SITUATION:

As the years go by, more people become farther removed from the farm. Therefore, there are many that are unaware of the importance of agriculture in their everyday lives from the clothes on our backs, the fuel in our vehicles and the food on our dinner table. Unfortunately, as we become more and more removed from the agriculture industry, the greater the misconceptions. There is an important need in our community for agriculturalists to share their story, educate consumers on where their food comes from and share the truth about agriculture.
 INITIAL OUTCOMES:

-Residents will become more aware of how beneficial agriculture and agricultural practices are.
 LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

Audience: Producers & Consumers

Projects or Activity: Small Farm School

Content or Curriculum: UK/KSU Curriculum & Publications, Research Information, State & Federal Information

Inputs: UK/KSU specialist, State & Federal Agencies, commodity organizations, farmers/producers, volunteers

SUCCESS STORY: 

Agent covering ANR for McCracken County was approached in the last months of 2018 by area producers and consumers with the need to learn about the process of growing hemp. Information on growing hemp was and is new and therefore changing frequently. Agent sought help of KSU Small Farms Agent Austin Wright to come to McCracken County Extension to offer answers to the many and diverse questions needing answers. Date was selected and a flyer was prepared and distributed by the Agents.

On Thursday, February 21, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. area residents, mostly farmers, came to learn about hemp production. Austin Wright had a PowerPoint program to tell what is currently known in the industry. Questions came for the audience and Mr. Wright was able to give good answers. In attendance that day were 16 farmers, of whom 5 were female and 11 were male. Overall attendance was 19 with 18 as Caucasian and 2 were African American.

Of the farmers 81% were expressing desire to learn about growing hemp and 50% explained that their ancestors had grown hemp decades ago. Also, 11% of the farmers stated that they felt that the family farm could have a brighter future by growing hemp. From the group 98% expressed the need to grow a crop to help with sustainability in agriculture, and felt that hemp could truly help. Overall 100% of the participants gained information on hemp production.