The Adair County Agriculture Advisory Council identified wildlife crop damage as a priority issue for extension programming to address in 2024.  Through multiple collaborations, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Office led a comprehensive efforts to provide education on wildlife depredation options while also encouraging greater participation during legal hunting seasons.  

The first effort was the inclusion of the local KDFWR wildlife biologist during the Adair County Grain Crops field day.  25 grain farmers attended.  The biologist explained laws regarding wildlife depredation and how farmers could apply for depredation permits.  

A wildlife food plot class was then offered and instructed by the extension agent.  Participants gained knowledge about soil testing and cover crop species selection.  15 hunters participated in the program.  

During the winter Adair County Grain Crops meeting, UK Extension Wildlife Specialist Dr. Matt Springer provided both landowners and tenant information about leasing their land for hunting and legal considerations.  22 participants attended.  

During all of these educational efforts and a county cattlemen's meeting, a local representative with Hunter's for the Hungry spoke about their program and how hunters could donate deer taken to the program.  The meat would then be processed and supplied to local families and children who were food insecure. This opportunity was further publicized via extension newsletters and and newspaper articles.  This message reached a total of 162 individuals via in-person programs and 8,400 individual via indirect contact.  

For 2024, KDFWR reported a 6.3% increased in deer harvest for the state of Kentucky while Adair County experienced a 26.7% increase. The local Hunters for the Hungry coordinator reported over 5,550 pound of venison donated to their program with an increase of 44 deer donated.