Access to timely and accurate agricultural information is critical to farm success. While digital tools like blogs, videos, and online training have transformed how most farmers learn and adapt, a significant gap remains for Amish and Mennonite growers—many of whom have limited access to phones and the internet.

Recognizing this disparity, the Christian County Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) and Horticulture agents launched the AgMatters newsletter in 2021. The goal was to reach Amish and Mennonite growers with production information tailored to their needs. The newsletter is distributed by mail and through trusted community networks like the Fairview Produce Auction. The newsletter content utilizes existing Extension and industry content, curated for relevance and timeliness specific to the key commodities of produce, tobacco, and dairy.

By 2025, AgMatters has grown to 277 readers across Christian and surrounding counties. Content is drawn from trusted sources like the Kentucky Pest News, USDA, NRCS, and other Cooperative Extension materials. A PDF version is also shared with neighboring county agents, further expanding its reach.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Growers are not just reading the newsletter—they’re engaging with it.

“The best part of AgMatters are the articles on chemical efficacy. That information is difficult to find and really helps to make decisions.”
 —An Amish produce grower, Fairview, KY

The AgMatters newsletter demonstrates that, with creativity and collaboration, Extension can bridge information gaps—ensuring that all farmers, regardless of technology access, can thrive.