Success StoryAgriculture Workshop 101



Agriculture Workshop 101

Author: Laura Rogers

Planning Unit: Whitley County CES

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Plan of Work: Develop stronger, more sustainable agricultural economy and conserve natural resources.

Outcome: Initial Outcome

On May 20, 2022, One hundred and four Small Limited Resource farmers and beginning farmers attended Agriculture Weekend. They learned information from "How to Grow Mushrooms," presented by Beth Wilson, UK Pulaski County Horticulture Agent, to "Creating Your Winning Business Plan" by Dr. Gary R. Stratton, Kentucky State University. 


On May 21, 2022, eighty-four small limited resources and beginning farmers attended Agriculture Workshop 101, day two, and learned information from "Add Value to Your Garden" by Babette Overman, of Overman's Bluegrass Fruits and Vegetables to "Study of Reclaimed Surface Mine Lands" by Whitney Tara Maynard, Kentucky State University.


In collaboration with the University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University's Small Farm Program and Beginning Farmer Project presented Agriculture Workshop 101 at the Woodstock Community Center in Pulaski County, Kentucky.


Farmers learned fact-based information about Birds of Prey from the Liberty Nature Center. Information provided the farmers to remember the native behavior of birds such as hawks, owls, and turkeys. 


A complete bee track was offered, from queen production to better hive management, with additional information on beekeeping.       A Business planning tract provided to educate the farmer on record keeping better, hiring employees, and digital presence.


 A complete horticulture track was offered on Herb planting and cooking of herbs, fruit and nut tree care, to Understand the Food Safety Modernization Act. 


A USDA Tract offered to teach about the different programs offered by the USDA, such as Farm Service Agency 101 by Lindsey New of the Farm Service Agency to USDA and YOU: Food Safety from the 1890s USDA Training. 


Comments from the workshop were as follow:

    "Best Value Added presentation I've attended!

    "Loved the herb pots."

    "Relaxed Atmosphere"

    "Loved the information provided."

    "Each of the sessions were great"

    "I'm not sure how, but I needed to do both the business and the education. So the way was set up I had to choose.--So I wasn't able     to do both."

    "Great Variety of information!!"


The workshop was provided at no cost to the farmers who participated. Several have contacted back, wanting to know when the next Agriculture Workshop 101 is planned.






Stories by Laura Rogers


Kentucky State University Small Farm Conference Eastern Kentucky Style

Kentucky State University Small Farm Conference Eastern Kentucky Style

about 1 years ago by Laura Rogers

The economic challenges the citizens of Whitley County face and to share some encouraging news rega... Read More


Mushrooms to Grow On

Mushrooms to Grow On

about 1 years ago by Laura Rogers

The Small Farm Program and Beginning Farmer Project of Kentucky State University collaborated with t... Read More


Stories by Whitley County CES


4-H Teen Club: Empowering Leaders

4-H Teen Club: Empowering Leaders

about 1 years ago by Lisa Jones

Whitley County 4-H has seen great progress in youth development with the introduction of 4-H teen cl... Read More


Stitched Smiles: Empowering Youth to Bring Joy to Nursing Home Residents

Stitched Smiles: Empowering Youth to Bring Joy to Nursing Home Residents

about 1 years ago by Lisa Jones

The 4H program is teaching young people valuable home economics skills that are becoming less common... Read More


Stories by Small Farm Diversification


Market Gardeners Consider High Tunnels for Season Extension and Increased Production

Market Gardeners Consider High Tunnels for Season Extension and Increased Production

about 1 years ago by Nathan Rider

Bullitt County, Spencer County and other nearby counties are perfectly positioned to host producers ... Read More


Mushrooms to Grow On

Mushrooms to Grow On

about 1 years ago by Laura Rogers

The Small Farm Program and Beginning Farmer Project of Kentucky State University collaborated with t... Read More