The Covid-19 crisis of 2020 led to social isolation and a lack of face-to-face networking opportunities for many families across the Commonwealth.  While this was a challenging time in many ways, it also presented unique opportunities for farmers to connect with each other and to learn new things together.  Cooperative Extension outreach was a natural fit during these times, providing educational outreach including video conferencing, online resource materials and telephone or zoom consultation.

One industry that did not shut down, or even slow down, throughout the pandemic was agriculture.  Farmers continued to grow crops, raise livestock and feed the world.  Grant applicants seeking tobacco settlement funds through CAIP required educational credits in order to qualify for funding.  The University of Kentucky and Shelby County Cooperative Extension utilized online training resources to make sure farmers had access to education and therefore financial assistance through matching funds grants.  

From online conferences like the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting and the Kentucky Alfalfa Conference to weekly updates such as Horticulture Webinar Wednesdays to pre-recorded online training resources like the CAIP training modules on UK’s ANR website, to one-on-one-in-person training with the agent, producers had ample opportunities to receive education at their own comfort level and on their own terms.  Cooperative Extension was able to modify content and delivery methods to serve clientele in a time of unprecedented social isolation and precautionary measures.  Additionally, through extensive social media and email usage, farmers were kept abreast of governmental assistance programs such as CFAP and PPP in order to help keep their businesses afloat during the pandemic.

Throughout challenging times, Shelby County Cooperative Extension continues to find new and unique ways to serve the community and provide cost-free, research-based educational information.