Mammoth Cave Area Virtual Field Day

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 Covid19, 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.”