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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, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024


Success StoryBeginning Farmers, Market Gardeners, and Landowners Learn the Basics



Beginning Farmers, Market Gardeners, and Landowners Learn the Basics

Author: Nathan Rider

Planning Unit: Bullitt County CES

Major Program: Small Farm Diversification

Plan of Work: Natural Resources and the Environment

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Beginning farmers, market gardeners, and new landowners in Bullitt and Spencer Counties often face overwhelming challenges when starting out. To support the growing number of beginning farmers, market gardeners, and landowners in Bullitt and Spencer Counties, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in both counties collaborated to offer a year-round educational series. In 2024 and 2025, the series included:

 - December 2024: Rabbit Keeping – covering care, housing, and small-scale meat production.
 - January 2025: On-Farm Water Quality Management – focusing on best practices for protecting water resources.
 - March 2025: Farm Marketing – strategies for branding and sales channels.
 - April 2025: Funding Sources for Beginning Farms – introducing grants, loans, and USDA programs.
 - June 2025: Backyard Chickens for Profit – exploring egg and meat production for small-scale operations.

 This collaborative effort was led by extension agents from both counties, who coordinated logistics, recruited speakers, and facilitated sessions. Additional support came from local USDA offices, Soil Conservation Offices, University of Kentucky Specialists and Agents, and the Center for Crop Diversity who provided expertise and education.

Across five sessions held between December 2024 and June 2025, a total of 63 participants attended the Beginning Farmer and Landowner Education Series. Attendees ranged from young adults launching their first agricultural ventures to retirees managing inherited or newly purchased land.

Participants in the Beginning Farmer and Landowner Education Series reported increased confidence and knowledge in key areas of small-scale agriculture. Attendees gained practical insights into funding opportunities, water quality management, livestock care, and marketing strategies. Several participants expressed intentions to apply for USDA grants or loans, implement water conservation practices, and begin or expand poultry and rabbit operations. The Farm Marketing session helped attendees identify new sales channels and refine their branding strategies. The series also fostered a sense of community among new and aspiring producers, encouraging peer learning and local networking.






Stories by Nathan Rider


"Kentucky First Farm" Program Helps Beginning Farmers Find Their Way

"Kentucky First Farm" Program Helps Beginning Farmers Find Their Way

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Beginning farmers, market gardeners, and landowners frequently find themselves overwhelmed by all of... Read More


Veterinary Pop-up Clinic Returns for Improved Large Animal Animal Health in Bullitt County

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about 11 months ago by Nathan Rider

Across Kentucky, limited access to large animal veterinarians has posed a significant challenge for ... Read More


Stories by Bullitt County CES


"Kentucky First Farm" Program Helps Beginning Farmers Find Their Way

"Kentucky First Farm" Program Helps Beginning Farmers Find Their Way

about 11 months ago by Nathan Rider

Beginning farmers, market gardeners, and landowners frequently find themselves overwhelmed by all of... Read More


Veterinary Pop-up Clinic Returns for Improved Large Animal Animal Health in Bullitt County

Veterinary Pop-up Clinic Returns for Improved Large Animal Animal Health in Bullitt County

about 11 months ago by Nathan Rider

Across Kentucky, limited access to large animal veterinarians has posed a significant challenge for ... Read More