Author: Cecelia Hostilo
Planning Unit: Trigg County CES
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Plan of Work: Leaders Address Community Needs
Outcome: Initial Outcome
In the Pennyrile Area of Kentucky, grain milling is a rich part of the agricultural history. In order to help Homemakers in the Pennyrile area better understand how wheat growth, production, and processing fit into the local food system, an area seminar entitled Mills to Meals was offered. The seminar was presented by the Pennyrile Area Homemakers in partnership with several guest speakers. Alissa Keller from the Pennyroyal Area Museum in Hopkinsville talked about the history of grist mills in Christian County. Rob Harper talked about his family owned business, Hopkinsville Milling Company, which produces Sunflour flour products and Sunflower meal and grits. Don Ruddy, plant manager for Continental Mills discussed operation of the their plant and partnership with Siemer milling. In addition Mr. Ruddy discussed the brands produced in their facility including Krusteaz, Ghiaradelli chocolate, Cracker Barrel Old Country store and more. Trigg County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Cecelia Hostilo, ended the seminar by demonstrating how to use the flours produced locally to make biscuits. Sixty-three participants joined the Zoom seminar. A survey of those on the webinar showed that as a result of the seminar 100% of those participating in the survey indicated they now understand how wheat growth and production fit into their local food system. The evaluation also indicated that 100% of participants now better understand the food safety issues surrounding the use of raw flours. Additionally, after learning about products that are processed locally in Western Kentucky, 95% of those evaluated stated they would seek out locally processed foods in their grocery stores, 86% said they would be willing to try a new type of flour in their home baking, and 64% indicated they would research and travel to see local grist mills or other related historical sites. Because of the success of the Mills to Meals seminar, the Pennyrile Area Homemakers plan to host another Spring seminar in 2022.
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