Success StoryFriday Farming Happy Hours



Friday Farming Happy Hours

Author: Daniel Allen

Planning Unit: Kenton County CES

Major Program: Farm Management

Plan of Work: ANR Local Food Systems

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Delivery of programming to our agriculture community has been traditionally a classroom, lecture or field day demonstration. A 2009 focus group study by Virginia Tech extension service, indicated that peer teaching and learning was a preferred way of learning by many participants, (85%). One of the strengths of the Cooperative Extension Service is getting people to the table around subjects to open dialogue so that learning takes place. The Kenton County Agriculture Agent held a series of Friday sessions called Friday Farming Happy Hours at the Extension office. These innovative programs were designed not to exceed 1 ½ hours. Typical classes started with an agent’s 20 minute presentation on the evening’s subject followed by conversation between the participants. Instructional videos, publications, and short power points were used to direct the conversation. Topics covered were hay production, small ruminant livestock, environmental issues around water quality and soil health and fertility. At the conclusion of each session the agriculture agent asked each participant to share with the group something that they had learned during the course of the evening’s Happy Hour. Without exception each farmer indicated they had learned something they could use within their operation. Since many farmers work off the farm and they did not know each other, the agent recognized that such open dialogue could lead to further learning and helping one another. The agent filled the role of helping those in attendance get more detailed information, show farmers how University of Kentucky research is a valid source of unbiased research for their decision making. The Friday Happy Hours were attended by 20 people over 4 sessions.






Stories by Daniel Allen


Education is Key to Understanding Local Agriculture

about 3 years ago by Daniel Allen

It is important for farmers to work on educating the public about who they are, what they do and why... Read More


Kenton County Celebrates Earth Day

about 3 years ago by Daniel Allen

50th Annual Earth Day Celebrated in Kenton CountyDuring the COVID19 pandemic it has become necessary... Read More


Stories by Kenton County CES


12 years of Surveys reflect importance of Natural Resource Education for 4-H members

12 years of Surveys reflect importance of Natural Resource Education for 4-H members

about 3 years ago by Diane Kelley

Kenton County Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent – Kelley; surveyed teachers in 3 Ken... Read More


Kenton CES responds to youth needs during 2020 pandemic

Kenton CES responds to youth needs during 2020 pandemic

about 3 years ago by Diane Kelley

The international pandemic of 2020 provided new opportunities for Kenton Cooperative Extension to ed... Read More