The United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service continues to report decreases in the number of farms nationwide and within Kentucky. Studies like Farms Under Threat 2040, published by the American Farmland Trust in 2022, raise concern about farmland fragmentation and development across the country. However, the fragmentation of agricultural land can also be looked at as an educational opportunity for a majority of Kentuckians who do not operate commercial farms but may still have interest in subsistence production of fruits, vegetables and livestock. Kentucky State University staff organized the Homesteader and Subsistence Agriculture Symposium to address, and assess, the needs of individuals producing food on small plots of land to satisfy or supplement their dietary needs.

                Specialists were gathered from Kentucky State University, the University of Kentucky, Berea College, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the State Beekeepers Association, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to provide information about topics ranging from livestock care and beekeeping to fruit and vegetable production and cost-share opportunities for implementing best management practices. The Symposium took place over two days and included formal lectures/presentations, hands-on activities and demonstrations, as well as opportunities to explore parts of the Kentucky State University Research & Demonstration Farm to see best management practices in use. Participants were also provided with paper and digital copies of relevant extension publications and the entire symposium was livestreamed and recorded for future reference and broader distribution.

                The words “homesteader” and “subsistence” were used in branding and advertisements to capture the targeted audience: individuals producing food on small plots of land for personal consumption. Partner organizations were called on to help diversify promotion. Over 220 individuals pre-registered for the symposium - 96 attended on the first day and 61 attended on the second day. Participant surveys demonstrated that 98% of individuals learned something new and 100% of respondents expressed interest in attending future events with a similar focus. Since publishing the video recordings on YouTube, the event has been viewed over 600 times.