Success StoryMammoth Cave Virtual Field Day



Mammoth Cave Virtual Field Day

Author: Christopher Schalk

Planning Unit: Barren County CES

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Plan of Work: Crop production, Livestock production, & Sustainable Agriculture

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented challenges to many people. It has changed the way we live and work. One of the challenges that has developed for Extension Agents is how do we continue to deliver quality educational programs to our clientele during this health crisis? Most traditional face-to-face program delivery methods are not currently an option.

An alternate method is electronic delivery of programs. Because most of our traditional field days were canceled due to Covid, agents collaborated on the Mammoth Cave Area Virtual Field Day. The ANR/Hort agents in our ten county area worked as a team to develop educational videos of three operations throughout south-central Kentucky.

McKinney Farms in Butler Co. produces and sells ear corn primarily to deer hunters, and is a great example of ag diversification. Kevin Lyons in Monroe Co. demonstrated strawberry production in a high tunnel. Ricky Keen in Simpson Co. highlighted the advantages of using a feeding pad in high traffic areas to help manage mud problems in the winter.

The virtual field day was held using the Zoom platform on 10-27-2020 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. After each farm video was shown, the 112 attendees were able to ask questions of the presenters. The virtual field day was recorded, and has been uploaded to YouTube so it can be accessed for other educational opportunities. 

People were able to participate remotely and still gain valuable knowledge. 100% of the respondents to our survey indicated they learned something that will benefit them. Over 96% rated the virtual field day as an excellent program, and 28% indicated they will make a change to their farming operation. One attendee stated, “I work days and I really appreciate that the program was in the evening where I could watch it with my family and learn together.”







Stories by Christopher Schalk


W8 Tobacco GAP Training

about 4 months ago by Christopher Schalk

The problemThe Mammoth Cave Area has historically been at the top in tobacco production in KY. Tobac... Read More


Extension Takes the Lead in Data Gathering

about 6 months ago by Christopher Schalk

The problem Barren County is a leader in KY agriculture. The rich and diverse history of agri... Read More


Stories by Barren County CES


Wearing the Ionic Green Jacket

about 3 months ago by Paula Tarry

Mollie Kate Webb was selected to serve as the 2023-2024 KY State 4-H President in her words My most ... Read More


4-H Festival of Giving

about 3 months ago by Paula Tarry

The Festival of Giving 4-H Team of ten adults and teens serve as the coordinators for many of the Ba... Read More