Kentucky State University collaborated with Southern University (lead institution), North Carolina A&T State University, South Carolina State University, and Prairie View A&M University to conduct a series of seven (7) two-year leadership training programs for small farmers.  Nominated by all of the 1890 Land Grant Institutions, 20 to 40 small farmers were selected to participate in each of the seven sessions. 

The nine (9) farmers from Kentucky who participated in the 1890 Small Farmer Leadership Institutes (on different years) became leaders within their communities, Kentucky, and nationally.  To name a few:  1) David Miller now serves on the Kentucky State Extension Council and many local boards; 2) Beth Tillery has served on the advisory committee of the KY Governors Office of Agricultural Policy, the local Extension Council, the Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK), and the Kentucky Pastured Poultry Association; 3) Jane O'Tiernan served as a farmer delegate to the national CARET (Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching) advisory committee, organized the South Lexington Farmers Market, served on the KSU Third Thursday Advisory Committee, and has served on numerous local and state committees; 4) Dana Lear received the National Goat Producer Award from the 1st National Goat Conference, teaches about goats and farm animals during the local school Ag Days, and assists with KSU Third Thursdays when needed; 5) Andre' Barbour was invited to participate in the First Lady Michelle Obama's Local Gardening Summit, and has worked with 6) Anwar Barbour to opened two local fresh food and meat markets, including restaurants where they serve local produce in Munfordville and Louisville, KY, plus they present at many functions throughout the southern region; 7) Ron Buntin participated in a USDA national meeting for grain marketing opportunities for small farmers and worked with KSU's Soil Science Faculty and Extension Professionals from 2016-18 to provide the land for on-farm research plots, conduct portions of the research on soil amendments/organic matter, and hosted a Field Day for a diversity of participants from across Kentucky.  The remaining two farmers moved from Kentucky to another location.