The problem

Pumpkin production is on the increase in South Central Kentucky.  The current demand of local grown agriculture products, and the booming agritourism industry have opened up a market for locally grown pumpkins.   Pumpkins, as with all cucurbits, present unique challenges during the heat and humidity of Kentucky’s growing season.   The weather related challenges and the lack of current production recommendations led W8 Agriculture Agents to bring this twilight pumpkin field walk to South Central Kentucky.

The educational program response

South Central Kentucky is home of several pumpkin grower with multiple years of experience.   However, Metcalfe Co ANR agent, Brandon Bell, is a grower with almost 30 years of experience.  When coupling this experience with the resources of the Extension Service, growers have a great mentor in Bell.  Micah and Kory Thomas are relatively new pumpkins growers, but they were willing to host the twilight pumpkin field walk at their new agritourism venue, Peach Tree Farm & Greenhouse in Allen County.  Prior to the participants arriving production equipment was staged near the fields and samples of plants were collected to be used for demonstration and teaching field scouting.

The participants/target audience

The target audience were growers with less than five years of experience or potential growers.  Several members of the Amish community in Hart Count were in attendance.  Traditionally they use plasticulture, however, they were interested in learning about direct seeding into bare earth.  Other participants were there to hear about the production of the crop from concept through harvest.

Other partners (if applicable)

Metcalfe County SNAP Nutrition Assistant, Ronda Harris-Page prepared pumpkin muffins using a SNAP approved recipe.  Participants were served the muffins and the recipe was provided.   The Thomas’ provided the participants with tour of their operation and an apple cider slushee.

Program impact or participant response.

*program evaluation was done using paper survey and informal exit interviews

At least one or more participants stated the following:

1. they will be using improved seed varieties to help with disease management
2. they will increase the volume of water applied per acre when applying fungicides
3. they will be adding a systemic fungicide in late season spray program
4. they now will be able to scout fields better because they know what plectosporium blight looks like

Based on responses to the survey

1. 3 participants were first time Extension program attendees
2. Nearly 80 acres of pumpkins were grown by participants
3. 3 participants state this program will add to or save their operation over $500.00