Bringing Extension to Amish Communities

Barren County is home to large Amish communities.  Bringing Extension programming and services to these communities presents some special challenges. Burley tobacco and commercial vegetable production are both mainstays of these communities.  The delivery of programs and services many times requires taking the programming to the communities instead of the having producers coming into the Extension office.   In order for the Amish producers to come to a program at the Extension office they have to hire a driver.  By taking programs such as private pesticide applicator and commercial vegetable production to the communities has allowed to build relationships.  Annually a private applicator training is presented in each Amish community.  The lack of electronic technology requires more of conversation to take place.  The core principles are presented, but then a discussion breaks out and the lesson become very specific to their needs.  An increase in the use of UK soil testing and plant laboratory diagnostics has been documented.  These producers are very progressive in their production methods in terms of use of improved varieties and crop protectants.

Working in the Amish communities requires multiple farm or site visits.  Amish producers contact the agriculture agent generally by phone.   However if the agent is not immediately available, a phone call cannot be returned.  A visit must be made to determine if further testing is needed.  At that time the sample can be collected and sent off.   Once the results are received a second visit is needed to discuss the findings and plan a course of action.   The use of smart phone technology on site makes communication with the specialist must quicker.  Pictures, videos, and even FaceTime can be done on site and speeds up response time.  

Connecticut Cigar Wrapper tobacco is expanding rapidly in Barren County.  New and different production methods are associated with this new crop.  The Amish producers have embraced this new crop because of their availability of labor.   Together we are all learning how to produce this new option for producers.

Most members of the Amish community are very glad to receive the newest Extension publications.  The high quality publications with color pictures help these producers diagnose many of their own problems.  Working with these producers is very rewarding.  They are very appreciative of the visits and time spent with them.  Word of mouth is still very effective method of communication in the Amish communities.   Many times while you are on a site visit the producer say, “would you drop by and see my neighbor?  They are having an problem with…”  So one visit turns into 2 or 3 and that great because it focuses the efforts of the agent while they are in the community.