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.
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