2019 Model State Program- University of Kentucky

Project Overview

SKY19-001
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2019: $11,111.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2022
Grant Recipient: University of Kentucky
Region: Southern
State: Kentucky
State Coordinator:
Dr. Timothy Woods
Email
University of Kentucky

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Crop Production: crop improvement and selection, crop rotation, varieties and cultivars
  • Education and Training: extension, technical assistance, workshop
  • Farm Business Management: grant making, new enterprise development, value added
  • Production Systems: integrated crop and livestock systems, organic agriculture, organic certification, transitioning to organic
  • Sustainable Communities: local and regional food systems, quality of life, social networks, urban agriculture

    Abstract:

    Dr. Paul Vincelli is the UK State Coordinator and Brett Wolff as the Kentucky Program Assistant. In addition to his leadership of the program, Dr. Vincelli has brought expertise in the areas of climate change, cover crops, and GMO technology. Brett continues to act as a networker for the program, identifying new opportunities for collaboration and new venues to share SSARE resources. In our proposed programming this year, we have decided to focus on a topic we have not previously covered in our SARE programming: farm transition. We also plan to work with one of the most impactful non-profit organizations in our state, the Kentucky Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (KCARD) to promote the SARE program, resources, and grant programs. While the bulk of programming costs associated with the Third Thursday Thing are included in the Kentucky State University proposal, we do provide support to their monthly workshops and have included travel support here. Finally, Dr. Vincelli is regularly asked to present on sustainability-related topics across the state including agent and ag professional trainings. As always, we plan to continue promoting the SARE website, grant programs, and other resources throughout the year.

    Project objectives:

    2019 Objectives:
    – Expand programming to include “quality of life” principles of Sustainable Agriculture through discussions of farm transition.
    – Build capacity for these kinds of conversations by training-the-trainer and then supporting trainees in hosting their own local follow-up meetings.
    – We will also continue expanding our visibility and relationships with NGOs through the KCARD Grant Workshops

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.