opportunity to dive into the heart of New England’s agricultural practices, local heritage, and breathtaking sights.Highlights of the JourneyFor seven individuals, this tour marked their first adventure and pa

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Summer Extension Open House

Author: Tara Duty

Major Program: Community Engagement

The Mercer County Extension Council hosted a Summer Open House to increase awareness about programs, activities and services available through the Mercer County Extension Office. The event is advertised via social media, signage, flyers and program newsletters published by each agent with the intent to bring more people to the extension office. Although this program has been held for a number of years, each year the committee which plans the open house comes up with new ideas for continued impro

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Campfire Cooking

Author: Eric Comley

Major Program: Community Engagement

Campfire Cooking

In a September 2024 online article by the American Red Cross, 11 survival skills were detailed in an effort to help people become more prepared for a situation that demands basic skills and minimal preparation to stay alive (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/articles/11-survival-skills-to-know). Articles, like this one, are the result of a movement for people to become more self-reliant and an increase in outdoor recreation participation (https://outdoorindustry.org/press-release/o

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2024 Fall Fest

Author: Levi Berg

Major Program: Community Engagement

Extension is the best kept secret" is a phrase every extension employee has heard at one point in time. Clark County Extension decided to try and spread the news about all of the wonderful services extension offers and hopefully reach new people thru a 2024 Fall Fest event. This event was free and open to everyone of all ages. Many steps were made in advertising this event including articles in the local newspaper, newsletters, local organizations, and shows on local radio. Many activities

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Mercer County Extension Open House

Author: Jessica Bessin

Major Program: Community Engagement

The Mercer County Extension Council hosted a Summer Open House to increase awareness about programs, activities and services available through the Mercer County Extension Office. The event is advertised via social media, signage, flyers and program newsletters published by each agent with the intent to bring more people to the extension office. Although this program has been held for several years, each year the committee which plans the open house comes up with new ideas for continued improveme

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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