Author: Daniel Allen
Planning Unit: Kenton County CES
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Leadership Development (KELD): Developing Core Leadership Skills
Plan of Work: Adult Leadership Development
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
There are an increasing number of young, and new farmers that have a keen interest in farming. As the agriculture agent, I have a bird’s eye view of the agriculture community and my observations are there is a need to develop leaders of these younger farm operators. To address the loss or lack of leadership, and to remain true to the values of the land grant university system, I chose to initiate the Kenton County Agriculture Leadership Program. This 10 Session program began late fall 2017 and culminated in March 2018 resulting in 14 people completing the program. Sessions were devoted to leadership styles and assessments, and effective communication with policy makers. Participants were introduced to some of the diversity or people representing religious, ethnic, cultural, and social minorities living in Kenton County. County, state and federal policy makers brought information for discussion among the participants. A study trip to Lexington to visit the new stockyards and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory on campus provided insight into the inner workings of marketing and health of Kentucky livestock. A group project was the centerpiece of the program and the participants chose the exploration of a retail store to sell Kenton County farm products. Several of the participants stepped forward to seek out others with experience in farmer centered retail ventures. These leaders contacted and designed one of the sessions to hear from these experienced individuals. The results of this program was immediate and potentially long term. As a result of the program, one participant has been asked to be on the Kenton County Farm Bureau board. Two participants will be joining the County Extension Council. One participant is assisting a local farmer in her campaign bid for a state house seat. A committee of five participants has stepped forward to start a local retail pop-up store in downtown Covington. Based on the strong success of this program there are plans to repeat this program in 2018/19.
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