Success StoryAssistance to Amish Tobacco Growers



Assistance to Amish Tobacco Growers

Author: William Bailey

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Tobacco

Outcome: Initial Outcome

There is a growing population of Amish/Mennonite residents in western Kentucky, and many of these residents are tobacco growers.  Currently, all tobacco growers are required to comply with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards set forth by the U.S. Tobacco GAP Program.  One of the major requirements for GAP compliance is attending an annual grower training.  This training covers areas of environmental sustainability, labor sustainability (worker safety,etc.), and agronomic tobacco production principles.  The Amish community in particular is sometimes underserved in these areas due to lack of transportation, and are not able to attend one of the many GAP training sessions offered during the winter months when most growers attend.  All growers have to receive annual GAP training by June 30 of each year.  For the past 4 years, I have offered a late GAP training at the Christian County Extension office in Hopkinsville KY to serve these growers, and any other growers that still need GAP training.  In 2018, this training was attended by nearly 150 tobacco growers, of which 97% were Amish/Mennonite growers.






Stories by William Bailey


Kentucky Tobacco Information Dissemination for Tobacco Growers in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Connecticut

about 1 years ago by William Bailey

Kentucky is one of only 5 states left that have extension specialists devoted to tobacco applied res... Read More


Applied Tobacco Research and Extension involvement in GAP Training for Tobacco Growers

about 1 years ago by William Bailey

Tobacco provides nearly $270 million annually to the Kentucky Agricultural economy. All tobacco grow... Read More


Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences


2022 Kentucky Backgrounding Short Course Creates over $50,000 in Additional Profits

2022 Kentucky Backgrounding Short Course Creates over $50,000 in Additional Profits

about 1 years ago by Jimmy Henning

2022 Kentucky Backgrounding Short CourseJeff Lehmkuhler, Katie VanValin, Michelle Arnold, Jimmy Henn... Read More


Improving Hay quality for the producer and consumer in Eastern Kentucky

Improving Hay quality for the producer and consumer in Eastern Kentucky

about 1 years ago by Jimmy Henning

UK Specialist/Agent/Industry Partnership Results in successful hay day at the Robinson Center for Ap... Read More