Kentucky State University

With Nearly 75,000 Farms in the State and an Average 172 Acres Per Operation, Kentucky Is in the Top 10 States for Number of Farms. Many of These Farms Are Major Producers of Traditional Agricultural Commodities, Such as Livestock, Tobacco, and Grain. Some Seek New Opportunities in Specialty Crops and Industrial Hemp. the Research and Extension Programs at Ksu Provide the Breadth Needed to Address the State's Diversity of Agricultural Operations and Agroecosystems. the Land Grant System's Mission of Enhancing Economic Opportunity and Improving the Quality of Life for Americans Goes Well Beyond Agricultural Production and Seeks to Address Economic and Social Challenges Facing Our Youth, Families, and Communities With an Emphasis of Serving the Needs of Those Traditionally Underserved in Rural and Urban Setting Including Minority Populations. Projects Focus on Critical Issues Found in Our Usda Plan of Work and Include Projects in: 1) Life Skills Development. Programing Will Expand Educational Outreach in Stem/steam Areas That Will Increase Enrollment of Limited-resource Families and Communities Who Are at or Below the Poverty Level and Who Qualify for Support Services. 2) Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles. Programs Will Focus on Ensuring a Safe, Nutritious, and High Quality Supply of Food for All Americans. in Addition, There Is a Common Goal for Both Land-grant Institutions to Promote Health and Safety Within Kentucky Homes and Community Environments. Moreover, Programs to Combat Social Ills, Such as Childhood Obesity and the Opioid Epidemic, Are of High Priority. 3) Food Safety and Security. Extension and Research Strives to Reduce the Extent of Food-borne Illnesses Due to Contamination of Food. Programs Are Designed to Tackle the Problem at the Levels of Production, Processing, and Consumption. Research Includes the Reduction of Risks From Natural and Manufactured Toxins in Food. a Significant Amount of Effort Is Placed on the Importance of Securing Nutritious Local Foods Through Assistance Programs 4) Agricultural, Environment and Natural Resources. Research-based Practices and Tools Delivered Through Extension Will Ensure Continued Productivity of Our Producers While Encouraging the Implementation of Sound Environmental Practices and Effective Stewardship of Natural Resources. Programs Must Address Water Quality, Soil Health and Conservation in Rowcrop Production, Integrated Pest Management and Pollinator Health, Aquaculture, Horticulture, Organic Production, Master Gardeners, and Sustainable Animal Production and Management Systems. Programs Will Also Continue Focusing on Sustainable Energy and Agroecosystem Adaptation to Climate Change. 5) Leadership and Community Engagement. Prams Will Provide Adults and Youth With Leadership and Development Opportunities Is Important to Their Personal Development and the Improvement of the Community in Which They Live. Leadership Training Programs on Topics That May Serve Community Organizations and Local Leaders as Well as Land-grant Personnel. 6) Economic and Financial Well-being. Programs Include a Focus on Family Financial Management and Estate Planning to Perpetuate Wise Consumer Decision-making.. Research Efforts Will Investigate How Various Factors Impact the Profitability of Agriculture and Natural Resource Enterprises as Well as Economic Development Within Communities. Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Will Continue to Support Small and Minority Businesses. 7) Small Farm Development. Small-scale Producers Are Searching for Alternative Enterprises and Crops to Sustain Family Farms. Ksu Will Aid This Endeavor Through Improved Production, Marketing Farm Management Practices, and Niche Products (e.g., Aquaculture, Pawpaws, Beekeeping, Etc.). Ksu Will Continue to Develop and Implement Educational Programs, and Demonstrations to Increase the Knowledge and Skills of Small-scale and Limited-resource Farmers in Marketing, Farm Management, and Local Food Systems.