The problem

                Barren County is a leader in KY agriculture.   The rich and diverse history of agriculture production is a cornerstone of our local economy.  A group of community stakeholders have mounted an effort to bring a regional agriculture exposition center to the Cave City area.   Cave City is a logical choice due it location on I-65 and the tourism infrastructure already in place.

The educational program response

                Barren County Extension was asked to spearhead the effort in getting a feasibility study done to present to elected officials and potential private investors.  The Barren County Judged Executive and Fiscal Court entered into an agreement with a group to do the feasibility study.  The Barren County Extension District Board was willing to become a major stakeholder in project by funding the feasibility study.  The Barren County Agriculture agent was to work with the team conducting the study.   One of the major components was to gather focus groups.  Working with Judge Executive, Fiscal Court, Cave City Major’s office, Farm Bureau, Tourism Commission, and Chamber of Commerce a group of panelist were compiled.  The focus groups represented a wide variety of stakeholders, and the meetings took place at the Barren County Extension Office.

The participants/target audience

Focus Group Sub-Groups

1. Barren Co Agribusiness Leaders
2. Barren Co Farmers (special attention to Cave City area & all commodity groups)
3. Show Stock Exhibitors
4. Public Educators (Secondary & Post-Secondary)
5. Elected Officials
6. Tourism and Chamber of Commerce Leadership
7. Regional Extension Educators
8. Barren County Extension District Board

*special attention was given to seek out individuals under the age of 30 in each group, when possible

Program impact or participant response.

                Input was gathered, compiled and presented by the group conducting the feasibility study.  The final copy was presented to the Fiscal Court, Cave City Council, and Barren County Extension District Board.  The study was forwarded onto the Barren River Region Area Development District (BRADD), as well as, state and national elected officials.  BRADD has already received favorable indications that some Federal funding will be made available.  Barren & Hart Counties have verbally committed funds to the project.  The existing Cave Country Convention Center has land available for project, and the ag center would be operated by the Cave County Convention Center.