The Living on a Few Acres Farm Conference brought together 52 participants from five different counties across Kentucky, fostering an exchange of knowledge and ideas on sustainable farming practices. UK Cooperative Extension Agents from Pulaski, McCreary, Russell, and Casey counties organized and led a series of classes that delved into various aspects of small-scale agriculture, including soils management, beekeeping, vegetable gardening, poultry, rabbits for meat production, small ruminant care, USDA small farm assistance, and mushroom cultivation.

Key Highlights:

USDA Farm Service Agency Resources: Participants were introduced to the wealth of resources and support services offered by the USDA Farm Service Agency. This session provided attendees with essential tools for navigating the complexities of federal agricultural programs. 

Soils for Success: Participants gained valuable insights into soil health management, learning about soil composition, fertility enhancement techniques, and sustainable soil management practices. Understanding the importance of soil health laid a solid foundation for successful farming endeavors.

Beginning Beekeeping: This class provided a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of beekeeping, covering topics such as hive management, bee behavior, honey production, and disease prevention. Attendees left equipped with the knowledge and confidence to embark on their beekeeping journey.

Vegetable Gardening: From seed to harvest, participants learned the essential techniques for cultivating a thriving vegetable garden on limited acreage. Topics included site selection, soil preparation, crop selection, pest management, and organic gardening principles, empowering attendees to grow their own nutritious produce.

Poultry, Rabbits, and Small Ruminants: These sessions offered practical guidance on raising various livestock species suitable for small-scale farming operations. Attendees gained insights into housing, feeding, breeding, and health management practices, enabling them to establish successful and sustainable animal husbandry enterprises.

Mushroom Inoculation: Attendees learned about different mushroom varieties, cultivation techniques, substrate preparation, and harvesting methods, opening up new avenues for diversification and profitability on their farms.

Participant Feedback:

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Extension and area professionals, and network with like-minded individuals. Attendees appreciated the practical, hands-on approach of the classes and left the conference prepared to implement new practices on their own farms.