A feature report with Hickman County Judge Executive, Kenny Wilson, who discusses their new ‘ag development’ grant that will make possible a new farmers’ market pavilion for the spring of 2017. Wilson credited the local extension office for their successful grant proposal; and he feels the new facility will give the county a real shot in the arm.

 Listen here

When Crawford Pumpkin Farm began operations in Hardin County in 1988, co-owner Mason Crawford, says they focused on pumpkin, squash, and gourd production and added a few diversions for younger visitors brought along to the farm by their parents.  These days, they still provide some 60 varieties of fall garden favorites, but their ‘extra’ features include corn mazes, the double-barreled mega slides, hay rides, and the “barrel train,” making their farm a major, regional agri-tourism attraction.

The 16^th annual Kentucky Grazing Conference is set for Oct 19 at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset.  Feldhaus visits with UK forage specialist, Ray Smith, who discusses program details and who talks about the environmental and economic advantages of more efficient use of pasture for the state’s livestock herds.

Floyd Willis, fire chief with the Ky Division of Forestry, discusses Fall outdoor burning restrictions now in effect through mid-December.  He says the state sustains an average of 1,500 forest fires per year with significant loss of woodlands and structures. Outdoor burning is not allowed within 150 feet of wooded areas during daylight hours.

Listen here

Entrepreneurs in the Kentucky Proud program will visit with Kroger marketing managers this week to discuss how to get more locally grown products onto store shelves.   Steve Smith of Fishmarket Seafood and Meats, a major distributor for Kroger, says they assist farmer/entrepreneurs in meeting the needs of larger retailers in showcasing Kentucky Proud products.  

Listen here

Kentucky farmers will be receiving a crop yield survey this month from the National Ag Statistics Service.  David Knopf, director of the regional office which covers Kentucky, says the data from this questionnaire will be used as a base for the level of any farm bill program payments that might kick in due to adverse crop or market conditions.

Feldhaus has part two of the series on “Ag Alumni Roundup” activities underway this week at the UK College of Ag, Food, and Environment.  Dean, Nancy Cox, is featured discussing one ag major that many students use as a spring board to medical school. She also points to extra-curricular student competitions that serve to complement their in-class education.