The problem

Bath County farmers and Kentucky farmers in general, have been successful in producing a variety of agricultural products.  Where many of our farmers fall short is their ability to add value to the products they produce and to establish a marketing plan to realize the true value of what they have available.

The educational program response

To assist our local farmers meet both of these challenges, the Bath County ag program works and the Bath County Extension Office provide producers a number of opportunities and educational support.  The Bath County extension office hosts the Bath County farmers market three day each week during the growing season.  Along with providing a location and logistical support, the extension office provides educational resources through the Snap program, provides SrFMNP training and WIC training to our producers, provides food handling and tasting certification, is part of the regional farmers market training focusing on marketing and promotion and the agent works directly with the members to resolve production issues in the field.  Along with the farmers market, the Bath County Extension Office hosts a farmers produce auction where farmers who do not or cannot attend farmers market can sell produce and ag commodities in an auction setting.  This allows farmers to sell larger quantities of produce and related goods.  And thirdly, the Extension office has allowed the farmer's market to utilize the Kentucky Market pavilion to sell not only vegetables, but also value added product such as wood products, frozen beef and chicken, fresh eggs, handmade items and other related items.  Through these efforts, the extension office has impacted more than 31 local farm families as it relates to marketing of farm goods. 

The participants/target audience

Local farm families and producers along with local crafters and those involved in added value ag products

Other partners (if applicable)

Bath County Extension District Board, Bath County produce auction board, Bath County Farmer's market, KY Dept Agriculture

Program impact or participant response.

The number of participants in these programs have steadily increased over the past three year, especially since we were able to move the farmer's market into the market pavilion.  2023 and 2024 are the first years that the indoor market has been open for the full 12 months of the year.  The number of farmer's market sellers has grown from seven in 2021 to 31 in 2024.  The produce auction continues to remain steady.  There are over 75 registered sellers and over 185 registered buyers in the market.  The produce auction generates around $85,000 in sales each year with the highest yearly sales in recent history at $102,000.  Foot traffic to the market pavilion continues to increase as new products are added each month to supplement the fresh produce available at the outdoor market.