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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 StorySupporting the Specialty Crops Workforce with Translated Resources



Supporting the Specialty Crops Workforce with Translated Resources

Author: Nicole Gauthier

Planning Unit: Plant Pathology

Major Program: Plant Disease ID

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Over 3,500 orchards and vegetable farms in Kentucky span over 10,000 acres with an annual market value of nearly $82M. On both large and small farms, the agricultural workforce extends beyond English-language individuals.  In a survey of specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, ornamental) farmers, 88% indicated that they employ H2-A workers who require resources in Spanish.   While most pest management resources were focused on decision-makers, there were limited resources for non-English speakers. Survey respondents indicated a need for translated educational materials for the workforce.  In 2024-2025, the IPM Specialty Crops Working Group selected fact sheets and pest management guides for translation to Spanish.  During this period, a total of 18 disease-focused fact sheets (topics including bacterial blight, Botrytis gray mold, and southern blight) and 6 IPM scouting guides (including IPM scouting guides for common problems of cucurbits, solanaceous crops, and cole crops) were translated.  A new webpage was developed to accommodate these and upcoming resources.   Long term outcomes will include improved pest, disease, and weed management in orchards, vegetable farms, and nurseries.   A better educated workforce results in increased worker and consumer safety, higher yields, and improved career opportunities for workers.






Stories by Nicole Gauthier


High Tunnel Tomato Shortcourse: A Virtual How-To Series

about 22 days ago by Nicole Gauthier

High tunnels continue to gain popularity across Kentucky, with nearly 2,000 high tunnels in the comm... Read More


Supporting the Specialty Crops Workforce with Translated Resources

about 22 days ago by Nicole Gauthier

Over 3,500 orchards and vegetable farms in Kentucky span over 10,000 acres with an annual market val... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


2024-2025 Red Crown Rot on Soybean

about 23 hours ago by Kelsey Mehl

Describe the Issue or Situation.In the last few year, red crown rot (RCR) has become a larger proble... Read More


Red Crown Rot Presentation

about 23 hours ago by Kelsey Mehl

The problem:Red crown rot is a newer disease in the Northern US. It has been increasing its spread o... Read More


Stories by Plant Disease ID


2025 IPM For Specialty Crops Lunch and Learn Webinar Series (Train the Trainer Program)

about 15 days ago by Kimberly Leonberger

Kentucky farmers produce a wide range of specialty crops, such as vegetables and fruit. In 2017, cas... Read More


In the Weeds with IPM allows for shared observations and latest updates in pest management

about 21 days ago by Kiersten Wise

Pest management issues can emerge quickly and affect all of Kentuckys 120 counties similarly or diff... Read More