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: 2026

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2026

Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Becoming Whole: The Journey Beyond Addiction

Author: Christy Blevins

Major Program: Health and Wellbeing

Describe the Issue or Situation.RHOAR is a women’s residential recovery center in Bell County, where residents face numerous challenges, including social stigma and shame, trauma, mental health conditions, body image and food concerns. Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in supporting the recovery process, Bell County’s Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant partnered with the center to bring hope and practical skills to the women on their journey toward healing.Describe

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WAVE AG Day 2025: Celebrating Agriculture in the River Counties

Author: Chuck Flowers

Major Program: Connected & Resilient Communities

WAVE AG Day 2025: Celebrating Agriculture in the River Counties

Describe the Issue or Situation. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman Counties, with a remarkable $1 billion regional impact and over $359 million in agricultural products sold across 960 farms. WAVE AG Day 2025 once again highlighted the importance of this sector, celebrating its contributions and honoring those who drive it forward. Now in its eighth year, the event was held on July 31st at Columbus Belmont State Park, running from 7:3

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WAVE AG Day 2025: Celebrating Agriculture in the River Counties

Author: Benjamin Rudy

Major Program: Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

WAVE AG Day 2025: Celebrating Agriculture in the River Counties

Describe the Issue or Situation.Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman Counties, with a remarkable $1 billion regional impact and over $359 million in agricultural products sold across 960 farms. WAVE AG Day 2025 once again highlighted the importance of this sector, celebrating its contributions and honoring those who drive it forward. Now in its eighth year, the event was held on July 31st at Columbus Belmont State Park, running from 7:30 a.m.

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Fairfield Community Refresh: Service Learning Workshop

Author: Emily Pike

Major Program: Building Leadership Capacity

Fairfield Community Refresh: Service-Learning Workshop In 2023, the Nelson County Needs Assessment identified “youth life skill training opportunities (e.g., leadership and communication skill building)” as the second-highest priority youth issue in the county (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, 2023). Nelson County 4-H Agent Samantha Gabbard also stated that community service and youth-led service-learning initiatives were needed within lo

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4-H Rally Day

Author: Amber Nagy

Major Program: Work and Life Skill Development

Describe the Issue or Situation.On July 29, 2025, we held our yearly Rally Day for 4-H youth members. This day works as part of the county fair for entries created by the youth, to try and have their item make it to the State Fair. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Throughout the 4-H calendar year clubs and workshops are put together to educate youth members on different skills that can be put to use for the fair, and some are even real-life

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Partnerships Culminate in Successful Field Day

Author: Joseph Ray

Major Program: Plant Production and Management

Partnerships Culminate in Successful Field Day

In 2024, a strategic partnership between the Boyle County Conservation District, Boyle County Cooperative Extension Service, Kentucky Division of Conservation, and the Kentucky Division of Water launched the Boyle County Nutrient Reduction Program. The initiative was funded by a $60,000 grant awarded to the Boyle County Conservation District to support local farmers in implementing on-farm conservation practices aimed at improving water quality in the Kentucky River watershed. Funded p

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CODE RED

Author: Elizabeth Maxedon

Major Program: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Describe the Issue or Situation.More than ever, people feel the burden of stress on their well-being.  In Kentucky, suicide is a leading cause of preventable death for individuals aged 10-34 and those over the age of 59.  Concern over mental health and access to care was echoed in the Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, where respondents listed “improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources” as one of the top 6 priority issues. Describe the Out

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Camp Olden Days

Author: Kallise Gammon

Major Program: Work and Life Skill Development

In an increasingly digital world, many youth are becoming disconnected from the cultural traditions and practices that have been passed down through generations. This results in reduced appreciation for Kentucky's heritage and a lack of knowledge about what makes the state unique. Without intentional efforts to bridge the gap, the local culture and traditions of Kentucky are at risk of being forgotten and under-appreciated by younger generations.  In response, I deve

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Super Star Chef

Author: Bethany Kirby

Major Program: Health and Wellbeing

In Eastern Kentucky, access to knowledge regarding nutrition and physical activity are limited. Cultural norms, poverty rates, and other compounding issues often result in citizens who make poor nutritional choices and do not participate in daily physical activity. These issues have lead to a high rate of obesity and other health issues in this part of Kentucky. Due to the rural nature of the area, there are also very few opportunities for youth to learn basic cooking skills alongside nutrition

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Meal Hacks and More with Healthy Choices for Every Body

Author: Sandra Kennedy

Major Program: Health and Wellbeing

July 30, 2025Clark County Success Story for NEPSandy Kennedy  We developed Meal Hacks & More at the Library when the director wanted to offer something on educating their participants on Living Healthier Lives through Nutrition. Speaking with the Clark County Extension Program Assistant, we offered the Healthy Choices for Every Body Program.The assistant taught a series on Food Safety, Portion Control, Eating on a Budget, Proper Storage, Better Beverages and Using Your Crock Pot.&n

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Food Science Cooking Classes

Author: Bri Horan

Major Program: Work and Life Skill Development

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) exposure encourages children to explore further STEM education. It helps children discover what they enjoy and what they are skilled at to help increase knowledge of what they want to pursue. STEM activities can help children narrow down what path they want to take in high school and beyond. Shelby county has seen a decrease in their healthcare employment; a career focused on STEM. They are at a 6% healthcare employment rate compared to the averag

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KET Highlights KSU's Beekeepers

Author: Tamara Potter

Major Program: Animal Production and Management

Describe the Issue or Situation. Kentucky State University Land Grant program offers many opportunities for the general public to learn about the importance of pollinators to our food system and our wildlife ecosystem.  The feature by KET introduces the state to the major people involved with these efforts.  In addition to interviews, KET also interviewed some of the young people who showed up to the KSU Benson Demonstration Apiary and worked with Dr. Tamara Horn Potter to learn the ba

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Feeding Harrison County - A Harrison County Resource Map

Author: Raegyn Dunn

Major Program: Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

In Harrison County, Kentucky, a significant portion of the population experiences poverty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2019 to 2023, 16.4% of residents lived below the poverty line. However, based on a conversation with the mayor of Cynthiana, the number of individuals classified as truly unhoused is close to 0%. This distinction informed the direction of my project: rather than focusing solely on emergency or permanent shelter, the aim was to support those living in poverty who ne

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Herbal Adventures

Author: Emma Miller

Major Program: Health and Wellbeing

Describe the Issue or Situation.Nowadays everyone thinks medication is a small orange bottle you get from the pharmacy with some type of medication inside. Studies show a quarter of adults use herb medication to treat their symptoms according to The American Journal of Medicine. Getting people exposed at a young age can have benefits such as the expense of medication and taking synthetic medication.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Nowadays every

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Reseeded Roots: Preserving Tradition, Promoting Recovery

Author: Abby Keeton

Major Program: Plant Production and Management

Describe the Issue or Situation.In July 2022, catastrophic flooding devastated communities in Breathitt County, Kentucky, destroying homes, gardens, and heirloom seed stocks passed down through generations. That month, the area received over 14 inches of rain in just five days, overwhelming the region’s creeks and rivers. In Appalachian culture, heirloom seeds—especially varieties of beans—represent more than food security; they are a form of heritage and legacy. Families often

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Beef Bootcamp

Author: Whitney Peck

Major Program: Animal Production and Management

Educating the Beginner Beef Producer: Beef Bootcamp Creating a platform for educating beginning producers is a top priority for Warren County Agriculture. According to the 2022 Census, Warren County ranks in the top five for cattle production, fourth in the number of cows, and has 846 beginning farmers. Whitney Peck, a summer intern, dedicated her project to educating and reaching out to beginner beef producers. Her focus on using media as a flexible and accessible resource l

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4-H Farmer's Market Camp

Author: Madalyn Hale

Major Program: Food Safety, Quality, and Access

According to a national survey conducted by GENYOUth in 2020, only 21% of American teens report feeling knowledgeable about where their food comes from, while 40% say they know little to nothing about the topic. There is a clear need to increase youth awareness of local farmers markets and the importance of supporting local agriculture within the community. Many young people are unfamiliar with where their food originates, how it is produced, and how to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables into h

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Handwashing Matters

Author: Vanessa Harris

Major Program: Health and Wellbeing

The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water, as handwashing effectively removes germs, dirt, and chemicals. If soap and water are not readily available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.The Menifee County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with the Menifee County School District to deliver six LEAP (Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Preschool/Primary) lessons to first-grade students. These

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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