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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Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Poison Hemlock Eradication

Author: Casey Byrd

Major Program: Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

When a local resident discovered a large stand of unfamiliar plants taking over the back of her property, she reached out to her county Extension agent for help. The agent quickly identified the plant as poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), a toxic invasive species that poses serious risks to people, livestock, and wildlife. Recognized by the USDA as part of its invasive species advisory list, poison hemlock spreads aggressively and is increasingly common across the region.The Extension agent met

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Regional Pasture Field Day

Author: Christopher Schalk

Major Program: Plant Production and Management

Describe the Issue or Situation.South Central KY is the center of the beef and dairy industry in KY.  The topography and soil type lend itself very well to the production of high quality forage and pasture.  Farmers continue to make improvements including fertility, improved seed varieties, and weed control.  New products and technology are additional tools for farmers Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Extension agent of UK &a

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West Louisville Urban Growers Learn About Urban Agriculture

Author: Kelly Rawalt

Major Program: Food Safety, Quality, and Access

West Louisville Urban Growers Learn About Urban Agriculture

More than 120,000 people in Jefferson County experience food insecurity, with limited access to fresh, locally grown produce, especially in the West End (Dare to Care, 2019). Urban growers in these communities often face barriers such as lack of infrastructure, tools, certifications, and technical support needed to scale production or meet food safety standards.In response, Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Community Resource Development Program launched the Urban Growers P

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From Outhouse to Indoor Plumbing: A Leslie County Success Story

Author: Michelle Brock

Major Program: Connected & Resilient Communities

For two long years, a Leslie County family lived without a working sewer system. When their old septic system failed, they had no choice but to return to using an old-fashioned outhouse because the cost of replacing the system was far out of their reach.. Winters were bitter, summers were sweltering, and the constant worry about sanitation weighed heavily on the family.Help finally came when the Leslie County Extension Office's Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent learned of their situati

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Mercer Co ESL Families

Author: Bobbie Hancock

Major Program: Food Safety, Quality, and Access

                                                                           Working with Families English as Second Language The Nutrition Education Program Assistant in Mercer County reach out to with Mercer County School ESL Teacher that work with the families and students (English as second langua

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Academy on Main

Author: Bobbie Hancock

Major Program: Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Academy on Main

                                                                     Learning how to Garden“Healthy Choices for Everybody” was presented to a special needs group (Academy on Main) once a month at the County Extension Office by the Nutrition Education Program assistant. Fifteen to twenty people attended the class

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Growing Community Through Conservation — A Lasting Partnership Between Kentucky State University and Josephine Sculpture Park

Author: Kasia Bradley

Major Program: Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Since 2022, Kentucky State University’s Forestry and Natural Resources Program has fostered a meaningful and impactful partnership with Josephine Sculpture Park (JSP) in Frankfort, KY. Rooted in a shared commitment to ecological stewardship, public education, and community engagement, this collaboration has grown into a model of what university-community partnerships can achieve.When I joined the program as an Extension Associate, one of my first major initiatives was to formalize our rela

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Food Preservation Series

Author: Katherine Alexander

Major Program: Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Food Preservation Series

Food preservation continues to be a popular topic and community members want to learn how to do it. Cooperative Extension is all about education and direct learning to teach our communities how to do things, especially food preservation, correctly.The past eight months the Daviess County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent has held a series of food preservation classes with an average group of 4-8 community members. The Daviess County FCS agent also took this opportunity for newer FCS a

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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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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