Woodford County, Kentucky faces challenges in retaining its rural land use, family farms and agricultural heritage due to rising development pressure and an insufficient number of beginning farmers able to take on new and established agricultural enterprises in the county. Extension agents in Woodford County and others in the region receive regular inquiries from individuals interested in starting farming operations in the county. However, most of these individuals are ill-prepared to be farmers or to farm in the county.  Although this base of individuals may not be fully prepared, with the proper development and training they would have the potential to become successful.

Given our need for new farmers ready to meet the challenges of farming, the Woodford, Franklin, and Anderson County Extension Offices partnered to offer a Beginning Farmer Series. This was a four week series that covered topics from business planning, mission & goals, farm layout, finance & lending programs, capital needs, technical assistance, marketing, and budgets. The last session included tours of local horticultural farms that provided networking and mentorship opportunities. There were a total of fifteen participants in the program.

Based on a pre-survey of participant’s knowledge of the program topics, with a rating of 1 being poor, 2 being average, 3 being good, and 4 being excellent, 30% of participants had an ‘average’ understanding of the topics covered prior to the program, 40% had a ‘poor’ understanding, and 30% had a ‘good’ understanding,. Post survey results showed that 100% of participants had an ‘excellent’ understanding of the program topics. As a result of the program, 100% of participants stated they would now develop a business plan, develop a marketing plan, apply for grants or loans in the future, develop a farm layout, and utilize cooperative extension technical assistance and other services. One participant stated “The variety of subjects and speakers was excellent. Cannot imagine a better training!”

This was a very successful program and will be offered on a yearly basis with the hope of not only providing an initial training to help beginning farmers become successful, but also to foster a collaborative and supportive environment for all farmers.