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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryFarm-City Day



Farm-City Day

Author: Ashley Norton

Planning Unit: Hardin County CES

Major Program: Economic and Business Development - ANR

Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Hardin County community consistently emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between urban and rural populations to foster greater understanding of agriculture’s impact on the local economy, land use, and community wellbeing. This priority aligns with community-identified needs such as preserving agricultural land and supporting farm sustainability. In response to this ongoing need, the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service hosted the 58th Annual Farm-City Day on November 12, 2024, a long-standing event designed to connect community members from both farm and city backgrounds through education, shared experiences, and meaningful dialogue. The educational response included guided tours of Highland Sod Farms and Elizabethtown Sports Park, followed by a luncheon and keynote address by Dr. Cheryl Witt, a nurse specializing in agricultural health. The event provided a combination of hands-on learning and expert-led discussion, emphasizing how agriculture intersects with health, land stewardship, and community life. Promotion and outreach were conducted through flyers, direct calls, and Extension networks, with RSVP required to help coordinate tours and lunch logistics. The program targeted both rural and urban residents, encouraging participation from farmers, landowners, educators, and civic leaders. More than 60 individuals attended the event, each bringing unique perspectives linked by a shared investment in the community’s future. The Hardin County Extension Office partnered with local farms and educational speakers to maximize outreach and resources. Outcomes included increased awareness among non-farming participants about the role of agriculture in local infrastructure and a deeper appreciation of rural health challenges and resources. Participants reported a greater understanding of how farms and cities are interconnected, and many expressed interest in continuing conversations on land use, health, and sustainability. As an initial outcome, participants demonstrated increased knowledge and willingness to engage in cross-sector dialogue. Intermediate outcomes include stronger relationships and potential collaborations between farm and city stakeholders.






Stories by Ashley Norton


Farm Business Basics

yesterday by Ashley Norton

The sustainability of family farms and proper management of agricultural land were identified as top... Read More


Farm-City Day

yesterday by Ashley Norton

The Hardin County community consistently emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between urban... Read More


Stories by Hardin County CES


Hardin & LaRue County Community Baby Shower Promoting Healthy Choices for New Moms and Families -(June 2025)

Hardin & LaRue County Community Baby Shower Promoting Healthy Choices for New Moms and Families -(June 2025)

about 14 days ago by Chandra DeRamus

Within Hardin County, a disproportionate number of Kentucky families live in economically distressed... Read More


Seniors Celebration Program in Hardin County features Health & Nutrition Focus for Community Collaboration (May 2025)

Seniors Celebration Program in Hardin County features Health & Nutrition Focus for Community Collaboration (May 2025)

about 14 days ago by Chandra DeRamus

Within Hardin County, a disproportionate number of Kentucky families live in economically distressed... Read More


Stories by Economic and Business Development - ANR


Celebrating Agriculture 2024: A Growing Legacy

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about 7 months ago by Benjamin Rudy

With a staggering $1 billion impact and $359,967,000 in products sold across 960 farms, WAVE AG Day ... Read More


Institutional Purchasing Contract Prioritizes Kentucky Farm Food

about 14 days ago by Ashton Potter

Contractual commitments to purchase Kentucky farm impact foods are few and far between. The Universi... Read More