It was discovered during a Cooperative Extension Service program planning meeting, attended by the Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Metcalfe County Cooperative Extension Service Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources , and the Barren County Cooperative Extension Service Agent for Horticulture, that each of these counties had fruit producers that had been requesting information and assistance with proper pruning methods and correct pruning times for various crops. It was determined that the three counties should partner to hold a fruit pruning workshop with the assistance and expertise from John Strang, Extension Horticulture specialist for the UK College of Agriculture.

Pruning is extremely important in fruit crops, not only does it help improve sunlight penetration, it also increases air circulation through the trees which can decrease chances for disease issues, and helps set up the structure of the tree to support the crop load. The Metcalfe County Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources arranged for us to visit a local producers operation for hands on demonstrations. The participants overall benefited from the presentation and demonstrations given by Dr. John Strang.

A survey developed by the Barren County Cooperative Extension Service Agent for Horticulture, with input from Dr. Strang, served to provide feedback from the participants. Of the 37 attendees, over 25 increased their knowledge of the proper techniques to use when pruning, as well as increased their understanding of why pruning is important.

Almost 92% of the participants plan to prune their fruit crops annually, during the correct time of year. One participant stated, "The most significant thing I will apply from this workshop is pruning correctly during the proper season." This hands on pruning workshop benefited all three counties producers and has the given them the knowledge and tools to improve their production and profit. Roughly, 90% of the participants felt that they could use the information gained through this workshop on their current operations. The participants were a mixture of experienced producers along with new producers looking to start growing fruit. It is important that the Cooperative Extension Service Agents work with growers of all levels of experience to help them be as successful as possible.