Hinkston Creek has been identified as a high nutrient-yielding watershed by Kentucky’s 2021 Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Many farmers in the watershed are part-time operators with limited time and resources, and some are new to utilizing conservation practices. University of Kentucky Extension specialists partnered with the Harrison County Extension ANR agent and Bluegrass Greensource to deliver a farmer-led watershed leadership training to promote farmer engagement in the watershed. The Tap Your Potential curriculum was used as a basis for the two-part workshop. Tap Your Potential was developed by a multi-state team that included University of Kentucky Extension specialists and this workshop provided an opportunity to field test the curriculum. Topics explored during the workshop included the importance of farmer leadership, basic watershed science, impacts of conservation practices, and opportunities for farmers to become more active in watershed protection efforts.

Twenty-four individuals impacting 2,342 acres participated in the workshop. Seventeen participants responded to a post-workshop survey evaluation. After the workshop 88% of respondents strongly agreed that farmers are critical to the success of watershed management; 65% felt slightly more confident serving on a watershed advisory board or group; 65% felt slightly more confident encouraging other farmers to adopt best management practices; 47% felt slightly more confident mentoring other farmers interested in implementing best management practices; and 53% felt slightly or much more confident serving in a leadership role in watershed management.

One participant has followed up with organizers to learn more about specific practices to install and may be willing to host a field day and/or create videos to share their experiences.