In 2007, the Extension Service added an Agent for Horticulture to meet the change in Madison County agriculture.  The Horticulture Agent quickly initiated the Pay Dirt newsletter.  The newsletter disseminates timely horticulture information and advertises upcoming education opportunities. The research-based information is provided by the Horticulture Agent and University of Kentucky Specialists from horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, plant and soil sciences and other departments, as well as farmer's market and SNAP-ED information. The newsletter is distributed electronically and by mail, reaching over 2,000 people.  The audience includes homeowners and commercial growers.  

An on-line survey of newsletter recipients indicated that the newsletter has influenced them to:

• Tested soil and interpreted soil analysis report: 47%

• Identified insect pests and treated as recommended by Extension: 44%

• Identified plant diseases and treated as recommended by Extension: 44%

• Visited a farmer’s market: 35%

These changes of practice have: 

• Improved the quality of their lawn and garden: 41%

• Reduced the use of chemicals: 33%

• Tried a new food or recipe: 29%

• Saved money or decreased cost: 18%

• Increased the yield of my garden: 21%

• Added value to my home: 12%

According to one client, “the newsletter answers questions I didn’t even know I had.” Another person commented that they had started a personal reference library with the newsletters.

Pay Dirt has won the Kentucky Association of County Agriculture Agents Award for best newsletter in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016, 2019; recognized as the best newsletter in the Southern Region by National Association of County Agriculture Agents in 2015; and is a national finalist with National Association of County Agriculture Agents for best newsletter in country in 2019.