Through conversations with HORT and ANR Extension agents, the Center for Crop Diversification heard a need for more regular educational support and economic-centered horticultural training opportunities in the state, as agents work with specialty crop producers.  

To support this need, the Center for Crop Diversification piloted a quarterly Hort Agent Update in 2023. The Hort Agent Update is a quarterly, virtual training for ANR and HORT Cooperative Extension Agents and other interested parties in Kentucky. The Hort Agent Update topic changes each quarter based on the needs and suggestions of the Agents. This training provides Agents with helpful, timely information and tools to assist Specialty Crop growers in their count, and one hour of KERS credit. Our updates are recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel for agents to access post-training.  

Our goal for these updates is to provide information and tools to help Agents assist specialty crop growers, provide a platform for Agents to gather class and programming ideas, and to create a space where Agents can share programming needs or other concerns.  

This quarterly training was piloted in 2023. Since 2023, we have educated 121 Cooperative Extension Agents. A direct quote from an agent says, “The Hort Agent Update that the Center for Crop Diversification offers is always so helpful! I really enjoy being able to learn about new programs and projects around the state that I can bring back to Trimble County for producers here. It’s a great tool for me as an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent to meet other specialists or agents that I can reach out to for horticulture specific topics. The Hort Agent Updates have been the best place to gather class and programing ideas and knowing who to go to for the resources. It is a friendly place to ask questions or learn more options that CCD has to offer to agents in my position!” -- Regina Utz, ANR Agent | Trimble County 

Our 2025 Hort Agent Topics include: Small Farm Tax Support, Cut Flowers in the Counties, Labor Strategies for Small Farms, and Niche Crops for Potential. These updates serve as a resource to assist growers in the areas of small farm development, financial security and economic wellbeing, plant production and management, and much more.