Situation

Christian County conducted a survey on agricultural businesses and farming occupation.  It showed a 35% increase in farm businesses between 2007 until 2012.  The average farm size is 306 acres with 5% adding value to products and 1% operating community supported agriculture.  Current unemployment rate for Christian County is 10.1% which is +6% the national average.  The plan that is composed would produce over 150 jobs in Christian County. 

Partnerships and Resources

Kentucky State University (KSU) Small Farms Program at the Christian County Extension Service partner with community educators and leaders and the Ft. Campbell Military Base …

Target Audience

… To assist small and beginning farmers.  

Educational Response

The KSU Small Farm Assistant conducted programs and individual consultation to inform local farmers of business opportunities related to crop diversification, investment and loans from private and government agencies, labor issues, and business plan development.  

Outcomes

The KSU Small Farm Program Assistant has work with a retired Army veteran has expanded his farm from 10 acres to 50 acres.  By developing a business plan, he has diversified to organic pork, tilapia, and aquaponics vegetables.  The tomatoes produced on the farm are used for high-end ketchup, restaurants and wholesale distributors.  Other farm products are being sold through community supported agriculture and direct retail outlets.  He accessed funding from startup capital and the EB-5 program.  The EB-5 program invests $500,000 per investor for every 10 jobs provided. The Army veteran/beginning farmer is making informed decisions for his business plan and development based on information and skills gained by Kentucky State University and the Kentucky Extension Service.   

Success Story

Christian County conducted a survey on agricultural businesses and farming occupation.  It showed a 35% increase in farm businesses between 2007 until 2012.  The average farm size is 306 acres with 5% adding value to products and 1% operating community supported agriculture.  Current unemployment rate for Christian County is 10.1% which is +6% the national average. Kentucky State University (KSU) Small Farms Program at the Christian County Extension Service partner with community educators and leaders and the Ft. Campbell Military Base to assist small and beginning farmers.  

The KSU Small Farm Agent conducted programs and individual consultation to inform local farmers of business opportunities related to crop diversification, investment and loans from private and government agencies, labor issues, and business plan development.

The KSU Small Farm Program Agent work with a retired Army veteran has expanded his farm from 10 acres to 50 acres.  By developing a business plan, he has diversified to organic pork, tilapia, and aquaponics vegetables.  The tomatoes produced on the farm are used for high-end ketchup, restaurants and wholesale distributors.  Other farm products are being sold through community supported agriculture and direct retail outlets.  He accessed funding from startup capital and the EB-5 program.  The EB-5 program invests $500,000 per investor for every 10 jobs provided. The Army veteran/beginning farmer is making informed decisions for his business plan and development based on information and skills gained by Kentucky State University and the Kentucky Extension Service.