Todd County is ranked 2nd in Kentucky for the value of vegetables sold, exceeding 3.4 million dollars according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture.  Extension programs that support commercial horticulture are vital because of its importance to our local economy.  Additionally, strengthening the local food and agriculture industry is one of the top three issues identified in University of Kentucky Extension’s Todd County needs assessment.  Through networking with local farmers, the Todd County ANR Agent gained an introduction to the Fairview Produce Auction's manager and staff.  This resulted in an invitation to join the Education Committee -- a partnership of the produce auction, local farmers, and the Christian County Extension Horticulture Agent.

The Education Committee planned the West Kentucky Commercial Horticulture Conference for December 2024.  Topics were chosen based on feedback from farmers on information they needed to grow crops and address past pest issues. UK Extension Specialists, local farmers, and other covered the following topics during the conference:    

• High Tunnel Tomato Production - Producer Panel
• Hanging Basket Production - Local Producer
• Produce Harvest & Handling Safety - Auction Manager & Kentucky Department of Agriculture Representative 
• Auction Updates - Auction Manager
• Strawberry Disease Updates - UK Extension Plant Pathologist
• Sweet Corn Production - UK Extension Vegetable Specialist
• Extension and Vendor Booths

70 commercial horticulture producers from Christian, Todd, and nearby counties participated in the program.  Individual conversations were used to gather feedback, and the following outcomes were noted:

• Based on a discussion among agents, the UK Extension Plant Pathologist, and a Todd County Ag Business Manager during the conference, a producer evaluation was developed to send in January 2025 to gather feedback on watermelon anthracnose problems in the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons.  Feedback will be used to develop management guidelines available to all Kentucky producers.
• Todd County ANR Agent met many Todd County growers and introduced services provided to them through extension, including farm visits, diagnostic services, and soil testing.  Agent also spoke with several growers met earlier in the season.  This is significant due to agent being new in the county and the need to develop client relationships.  
• Three growers signed up to receive Todd County Extension agriculture newsletters.
• One commercial vegetable and fruit grower requested a farm visit.  The Todd County ANR Agent and UK Extension Vegetable Associate visited the farmer in December to assist with both high tunnel management (irrigation and fertility) and orchard management issues (pruning).  An evaluation of the orchard and pruning demonstration provided an avenue for the grower to properly prune 500 peach trees to maximize production and discourage pests in 2025.

The Education Committee also plans a grower field day with farm tours each summer.  Plans are to continue both the field day and commercial horticulture conference each year for west Kentucky commercial horticulture growers.