Small scale farms and homesteads in Kentucky face challenges of economy to scale when compared to large corporate supported operations. No industry is more evident of this disparity than the production of poultry. With over 1.8 billion dollars worth of meat from chicken and turkeys combined with eggs produced in the Commonwealth, they comprise the state's number one agricultural cash crop. Vertically integrated by design, every input is selected for efficiency and affordability. Recent initiatives for a more natural food sourcing option, especially when meat and animal protein items are concerned, has opening the door for niche markets of small scale production. Further, avian bird flu outbreaks and egg shortages further increased interest by homesteaders and small scale farmers looking to diversify their portfolio.

Having gained a reputation as a specializing in poultry production practices, invitations to present at Cooperative Extension workshops and conferences continue to increase. During fiscal year 2024, these included the Kentucky State University Statewide Small Farms Conference in Franklin County in November, the Small Farms Workshop single day event in Breckinridge County in April and the KSU Small Farm Conference East Kentucky Style in Whitley County also in April. This is in addition to the FY 2023 programs at a Grayson County Small Farm Workshop, Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum and another program at the Small Farm East Kentucky conference.

In fiscal year 2025, nearly 60interested parties attended the conference and workshop sessions. The target audience was homesteaders looking to supplement their own food stores and small scale producers wishing to expand cash crop offerings to their clientele. Programs focus on three forms of potential revenue streams; egg sales, meat sales and the sale of live birds. Nutritional needs, facility requirements, marketing strategies and product handling are but a few of the topics included. Conference coordinators usually have surveys they ask participants to complete in order to provide evaluation data.

Describe the Issue or Situation.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.