For the past few years Eastern Kentucky has seen a huge growth in the demand for local food. Due to this, the county has seen a resurgence of small part time farming. In response, during the spring of 2017, various community organizations and leaders in agriculture created the East Kentucky Farmer Conference. Because the location for the conference was held in Hindman, KY, the Knott County ANR Agent served on the planning Committee, representing University of Kentucky Extension. 

Through the planning and efforts of several agricultural based organizations, in the past two years we conducted two very successful conferences in Hindman. Agriculture related classes were offered in areas of horticulture, livestock, and most importantly marketing value added agriculture commodities. During the last two conference we had over 200 farmers in attendance. Many of them have commented on how great it was to be able to attend a conference that contained great resources within a short driving distance. Plans are being made to host the 3^rd annual East Kentucky Farmer Conference in the Spring of 2019. UK Cooperative Extension Service looks forward to continue to be a part of the planning, promotion, and educational workshops in the future.