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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, 2022 - Jun 30, 2023


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


Reaching Farmers During a Multi-Year Pandemic

about 1 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Extension brings the university to the people. It “extends” the university to all reaches of the com... Read More


Research to Farm: Improving Lettuce Crops by Understanding Disease Dynamics

about 1 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Lettuce is a common cool season crop that provides early- and late-season profits for specialty crop... Read More


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2022 Red Crown Rot

about 1 years ago by Kelsey Mehl

Red crown rot of soybean was first found in Kentucky in 2021. As part of our efforts to see the effe... Read More


Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Education for Commercial Vegetable Producers and County Extension Agents Through A Hybrid Field Day

about 1 years ago by Kimberly Leonberger

Kentucky commercial vegetable growers produce a wide range of crops, which as of 2019 contributed $4... Read More