Author: Gary Bell
Planning Unit: Metcalfe County CES
Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial
Plan of Work: Commercial Horticulture
Outcome: Initial Outcome
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 need for production recommendations to be addressed led W8 Agriculture Agents to bring this twilight pumpkin field walk to South Central Kentucky.
South Central Kentucky is home to several pumpkin growers 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 target audience was 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.
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 wit a tour of their operation and an apple cider slushee.
*program evaluation was done using paper survey and informal exit interviews
At least one or more participants stated the following:
Based on responses to the survey
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