Cut flower production is a growing horticulture enterprise segment in Kentucky and more than 100 operations across the state have been identified. Since July is nationally recognized as American Grown Cut Flower Month, for the second year, the Kentucky Horticulture Council (KHC) partnered with UK Cooperative Extension Service Horticulture Agents, Alexis Sheffield (Boyle County) and Kristin Hildabrand (Warren County) to launch a social media promotional campaign highlighting cut flower growers across the state. The target was to feature 30 growers, one per day, on KHC’s social media channels. Growers completed a short online Google Form and submitted photos representing their operations. There was such interest and enthusiasm in the promotional campaign that over 60 growers were featured from around the state.  

 As part of the campaign to highlight Kentucky cut flower growers, an interactive map was created to make it easy for customers to identify purchasing options based on geographic location. This map is hosted on the UK Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) website (https://uk-horticulture.github.io/KY-Cut-Flowers/) and is updated annually or as needed as growers are identified and express interest in being listed. 

About four months after the campaign ended, participating growers in the 2021 promotion, were surveyed about the impact on their operation. Ninteen operations completed the post-promotion survey. Of those, 74% indicated more followers on social media or websites along with an increase in sales. Other benefits included learning more about other operations in the state and inquiries from the local news outlet to feature the operation after seeing the online promotion. Overall, the campaign was perceived by 72% of growers as good to excellent. All growers would consider participating if a future campaign was launched.