Close Resources

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 StoryPhone Call Starts a Path of Leadership



Phone Call Starts a Path of Leadership

Author: Thomas Miller

Planning Unit: Ballard County CES

Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development

Plan of Work: Empowering Community & Extension Leaders

Outcome: Initial Outcome



A phone call from Laura Knoth, Executive Director of the Ky Small Grain Growers Association set in motion a tremendous track of leadership for a Ballard County Producer.  In December 2021, Laura Knoth called Tom Miller, Ballard County ANR Agent to inquire if he knew of any wheat growers that would be a good addition to the Ky Small Grain Growers Association.   Mr. Miller thought he had a great prospect in Neil Denton, son of Lynn Denton and partner in Denton Farms, one of the larger operations in Ballard County.  Neil had just served on the Ballard County Ag Development Board and had been a member of the local FSA Committee and was trying some new things with wheat and cover crops.

After his election to the Ky Small Grain Growers Association, Neil has now risen to state president of the Association.  He was also tabbed by Ky Commissioner of Agriculture to be on the State Ag Development Board.  This is the board tasked with spending the Phase 1 Tobacco settlement money for the state.  He has also just been appointed to the new Ky Agriculture Economic Development Board.    This board was created to strengthen and expand Kentucky’s agricultural economy through strategic planning, targeted partnerships, and financial incentives. The board will administer programs, such as grants, forgivable loans, and revolving loan funds, to support infrastructure upgrades, market expansion, and value-added agricultural development. The overall goal is to attract private investment, create new economic opportunities, and uplift farming communities throughout Kentucky.

While being in these positions, Neil has also become very active with media and social media trying to tell the farmer’s story.   While still managing the family farm, he is also co-owner of Atlas Media Solutions, and owner of Agri-Move LLC.

 






Stories by Thomas Miller


Ballard County Christmas Tree Farm

Ballard County Christmas Tree Farm

about 1 years ago by Thomas Miller

In December 2023, a small landowner came to the Ballard County Extension Office looking for informat... Read More


Ballard County Leadership Classes Learn Table Manners and Etiquette

Ballard County Leadership Classes Learn Table Manners and Etiquette

about 1 years ago by Thomas Miller

In our quickly evolving society, table manners and dining etiquette have been on the decline. Ballar... Read More


Stories by Ballard County CES


Spring Into Green: Pride of Kentucky

Spring Into Green: Pride of Kentucky

about 11 months ago by Sarah Drysdale

Spring into Green: Pride of Kentucky was hosted by the Purchase Area Family and Consumer Sciences ag... Read More


Best Start Family Event

Best Start Family Event

about 1 years ago by Sarah Drysdale

The mission of the Governors Office of Early Childhood is to provide leadership and direction for th... Read More