Kentucky State University's Land Grant Program works to develop resources to provide educational assistance to small-scale producers, or farms that sell less than $250,000 of agricultural products each year. The Small-Scale Farm Grant and Farmer Education Grant are part of a partnership with the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund that has been renewed for 2018-19 and will continue to help farmers across the state. This mini-grant program provides funding to farmers across the state who are motivated to improve their farming operations, to improve the marketability of their products with a value-added enterprise, or who need assistance with specific training. Extension Associate Joni Nelson facilitates the Small-Scale Farm Grant and works with farmers as they apply. The maximum each farm can receive $5,000; non-profit groups and organized businesses that support groups of farmers may qualify for up to $15,000. To learn more or to apply, email Nelson@kysu.edu or visit www.kysu.edu/ssfg.

Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Program was created to develop educational programs that address relevant needs affecting underserved people in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As the program prepares for the next five years, it developed a strategic plan titled, “Transforming Kentuckyians: Racing Toward Excellence,” to provide a foundation for the KYSU Cooperative Extension Program to become a premier provider of educational programs in the state. After an internal program review and interviews with Kentucky citizens, the strategic plan was based on relevant needs and issues identified by Kentuckyians and Extension professionals. The core values of KYSU Extension are accountability, inclusion, integrity, partnerships/collaborations, service, relevancy and researched-based education. The strategic plan, which covers the next five years through 2023, outlines priority program areas including Small Farm Development, Urban Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Community Health, Nutrition, Youth Development, Financial Management, and Community Leadership Development.

Cooperative Extension Program to become a premier provider of educational programs in the state. After an internal program review and interviews with Kentucky citizens, the strategic plan was based on relevant needs and issues identified by Kentuckyians and Extension professionals. The core values of KYSU Extension are accountability, inclusion, integrity, partnerships/collaborations, service, relevancy and researched-based education. The strategic plan, which covers the next five years through 2023, outlines priority program areas including Small Farm Development, Urban Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Community Health, Nutrition, Youth Development, Financial Management, and Community Leadership Development.