Beginning farmers, market gardeners, and landowners frequently find themselves overwhelmed by all of the parts of establishing an agricultural business. To support these community members, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service offered the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program called "Kentucky First Farm" in Bullitt County. The program was funded through USDA/NIFA award # 2021-7033-35706. The mission of Kentucky First Farm is to empower aspiring farmers across Kentucky and neighboring regions with a practical path to sustainable farming and income generation. While the program focused on supporting military veterans and underserved communities, any individuals with less than 10 years of experience in farming were welcome to participate.

The program included presentations on agroforestry, business planning, beekeeping, horticulture crop production, water sources for livestock, profit strategies for small scale cattle production, food safety, and produce safety. A resource panel offered advice on the many ways Kentucky farmers can find grants, subsidized loans, and cost-share programs. 

Resource vendors from nearly a dozen agencies and organization offered assistance in the vendor panel.

In between classes, participants were encouraged to peruse the resource fair where vendors and organizations were offering handouts, information, and one-on-one consultations. Resource vendors included Farm Credit, Farm Service Agency, Kentucky State University, Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bullitt County Farm Bureau, Bullitt County Soil Conservation, Wright Implement, Bullitt County Public Library, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Kentucky Woodland Owners Association, Active Heroes, Veterans IN Agriculture, Organic Association of Kentucky, and other agents from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Bullitt County.Beginning farmers had one-on-one consultations with industry leaders and agency representatives.

28 beginning farmers, market gardeners, and landowners attended the training and, of those surveyed,100% reported an increase in knowledge on at least one topic. Of those surveyed, 100% also reported an increased understanding in the Cooperative Extension Service's available resources.