Situation

KSU Small Farms Program in Christian County work with community leaders to educate, build & develop future community leaders in Christian County.  Minorities make up 22% of the population of Christian County, minority small farms program have increased another 8%.  The average farm size is 306 acres with 5% adding value to products and 1% operating community supported agriculture.  Current unemployment rate for Christian County is 7.2 % which is +3% the national average.  New Minority Owned Farms would start a defiant start in the positive direction for small farmers to mold and break into a strong niche market. 

Partnerships and Resources

Kentucky State University (KSU) Small Farms Program at the Christian County Extension Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, & NRCS ( Natural Resources, & Conservation Service.) 

Target Audience

… To assist small minority adults. 

Educational Response

The KSU Small Farm Assistant conducted programs and individual consultation to inform local African Americans & other minorities of business opportunities related to community development, community investment, voter registration, mass incarnation and labor issues, inside Christian County. 

Outcomes

The Focus 21 Program has been producing future minority leaders in Christian County for over 20 years. The opportunity for Kentucky State University Small Farms Program to collaborate and mentor the future leaders which can produce more Agribusiness professionals, Small & Medium Farmers is the goal which any agent can wish upon. 

Success Story

Focus 21 is a program which has opened the door for African American professionals to learn more about a community which it serves. The program which consist of over 65 alumni, one which consist of Austin Wright Kentucky State University Small Farms Agent in Christian County. Austin Wright has the honor of being the project coordinator which he host classes on every second Saturday of each month, with over 18 participants.  The class which he teaches works with young minority professionals on Hopkinsville history, economic development, agricultural history, government policy, and the history of separation between church and state. The participants come from all walks of life but have one common goal which enhances the leaders which will grow Christian County for a better tomorrow. An example of which how Kentucky State University has a impact in this program is one of the students works for the Challenge House in Hopkinsville KY. His role for the Challenge House is to manage the facility and programs for inner city residents. The newest program for the Challenge House is to produce a urban garden and have education programs which teaches new residents and existing. This program which has been constructed in conjunction with the Aaron Mcneil House in Christian County has been constructed for all long term planning. This project allows us to grow tomatoes, watermelons, onions, and other vegetables. Along with Erica Thompson our 4-H Community Development Agent we have a program where we can not only teach adults but also teach children about the importance of nutrition. The City Of Hopkinsville is on board for this project also. In this class, we also have the Human Relations Director for the city, and he uses our small farms stats to improve city relations. Focus 21 has many components which have been displayed throughout the years. Kentucky State University has obviously made a lasting impact not only for now but for the years to come. Erica Thompson KSU 4-H agent & Kendriana Price from the Christian County Extension Service have enrolled in this year’s class also and have contributed to the well-being of the Focus 21 group also. The future looks bright going forward with Focus 21 and its only the beginning of what KSU Small Farms Program can offer.