Describe the Issue or Situation. KSU awarded Tanya Berry the 2024 Small Farmer of the Year. This is the first time a small farmer has won this award in southern KY. Tanya Berry with her husband farms on two acres of land in Wayne County. Tanya Berry grows vegetables, plants and flowers in greenhouses, high tunnels and outdoors using plastic mulch and drip irrigation. 

 The Berries have a small country store to sell their farm items at, to the community. Tanya also sells her produce and flowers at the Wayne County Farmers Market on Saturdays throughout the growing season.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).  I have been helping Tanya and John Berry with their vegetable production for several years. They use the KSU plastic mulch layer and plastic mulch plow equipment every year along with other small farmers.

 Tanya Berry has been seeking this award for several years. I have always helped Tanya with her application each year she applied. I have helped Tanya apply for the Small Farm Grants from KSU which she has received. With the help of the KSU Small Grant she build a greenhouse to grow her plants in and a small store to sell her produce and flowers at. She also sells her other Small Farmer's products like goat soaps and honey for them at her store..

Tanya Berry lives in an area that has limited shopping for food and other resources. The Berry Farm allows the community to shop for fresh produce and other commodities that they would have to drive several miles to get.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience. By Tanya Berry receiving the 2024 KSU Small Farmer of the Year Award, it has encouraged several Small Farms to know they could win the award also from KSU. Tanya got a lot of notoriety from the award by it being posted on Facebook and she also participated in the Monticello/Wayne County Christmas Parade with the Award.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach. The 2024 KSU Small Farmer of the Year Award has brought Kentucky State University a lot of publicity. KY State University recognizes small farmers in southern Ky for their hard work and abilities. The majority of farms in Wayne County are small farmers. The people in Wayne County appreciate KSU for recognizing Tanya Berry for her hard work.