Describe the Issue or Situation:
Extension agents and agricultural professionals frequently hear the question, “I just bought 10 acres—what should I do with it?” Many new or prospective growers lack a clear understanding of their operational capacity, making it difficult for agents to guide them effectively. A simple, structured tool was needed to help clients assess their readiness and begin informed planning.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable):
To meet this need, the University of Kentucky’s Center for Crop Diversification developed the Horticulture BizQuiz, a short, interactive online tool that helps new growers assess their strengths and weaknesses in key categories like land, labor, and capital. The tool offers crop suggestions based on the user’s inputs and encourages further discussion with Extension agents. The BizQuiz also provides agents with a concrete, low-barrier activity to start productive conversations with clients.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience:
Since 2018, 1,391 growers from Kentucky and beyond have completed the Horticulture BizQuiz. Participants are primarily beginning or prospective specialty crop producers seeking guidance on farm planning and enterprise selection.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact:
Feedback from Extension agents confirms that the BizQuiz improves client engagement by offering a clear starting point for discussion. Agents report that the tool helps break the ice with new growers and allows them to move quickly from vague inquiries to specific conversations about operational capacity. The tool also supports decision-making by prompting users to consider core readiness factors and bringing more complete information back to Extension meetings. Additionally, CCD has used quiz results to identify trends in producer preparedness and resource access across the state, informing broader outreach efforts.

"The CCD's Biz Quiz has been a valuable tool for helping producers develop sound business plans. This online resource provides guidance on topics such as marketing, financial management, and risk assessment. I've used the Biz Quiz to assist farmers in identifying potential challenges and developing strategies to overcome them."

-Ray Tackett, Bourbon County Agent for Horticulture 

"The Hort Biz Quiz has been super helpful for me as an Agent, particularly with all the new growers in my area of KY. Regularly I receive the question “We just bought a farm, now what?” With the Biz Quiz I’m able to guide those people towards appropriate crops for them to raise based on their labor, time and finances, then guide them towards appropriate resources to get them on the right track.  "

• Jessica Bessin, Mercer County Agent for Horticulture