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.
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