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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, 2017 - Jun 30, 2018


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


Protecting Kentucky Apple Production with the Fire Blight Disease Prediction Weather Model.

about 6 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Fire blight is the most economically important disease of apples in Kentucky. It is estimated that 5... Read More


Organic and Sustainable Approaches to Home Gardening In-Service Training – Empowering Agents through Needs-Based Hands-On Training

about 6 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Kentucky agriculture and natural resources and horticulture county Extension agents reported an incr... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


Improving Postharvest Corn Disease Management

about 6 years ago by Kiersten Wise

Postharvest ear rots of corn are caused by fungi that produce toxic compounds, known as mycotoxins. ... Read More


National corn fungicide efficacy resources coordinated through University of Kentucky

about 6 years ago by Kiersten Wise

Foliar fungicide applications have now become common in corn production, often applied in the absenc... Read More