Weed management continues to be one of the most persistent challenges facing specialty crop growers in Kentucky. To help address this, the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) and the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK) partnered to take a group of farmers and Technical Advisors to the 2024 Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day at Purdue University. This regional event brought together manufacturers, researchers, and farmers to showcase mechanical cultivation tools and share hands-on techniques for more effective weed control. The trip was made possible through funding from Southern SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education), which covered travel costs for participants.

The educational response provided attendees with access to cutting-edge equipment demos, peer learning opportunities, and expert-led discussions focused on practical weed management strategies. Participants included diversified vegetable growers, row-crop farmers, nonprofit staff, and Extension professionals who are actively seeking sustainable ways to improve efficiency on small- and mid-scale farms. 

Many shared that the experience gave them “a broader perspective on what implements may be best suited” for their own operations and offered concrete takeaways, like improving row spacing or investing in more efficient transplanting tools. Others noted the value of building connections with researchers and advisors from across the region, and gaining inspiration for structuring their own on-farm events. This hands-on experience expanded both knowledge and networks, ultimately equipping Kentucky farmers with new tools, insights, and strategies they can apply to future seasons.