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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, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryFarm profits really can grow in the trees



Farm profits really can grow in the trees

Author: Chris Ammerman

Planning Unit: Grant County CES

Major Program: Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization

Plan of Work: Fixating the Focus on the Local Food Supply

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Grant County, Kentucky, with its rich woodland resources, has historically been rooted in agriculture. According to the 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture, the county had 811 farms covering 96,780 acres, with 20% classified as woodland . However, economic challenges and a decline in traditional farming practices have prompted the community to seek alternative, sustainable sources of income.

Recognizing the untapped potential of maple syrup production, local organizations, including the University of Kentucky's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, initiated efforts to educate and empower residents. This led to the introduction of maple syrup workshops aimed at teaching sustainable syrup production techniques .

The first maple syrup workshop was held in Grant County, at Hyde"N Bee Farm, attracting over 30 participants, including farmers, landowners, and entrepreneurs. The workshop covered essential topics such as tree identification, tapping techniques, sap collection, syrup boiling, syrup bottling and marketing strategies. Hands-on demonstrations provided attendees with practical experience, fostering confidence in their ability to produce and market maple syrup.

The workshop's success was evaluated through contact with attendees.  75% acquired materials for tapping and collecting from maple tree.  35% of participants began tapping their own maple trees during the season.  40% intend to market local through farmers' markets and social media, with 20% indicated that they had already had orders for Grant County Maple Syrup. The workshop spurred interest in value-added products, such as maple-infused baked goods and candies, further diversifying income streams for local producers.






Stories by Chris Ammerman


Cultivating Creativity and Community through Wreath-Making in Grant County

about 2 days ago by Chris Ammerman

In 2024, the Grant County Cooperative Extension Office partnered with a local farm family, Miles Chr... Read More


Farm profits really can grow in the trees

about 2 days ago by Chris Ammerman

Grant County, Kentucky, with its rich woodland resources, has historically been rooted in agricultur... Read More


Stories by Grant County CES


Growing Connections

Growing Connections

about 3 months ago by Asa Conkwright

Due to the recognition of the benefits of local food production there has been an increase in people... Read More


Cultivating Creativity and Community through Wreath-Making in Grant County

about 2 days ago by Chris Ammerman

In 2024, the Grant County Cooperative Extension Office partnered with a local farm family, Miles Chr... Read More


Stories by Forest Education: Health, Management, and Utilization


Invasive Plant Control Program

Invasive Plant Control Program

about 1 months ago by Brandon Sears

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


Northern Kentucky Public Workers Tree Seminar

Northern Kentucky Public Workers Tree Seminar

about 1 months ago by DJ Scully

Many public works employees are the ones tasked with on-the-ground tree care efforts. The Northern K... Read More