The current trend for agriculture in Kentucky and the U.S. is “get big or get out”. In response to this trend, Boone County Extension worked to provide another option for producers who do not have the option to “get big”… instead, “specialize”! The Boone County Horticulture department and ANR Agent hosted the Northern Kentucky Specialty Conference for producers to learn from UK Extension specialists and industry professionals about a variety of crops that have the potential to be grown in Northern Kentucky area. These specialty items could potentially attract a more diverse market and audience therefore utilizing diversity rather than quantity to achieve profit potential. The specialty production areas that were presented 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.

The specialty conference also allowed for commercial horticulture producers to learn how market items might be specialized to turn a profit, how to increase sales at the market, and how to make sales directly off the farm by starting a CSA.    About 80% of the participants reported having success selling their product outside of a farmers market.   

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.  From the results from the evaluation the majority of participant’s are looking to add cut flowers, high tunnel production, or brambles into their production system.    

With one hundred and thirty-five participants, nearly an equal distribution of men and women in attendance, this specialty conference was needed in the Northern Kentucky area.   The results reflect that additional educational programs for local producers is necessary and enjoyed by participants.