10. Expanding KSU Outreach: Cooperative Extension Across the Commonwealth.
- A.A. Dr. Avinish Tope, Associate Dean and Associate Professor in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.
Dr. Tope provided an overview of Cooperative Extension programs and services throughout Kentucky.
Highlights included:
Service delivery in partnership with the University of Kentucky across all 120 counties.
- Research and technical assistance supporting farmers, families, youth, and communities.
- Kentucky State University's nationally recognized focus on small-scale and limited-resource farmers.
- Growth of the hay testing laboratory in Barren County.
- Expanded opportunities for collaborative grant-funded research with other institutions.
Dr. Tope discussed priorities relating to stakeholder engagement, research integration, public awareness, and community partnerships.
B. Dr. Tyrell Kahan, Associate Extension Administrator.
Dr. Kahan discussed funding sources, departmental operations, and program outcomes.
Highlights included:
More than 234,000 contacts statewide during calendar year 2025, representing a 47% increase from 2024.
Training and engagement of more than 3,000 youth participants.
- Continued success of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Small Farms Grant Program, which has distributed more than $5 million since 2012.
Upcoming programs include:
- Ag Roundup
- Urban Growers Program
- Tates Creek Middle School Partnership
- Youth Innovators Empowering Agriculture Across America Summer Camp