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


High Tensile Fencing: Teaching Concepts One Post at a Time

about 5 years ago by Michelle Simon

The Boone County Nature Center is one of Boone Countys treasures- this property and facility is used... Read More


Farmers Learn How to Construct Black Vulture Effigies to Protect Livestock

about 5 years ago by Michelle Simon

The Mexican vulture, commonly referred to as the black-headed buzzard, is a species of migratory bir... Read More


Stories by Campbell County CES


Junior Master Gardener/Learn, Grow, Eat Go:  The Campbell County Approach

Junior Master Gardener/Learn, Grow, Eat Go: The Campbell County Approach

about 5 years ago by Ronda Rex

In Kentucky, at least one out of every three adults (34.2%) and children (37.1%) are overweight or o... Read More


Jr. Master Gardener Program

Jr. Master Gardener Program

about 5 years ago by Sarah Imbus

Junior Master Gardener/Learn Grow Eat Go:The Campbell County ApproachIn Kentucky, at least one out o... Read More