Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success Story2024 Farm City Banquet



2024 Farm City Banquet

Author: Amanda Sears

Planning Unit: Madison County CES

Major Program: Community Engagement

Plan of Work: Develop and Strengthen Leadership and Life Skills

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The face of Kentucky is changing. In the last 20 years the state has lost 17,000 farms and 1.4 million acres of farmland. The population of Madison County, Kentucky in 2022 was 95,187, 14% up from the 83,471 who lived there in 2010

Over time, there is more and more of a disconnect with agriculture. 

The annual Farm City Banquet held at the Madison County Extension office is a way to unite the increasingly more urban and agricultural communities. 

The Madison County Horticulture Agent works with several local organizations to plan the event, including Madison County Farm Bureau, Madison County Conservation District, the Kiwanis Club (Richmond and Berea), Berea Chamber of Commerce and Blue Grass Energy. 

The event features a meal, awards and a speaker. 

Each group gives a different award tailored to reflect the goals of their organization. Though a couple of awards are dedicated to traditional, full time farmers, one group awards a student in high school who hopes to go on to a career in agriculture and another was given to a recently created dog park which used principles of conservation and sustainability. 

This year was special because it fell on Veterans Day. Dr. Garry Lacefield, UK Emeritus Forage Specialist, was the speaker and talked about gratitude and patriotism. He highlighted agriculture both here and abroad with an emphasis on pride in our country.

Over 110 people attended the event.

Following the event, several participants reached out to the Agent. They said they had left the banquet feeling uplifted. Specifically several said that with the uncertainty and scary nature of the world, coming together as a group and remembering what makes us a community was important.

Several local elected officials were in attendance. They commented on how hectic life is and programs such as this are a good reminder of how important farming is to our community. 






Stories by Amanda Sears


Controlling Invasive Plants

Controlling Invasive Plants

about 9 days ago by Amanda Sears

Invasive plants can have major biological, economical and aesthetic impacts on Kentucky by degrading... Read More


Partnership With New Vista

Partnership With New Vista

about 9 days ago by Amanda Sears

In fall, the team leader for Therapeutic Rehabilitation Programs at New Vista reached out to the Mad... Read More


Stories by Madison County CES


Emergency Disaster Preparedness Program-hosted with Bluegrass Area FCS Agents

Emergency Disaster Preparedness Program-hosted with Bluegrass Area FCS Agents

about 3 days ago by Jessica Hunley

Kentuckians have experienced firsthand how natural disasters can occur any time and often with littl... Read More


Ovarian Cancer Garden Party

Ovarian Cancer Garden Party

about 3 days ago by Jessica Hunley

The Madison County Extension Homemakers have decided to bring back and host an event to support Ovar... Read More


Stories by Community Engagement


2024 Farm City Banquet

2024 Farm City Banquet

about 9 days ago by Amanda Sears

The face of Kentucky is changing. In the last 20 years the state has lost17,000 farmsand 1.4 million... Read More


Giant Pumpkin Contest and Teal Pumpkin Project Trunk or Treat

Giant Pumpkin Contest and Teal Pumpkin Project Trunk or Treat

about 3 months ago by Jessica Hopkins

Describe the Issue or SituationCynthiana and Harrison County, Kentucky, are well-known for their fal... Read More