The problem In Whitley County community, attending an agriculture conference of any significance can be prohibitively expensive for many families. The cost of food, travel, and accommodation often makes such events inaccessible, especially in a region where the poverty rate is 23.5%, significantly higher than the state average of 16.5%. Farmers in Whitley County face unique challenges and need accessible resources and knowledge on farming business issues, horticulture, livestock care, aquaculture, beekeeping, and agricultural photography.

The educational program response: 

Recognizing these challenges, the Kentucky State University Small Farms Program, led by Laura Rogers, Area Agriculture Agent, took proactive steps to make valuable agricultural knowledge accessible to local farmers. For the past two years, I have organized the Kentucky State University Small Farm Conference to bridge the gap between traditional methods and scientific knowledge while bringing resources directly to the community.

The participants/target audience: 

The conference was designed to be free and open to everyone, eliminating barriers to entry by providing meals and gifts at no cost. I spearheaded the initiative by collaborating with specialists and organizations to offer a wide range of sessions, ensuring the content was relevant and beneficial for new or low-budget farmers in Whitley County.

Other partners (if applicable):

University of Kentucky Whitley County Extension Office, Christian Appalachian Project, Farm Credit Services, USDA, Community Trust Bank, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Raising Hope, University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University specialists, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, H and K Sale, numerous other agriculture leaders and community members to numerous to list.

Program impact or participant response.

Memory updated

Success Story: Transforming Agriculture in Whitley County Through Community-Based Conferences

The Challenge

In our community, attending an agriculture conference of any significance can be prohibitively expensive for many families. The cost of food, travel, and accommodation often makes such events inaccessible, especially in a region where the poverty rate stands at 23.5%, significantly higher than the state average of 16.5%. Farmers in Whitley County face unique challenges and need accessible resources and knowledge on farming business issues, horticulture, livestock care, aquaculture, beekeeping, and agricultural photography.

The Approach

Recognizing these challenges, the Kentucky State University Small Farms Program, led by Laura Rogers, Area Agriculture Agent, took proactive steps to make valuable agricultural knowledge accessible to local farmers. For the past two years, I have organized the Kentucky State University Small Farm Conference, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional methods and scientific knowledge while bringing resources directly to the community.

The conference was designed to be free and open to everyone, eliminating barriers to entry by providing meals and gifts at no cost. I spearheaded the initiative by collaborating with specialists and organizations to offer a wide range of sessions, ensuring the content was relevant and beneficial for new or low-budget farmers in Whitley County.

Partnerships

Key partners included:

University of Kentucky Whitley County Extension Office

Christian Appalachian Project

Farm Credit Services

USDA

Community Trust Bank

Kentucky Department of Agriculture

Raising Hope

University of Kentucky

Kentucky State University specialists

The Impact

The impact of the Kentucky State University Small Farms Program in Whitley County has been significant and multifaceted. Over the past two years, the conference has reached 526 contacts, with specialists from all over the United States attending and presenting. In 2024 alone, there were 66 speakers, offering four tracks of presentations each hour.

Several attendees shared their experiences:

"I never knew something like this could happen in such a small community. Attending a similar event elsewhere would cost about $500 in registration fees."

"Laura, I was impressed. I don't normally say this, but I was impressed."

"I did not know one could raise money from alternative crops such as loofah sponges! This was exciting."

"I enjoyed the conference and gained a lot of knowledge. The most valuable lesson I learned was how to return carbon to the soil and build up the soil."

Conclusion

The Kentucky State University Small Farm Conference has transformed agricultural education in Whitley County. By making high-quality, scientifically-based agricultural knowledge accessible and free, we have empowered local farmers to improve their practices and explore new opportunities. This initiative has provided valuable resources and fostered a sense of community and support among local farmers. The success of this conference demonstrates the profound impact that accessible education and community collaboration can have on rural agricultural communities.