The Madison County Horticulture Agent publishes a monthly newsletter called Pay Dirt. The newsletter disseminates timely horticulture information and advertises upcoming education opportunities. The research-based information is provided by the Horticulture Agent and University of Kentucky Specialists from horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, plant and soil sciences and other departments. Farmer's market and SNAP-ED information is also included. The newsletter is distributed electronically and by mail, reaching over 650 people.  The audience includes homeowners and commercial growers.  

The Agent sent a survey to newsletter participants. Results indicated that the newsletter had the following impacts:

1. Saved money: 11%
2. Knew where to shop for locally grown foods: 36%
3. More successfully grown my own food or other plants: 50%
4. Helped me choose the right plant(s) or tree(s) for my needs and location: 56%
5. Learned about helpful classes and resources: 57%
6. Decreased the amount of chemicals (pesticides) applied to the lawn and garden: 24%
7. Dealt with plant issues and diseases: 78%
8. Better understanding of insects and how they relate to the environment: 60%
9. Learned about plant and soil health: 71%
   
    

According to one client, “I truly appreciate receiving the newsletter! It’s helped me so many times in so many different ways!” 

Pay Dirt has won the Kentucky Association of County Agriculture Agents Award for best newsletter in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019. It was recognized as the best newsletter in the Southern Region by National Association of County Agriculture Agents in 2015; and was a national finalist with National Association of County Agriculture Agents for best newsletter in country in 2019.