Success StoryNorthern Kentucky Specialty Crops Conference Helps Producers Specialize with Diverse Crops to Target New Market Potential



Northern Kentucky Specialty Crops Conference Helps Producers Specialize with Diverse Crops to Target New Market Potential

Author: Michelle Simon

Planning Unit: Campbell County CES

Major Program: Farm Management

Plan of Work: Improving Economics & Sustainability of Agriculture & Farm Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The current trend for agriculture in Kentucky and the U.S. is “get big, or get out”. Our dairy farmers have continued to take hits from this trend and the number of dairy farms in Kentucky is at an all-time low. Other commodity areas are quickly following suit including the poultry and hog industries. In response to this trend, Boone County Extension worked to provide another option for producers that don’t have the option to “get big”… instead, “specialize”! ANR Agent Michelle Simon partnered with the Boone County Horticulture department to host the Northern Kentucky Specialty Crops Conference for producers to learn from UK Extension specialists and industry professionals about a wide variety of crops that have a potential to be grown in Northern Kentucky and potentially attract a more diverse market and audience therefore utilizing diversity rather than quantity to achieve profit potential. The crops included industrial hemp, poultry, pumpkins, cut-flowers, high tunnels, raspberries and blackberries, mushrooms, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture), entomology, asparagus, and low cost, simple equipment designed for smaller growing systems. All of the conference participants were surveyed and 100% showed an increase in knowledge gained from each session with 91% stating they plan to incorporate management strategies learned from the conference and 95% stating they plan to continue utilizing the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service as a result of the Northern Kentucky Specialty Crops Conference.






Stories by Michelle Simon


Emphasizing the Importance of the Evolution of Agriculture in Boone County

about 5 years ago by Michelle Simon

Boone County, Kentucky is best described as unique in many different aspects. This county has a rich... Read More


NKY Agriculture Leadership Program Aims for the Future

about 5 years ago by Michelle Simon

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, volunteerism of Americans peaked around 30% in 2004. To... Read More


Stories by Campbell County CES


Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

about 5 years ago by Owen Prim

The 2019 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held June 10-13 on the University of Kentucky Campus. Over... Read More


Leadership Development

Leadership Development

about 5 years ago by Owen Prim

The success of the Cooperative Extension Service programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a... Read More


Stories by Farm Management


Early Career Farming Program - Planning for the Future Generations.

Early Career Farming Program - Planning for the Future Generations.

about 5 years ago by Benjamin Rudy

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents from Fulton, Hickman, and Carlisle Counties talked for ... Read More


Early Career Farming Program

Early Career Farming Program

about 5 years ago by Mattea Mitchell

The Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents from Fulton, Hickman, and Carlisle Counties talked for ... Read More