Small and beginning farmers in Eastern Kentucky often face multiple barriers to success, including limited access to agricultural education, high poverty rates, lack of exposure to current technologies, and few networking opportunities with industry professionals. Many of these producers operate in isolated areas and may not be aware of available programs, funding, or technical assistance. As a result, farm profitability, safety, and sustainability can suffer—further impacting already vulnerable rural communities.

    To address these challenges, Kentucky State University, in partnership with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, hosted the Eastern Kentucky Small Farm Conference at the Whitley County Cooperative Extension Office in Goldbug. This free two-day event provided a range of educational sessions tailored to the specific needs of small-scale, limited-resource, and beginning farmers.

Workshops covered topics such as:

     Beekeeping and pollinator health

     Small livestock production

     Farm finances

     Soil health and conservation

     Drones and ag technology

     Suicide prevention and farm safety, in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Raising Hope Program

      Extension specialists, local producers, USDA Programs, nonprofit organizations, and state agency partners collaborated to deliver hands-on information and provide direct access to follow-up support and resources.

      The conference welcomed over 85 participants from Whitley County and surrounding Eastern Kentucky counties. Attendees included:

     New and beginning farmers

     Small-scale and minority producers

     Underserved and economically disadvantaged individuals

     Veterans and retirees exploring agriculture as a second career

     Farm families seeking new knowledge to improve operations

     The audience represented a cross-section of rural Eastern Kentucky, with a mix of ages, backgrounds, and levels of farming experience.

Evaluation results from participant surveys and feedback showed measurable impact:

     92% of attendees reported gaining knowledge or skills they planned to apply on their farms or in home production.

     75% stated they intended to implement at least one new practice within six months.

      Several attendees signed up for future trainings and on-farm technical support offered by Kentucky State University Extension.

      The inclusion of mental health and suicide prevention information through the Raising Hope Program generated positive feedback, with participants acknowledging the value of addressing the emotional well-being of farmers alongside physical and financial health.

      Trevor Sherman, publisher of the News Journal. noted in his column, “... trust me when I say that the conference is as comprehensive as it can possibly get when it comes to addressing challenges that our agriculture professionals might face."

     The event helped strengthen local connections, boost farmer confidence, and increase awareness of valuable support systems in Eastern Kentucky. The conference continues to be a trusted, community-centered event that empowers farmers and builds resilience across the region.